Spam Trigger Checklist (Before Sending Campaigns)

Spam Trigger Checklist (Before Sending Campaigns)

Sending a campaign without checking for spam risks is one of the fastest ways to tank deliverability. Use this checklist before every send to make sure your emails land in the inbox—not spam.

1. Domain & Authentication Setup

• SPF, DKIM, DMARC configured correctly

• DMARC policy set to at least p=none (preferably quarantine or reject once stable)

• Sending domain matches your email address (no mismatches)

• Tracking domain is properly set up and verified

• No recent DNS changes that haven’t propagated yet

• P.S. - Mailforge, Infraforge, Primeforge offer this from the get-go

2. Inbox Warmup Status

• Mailboxes are fully warmed up (at least 2–3 weeks minimum)

• Sending volume aligns with warmup stage (no sudden spikes)

• Positive engagement signals (replies, opens, low bounce rate)

• No recent blacklist flags or spam complaints

3. Email List Quality

• List is verified (use email validation tools)

• No scraped, or outdated lists

• Hard bounce rate expected < 3%

• Contacts are relevant to your offer (targeting matters more than volume)

4. Content & Copy Review

Avoid spam-triggering language:

• “Free $$$”

• “Act now!!!”

• “Guaranteed results”

• “Risk-free”

• Overuse of ALL CAPS or excessive punctuation (!!!)

Keep it clean:

• Plain-text style preferred

• Minimal links (best - none)

• Avoid heavy images, attachments, or HTML clutter

• Use spintaxing

Personalization:

• Use custom fields (first name, company, etc.)

• Avoid generic mass-email tone

• Make it feel human, not automated

5. Sending Behavior

• Gradual ramp-up in volume (no sudden blasts)

• Staggered sending (spread emails over time)

• Avoid sending all emails at once

• Respect time zones (send during working hours)

6. Unsubscribe & Compliance

• Include an unsubscribe link (required for compliance)

• Add company name and signature

• Follow GDPR, CAN-SPAM, and other regulations

• Honor opt-outs immediately

7. Technical Health Checks

• No broken personalization tags (e.g., {{first_name}})

• No missing variables or formatting issues

• Test emails sent to multiple providers (Gmail, Outlook, etc.)

• Check spam score using tools (e.g., Warforge placement tests)

8. Blacklist & Reputation Check

• Domain/IP not listed on major blacklists

• Check using tools like:

  • MXToolbox

  • Warmforge

  • Spamhaus

• If listed, resolve before sending

9. Final Pre-Send Test

• Send test emails to yourself and team

• Check:

  • Inbox placement (Inbox vs Spam)

  • Formatting (desktop + mobile)

  • Links and CTAs

• Make final tweaks if needed

P.S. - Pro Tips

• Start small, then scale

• Prioritize replies over opens

• Rotate inboxes for larger campaigns

• Continuously clean and update your lists