Comprehensive Guide to Avoiding Spam Trigger Words
To ensure your emails reach inboxes and avoid being flagged as spam, understanding spam trigger words is essential. While modern spam filters rely on advanced algorithms that assess content, sender reputation, and engagement patterns, avoiding specific trigger words remains a vital part of improving deliverability.
This guide lists common spam trigger words across key industries and provides actionable strategies to optimize your email content and adapt to evolving spam filters.
Spam filters no longer depend solely on isolated keywords. They now analyze an email’s context, historical performance, and sender reputation. Still, certain phrases can increase the risk of an email being flagged—especially when combined with factors like high bounce rates, low engagement, or weak authentication.
By refining your language and focusing on valuable, personalized communication, you can reduce the chances of being flagged as spam.
Three key impacts of ignoring spam trigger awareness:
Deliverability: Emails that include high-risk words like “free,” “guarantee,” or “limited time” are more likely to land in spam folders, reducing open and engagement rates.
Sender Reputation: Repeated low engagement or spam folder placements can damage domain reputation, making future emails harder to deliver.
User Engagement: High unsubscribe rates and low click-throughs signal to email providers that recipients don’t find your content valuable, further harming inbox placement.
While the following trigger words are frequently caught by spam filters, context is key. Use these words carefully and always focus on providing value over hard-selling.
1. Sales and Marketing
Overly promotional emails tend to be flagged by filters. Avoid using overly aggressive words or phrases like:
% off
Buy now
Call free
Clearance
Guaranteed
Limited time
Strategy: Focus on how your product benefits the reader. Personalize offers instead of relying on hard-sell language.
Examples:
Bad: “Last Chance: 90% Off Everything - Don’t Miss Out!”
Good: “New Arrivals Inspired by Customer Feedback.”
2. Finance and Banking
Emails in this niche trigger filters due to sensitivity and trust factors. Avoid:
100% free
Apply now
Bad credit
Fast cash
Loan
Mortgage
Strategy: Be transparent and factual. Personalize your message and focus on credibility.
Examples:
Bad: “URGENT: Your Account May Be at Risk! Open Immediately!”
Good: “Secure Your Financial Future: High-Yield Savings Account with No Hidden Fees.”
3. Health and Wellness
Avoid exaggerated or unrealistic claims. Watch out for:
Lose weight
Miracle cure
Natural healing
Pain relief
Instant results
Strategy: Support claims with evidence or testimonials and focus on gradual results.
Examples:
Bad: “Lose 50 Pounds in 7 Days! Guaranteed Results!”
Good: “Join Our 30-Day Wellness Challenge with Personalized Plans.”
4. E-commerce and Retail
Avoid excessive promotional words:
Bargain
Best price
Cash bonus
Discount
Money back
Order now
Strategy: Use storytelling and highlight product benefits instead of emphasizing discounts.
Examples
Bad: “LAST CHANCE!!! Clearance Sale Ends Soon!!!”
Good: “Curated Summer Collection with Free Shipping and Easy Returns.”
5. Technology and Software
Avoid pushy or deceptive-sounding phrases:
Click here
Free trial
No catch
Opt-in
Remove
Sales
Strategy: Focus on demonstrating the value of your solution rather than offering freebies or promotions. Detailed case studies or ROI-focused content will engage readers without appearing spammy.
Examples:
Bad: “Download Now! Remove Viruses and Boost Speed Instantly!”
Good: “Improve Team Productivity with Our AI-Powered Collaboration Platform.”
6. Travel and Hospitality
Promotional travel emails can easily be flagged by filters. Be cautious with these terms:
Free vacation
Cruise
Discount travel
Book now
Limited time offer
Strategy: Emphasize unique experiences and personalization rather than discounts.
Examples:
Bad: “CHEAP FLIGHTS!!! Save 90% Today!”
Good: “Discover Paradise: All-Inclusive Beachfront Escape with Private Villas.”
7. Gambling
Gambling-related emails are high-risk for spam filters. Avoid the following words:
Jackpot
Win big
Bonus
Free chips
No risk
Strategy: Emphasize trust and responsible gaming.
Examples:
Bad: “Get Rich Quick! Guaranteed Wins!”
Good: “Join Our Secure Casino Platform with Responsible Gaming Tools.”
8. iGaming
Similar to gambling, Avoid these trigger words:
Free spins
No deposit bonus
Guaranteed win
Instant payout
Strategy: Focus on user engagement, experience, and rewards.
Examples
Bad: “Play Now and Win Instantly!”
Good: “Level Up Your Gaming Experience with Exclusive Rewards and VR Support.”
Avoiding trigger words is just one piece of the puzzle. Deliverability depends on a combination of factors:
Context Awareness: Avoid stacking multiple trigger words, especially in subject lines. Keep them conversational.
Sender Reputation: Monitor your domain and IP reputation regularly. Use dedicated IPs for large-scale campaigns.
Authentication: Implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to strengthen credibility.
Engagement Optimization: Encourage clicks and interaction to signal relevance to providers.
Test and Optimize: Before sending large campaigns, test your emails with tools like Litmus or Email on Acid. These platforms provide insights into spam scores, rendering issues, and overall deliverability, helping you fine-tune your emails.
To optimize email deliverability, it’s essential to combine strategic word choices with a holistic approach. Avoid spam trigger words where possible, but don’t rely solely on word lists. Instead, focus on building a strong sender reputation, authenticating your emails, and creating engaging, value-driven content. By implementing these strategies, you can improve deliverability and ensure your clients' messages consistently reach their intended recipients.
