Email marketing plays a crucial role in reaching out to key stakeholders in the education sector, particularly K-12 institutions. However, the journey from sender to recipient is not always smooth, as marketing emails often find themselves diverted to spam folders. One of the contributing factors is the content of the emails, with certain words triggering spam filters. Check out words that might be causing K-12 marketing emails to be flagged and share tips on how to avoid the spam trap.
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- Free: While offering something for free can be an enticing proposition, the word itself is often associated with spam. Email filters are programmed to be wary of messages containing the word “free” in the subject line or body text. Instead, consider using alternatives like “complimentary” or “at no cost.”
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- Act Now: Urgency is a common marketing tactic, but phrases like “act now” or “limited time offer” can raise red flags for spam filters. Crafting a sense of urgency is essential, but it’s crucial to do so without using trigger words that might lead to your email being marked as spam.
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- $$$ or Make Money Fast: Promises of quick financial gains or the inclusion of symbols like “$$$” can set off spam filters. Avoiding excessive use of symbols and steering clear of get-rich-quick schemes in your messaging will help maintain your email’s legitimacy.
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- Guarantee: Spam filters are programmed to recognize words that imply a guaranteed outcome, such as “guarantee” or “guaranteed results.” It’s advisable to frame your offers with caution, using language that is more measured and realistic.
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- Risk-Free: Similar to the word “guarantee,” the term “risk-free” can be flagged as spam. Instead of using this phrase, focus on highlighting the benefits of your product or service while being transparent about any associated risks.
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- Congratulations: Celebratory language, especially in the subject line, can trigger spam filters. While it’s natural to want to convey excitement, using alternatives like “celebrate” or “acknowledge” can help you avoid the spam folder.
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- Viagra, Cialis, and other pharmaceutical terms: Even if your K-12 marketing email has nothing to do with pharmaceuticals, the use of terms associated with prescription drugs can land your message in the spam folder. Be cautious of using industry-specific terms that might be flagged.
- Subject Lines in ALL CAPS or Excessive Punctuation!!!: Writing subject lines in all capital letters or using excessive punctuation can give the impression of urgency and excitement, but it can also trigger spam filters. Maintain a professional and balanced tone in your subject lines to avoid being flagged.
In the competitive landscape of K-12 marketing, it’s crucial to craft emails that not only resonate with your audience but also successfully navigate spam filters. By avoiding trigger words and focusing on clear, authentic communication, you can increase the chances of your messages reaching their intended recipients’ inboxes. Keep in mind that regularly updating your email marketing strategy and staying informed about evolving spam filter algorithms will contribute to the overall success of your K-12 marketing campaigns.