# Emails Going to Spam

If recipients report emails landing in spam, check both technical setup
and message content.

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## SMTP Setup

- Always use a transactional email service (SendGrid, Mailgun, SES,
  etc.).
- Don’t rely on host‑provided PHP mail — it’s unreliable and often
  flagged.
- Verify your SMTP plugin credentials are correct.

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## Authentication

- Confirm your domain has proper DNS records:
  - **SPF**: Authorizes servers allowed to send mail.
  - **DKIM**: Ensures messages are signed and unaltered.
  - **DMARC**: Adds policy and reporting on spoofed mail.
- Use online tools (like MXToolbox) to validate your records.

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## Content Tips

- Avoid spammy words in subject lines (“FREE,” “Act Now”).
- Limit external links and don’t use too many images.
- Keep attachments small or avoid them entirely.
- Personalize with merge tags so messages don’t look like blasts.

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## From / Reply-To Checks

- Make sure From and Reply‑To addresses match your domain.
- Don’t send from free email providers (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo) when using a
  custom domain.

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## Throttle Conservatively

- Sending too fast can raise red flags.
- Even if your provider allows higher rates, pacing slower can improve
  inbox placement.

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By combining proper authentication, clean content, and careful
throttling, you can significantly improve deliverability and keep
messages out of spam folders.
