Getting on with Spam Filters

I was checking through my spam filter the other day, noting with satisfaction how it had trapped many messages from bogus contacts and then, to my surprise and dismay, saw there were also some from people with whom I had exchanged emails in the past.

As I approved those messages I wanted to forward to my Inbox, it occurred to me how easily we can lose touch with valuable contacts because of the otherwise useful spam filter, if we’re not vigilant.

Here are a few suggestions to ensure you receive emails you want if you have a spam filter in place:

1.   If possible, let new contacts know what to expect the first time they email you. Perhaps include a short note in your first email to them.
2.   Make the authorisation / approval process very easy for people to follow, especially if they’re a bit technophobic.
3.   Personalise your verification message, the default is so bland and I’ve found people often ignore it if they don’t know it’s from you and they’re reluctant to click on links.
4.   In your verification message, give them an alternative way to contact you if they get into difficulties.

And make sure your messages get to their destinations without falling foul of other people’s filters:

5.   It’s a good idea to send out a message to each of your contacts ahead of the change (if possible), informing them of what your new email address will be. Include a short note in your email signature block.
6.   Whenever you change your email address (or use a different one!), remember that the spam filters won’t know it’s you, so you’ll need to go through the verification process again for everyone who has a filter in place.
7.   Make sure any emails you send from within any of the social networks are expected, verified or ‘whitelisted’, especially if you know which of your contacts has an efficient filter in place.
8.   If you change the email address from which you send out regular newsletters and promotions, do check the ‘bounce’ report your service provides, to see if your message was trapped by spam filters. You don’t want to lose any potential customers from your list in that way!

What experience do you have of using spam filters? We’d love to hear & share any tips!