Applies to:
- mailRelay service
Description:
The mailRelay (smarthost) service provides fast and reliable email delivery but it only forms part of the solution to improving the 'deliverability' of your emails. Whilst our reputation for delivery non-junk email removes many of the barriers to delivery it is important to understand that your domain configuration and messages form an important part of whether an emaii will be accepted, placed in a junk folder or rejected. There are many best practice steps but as a minimum you should follow these steps:
1. Ensure SPF records are implemented for the 'FROM' domain and that they are accurate. (More Info)
2. Implement 'List-Unsubcribe' headers in outbound mailings, when sending mailing list / promotion material. (More Info)
3. Provide an un-subscribe link in each email and ensure it is acted upon.
4. Test and refine the the content and structure of your emails:
- Links should include the domain sending the email, avoid using popular URL shorteners.
- Avoid misspellings, spammy words (e.g. buy now!, free, etc), CAPS and exclamation marks.
- Avoid using javascript, extra tags or creating mailing in Microsoft Word.
5. Remove recipients that bounce from your mailing list.
6. And finally but perhaps most importantly:
- Ensure recipients have subscribed to your list using a double opt-in process.
- Never use purchased, rented or scraped mailing lists.
- Even if the recipients are existing customers do not assume you have permission unless specifically given.
All of the steps outlined above are important for successfully delivering email to your recipients so please invest the time necessary before mailing.
In addition to the steps outlined above recipients should also be requested to add the sending email address to their list of contacts or 'trusted senders'. This will reduce the chance of content being misinterpreted and the email being placed in the junk folder.