Beginning February 1, 2024, Google and Yahoo’s New Sender Requirements will be implemented. These measures aim to protect users’ inboxes from spam more effectively while ensuring legitimate emails are received.
Even though these new sender requirements might not be directly relevant to the operational framework of Rebump, we advocate for their adoption. Aligning with these standards ensures your emails have better deliverability.
Do I need to follow these new sender requirements?
If you are sending emails in bulk that are directed to recipients using Yahoo, Gmail, Google, or Google Workspace addresses, it’s good to align with these new sender requirements. This is particularly crucial if you’re a bulk sender using a dedicated IP address, as there are additional protocols to observe.
How to Adapt?
- Sending emails with your own custom domain. As opposed to using free email domains like @gmail.com in your from address.
- Authenticating emails with DKIM, and DMARC.
- Keep spam complaints below 0.3%.
- Allow easy one-click unsubscribe and honor unsubscribing requests within two days.
Understanding the Authentication Standards
The new sender requirements emphasize robust email authentication protocols such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. These are essential in preventing email spoofing and phishing attacks:
- SPF records: Users need to set up SPF records for their domain to allow email servers to verify if they are authorized to send emails from that domain. This setup is crucial in reducing the likelihood of their emails being marked as spam or rejected.
- DKIM signing: DKIM involves adding a digital signature to the headers of outgoing emails, which email servers use to verify that the email hasn’t been altered during transit. Users should configure DKIM for their domain to enhance the security and integrity of their emails.
- DMARC alignment: Implementing DMARC involves using SPF and DKIM records to protect a domain from unauthorized use, such as phishing and spoofing. Users should align their email-sending practices with DMARC policies to comply with the new standards of major email providers.
Navigating Spam Triggers
At Rebump, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy sender reputation and ensuring emails reach the inbox. While our platform is designed to ensure high deliverability, we also guide users on best practices to avoid spam triggers:
Be mindful of language
Avoid overused sales language like “Buy now,” “Free,” or “Guarantee.” These can often flag spam filters. Instead, use language that invites engagement without sounding too salesy.
Personalization is key
Personalize your emails beyond just including the recipient’s name. Tailor your message to their interests and past interactions to make it more relevant and less likely to be marked as spam.
Focus on quality content
Ensure your content is informative, relevant, and offers value to the recipient. High-quality content is less likely to contain spam triggers and more likely to engage your audience.
Avoid overuse of capitalization and punctuation
Using ALL CAPS or excessive exclamation points (!!!) can trigger spam filters. Keep your tone natural and conversational.
Be careful with images
Emails that are heavy on images and light on text can trigger spam filters. Balance your use of images and text, and always include alt text for images.
Avoiding spam triggers is a shared responsibility between an email automation tool like Rebump and its users. By following these guidelines, you can improve your email deliverability and maintain effective communication with your audience.
Ongoing Monitoring for Compliance
Rebump works with independent auditors on a regular basis to ensure that we comply with the latest email marketing standards. These audits are essential in ensuring that our users’ emails are delivered successfully. We are committed to the success of your email marketing campaigns and take necessary measures to maintain high email deliverability.
Our Commitment to Your Email Success
While these new sender requirements set by Google and Yahoo might not directly affect Rebump’s operations, we recommend our users take proactive steps to align with them. Rebump’s ongoing commitment to adapting to industry changes ensures our users enjoy a reliable, effective email follow-up service. We help you enhance email deliverability, secure your sender reputation, and achieve better audience engagement.