Getting Your Message Through the Filter

   All email programs have spam filters and some are more powerful than others. While this is a good thing for the consumer, it's not good for marketers. Your email message can easily get caught up in the filter, never to reach your potential client. How can you avoid this disaster? Read on.

-         DON'T USE ALL CAPS. This is a red flag to any spam filter. Using all Caps isn't just rude, it's dangerous for your marketing strategy. Don't just avoid using them in the subject line, all Caps should never, ever be used in your email anywhere, not even in the message body.

-         Ask people to "whitelist" your email when they sign up for your newsletter or email updates. This basically just means that they will let their email program know that your emails are allowed to pass. If they have a very strict filter, this is vital.

-         Don't use sales@yourdomain.com. Your email will be siphoned off to the trash instantly.

-         Unfortunately for legit marketers, the word "free" is becoming a warning sign to spam filters. Obviously it's a very useful word, but it's time to find an alternative. Some authors use variations of the word by splitting it up "fre-e" or "fr.ee". Personally, I think this looks rather silly. Instead of saying, "Get my ebook now for free!" you might want to try "How much will this ebook cost if you order right now? Absolutely nothing." Or use zero. Stay away from the word "free".

-         Don't include the word "advertisement" or variations of it in your subject line or the spam filter will banish your email. This one is pretty easy to avoid and so far, it looks like it's ok to use "ads" in the body of your message.

   In general, spam filters are a good thing and by following the guidelines above, your emails should get through all but the harshest (where only known emails are allowed) filters. Which means your messages will get to more of your potential clients.