Email is one of the most powerful tools in your digital marketing arsenal. But if your message lands in the spam, junk, or promotions folder, your efforts can fall flat. A key culprit? Spam trigger words. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore what these words are, why they matter, and how to strategically replace them with safer alternatives.
What Are Spam Trigger Words?
Spam trigger words are terms or phrases commonly associated with unwanted or scammy emails. Email service providers (ESPs) use algorithms that scan subject lines and email content for these red flags. If too many are found, your email might never reach the inbox.
Why Do Spam Words Hurt Deliverability?
Spam filters are designed to protect users from malicious or irrelevant content. If your email uses language that matches known patterns of spam, it may be flagged. These filters consider many factors, but excessive use of trigger words is one of the simplest to control.
Categories of Common Spam Trigger Words (and Better Alternatives)
- Financial Triggers: These words imply unrealistic promises or financial risk.
- Trigger Words: "Make money fast," "Earn cash," "Get rich," "100% free"
- Safe Alternatives: "Increase your income," "Boost your revenue," "Flexible pricing options"
- Marketing Pitches: These sound too aggressive or salesy.
- Trigger Words: "Buy now," "Limited time," "Call now," "Free trial"
- Safe Alternatives: "Learn more," "Try it today," "Get started," "Explore options"
- Manipulative Language: Overhyped urgency or fear tactics often lead to red flags.
- Trigger Words: "Act now," "Urgent," "Don't delete," "This won't last"
- Safe Alternatives: "Don't miss out," "Take a look," "Recommended for you"
- Health Claims: Making promises about health or physical changes is risky.
- Trigger Words: "Lose weight fast," "No diet needed," "Cure," "Risk-free"
- Safe Alternatives: "Healthy habits," "Wellness tips," "Backed by research"
- Risky Business Terms: Some words imply scams or unverified opportunities.
- Trigger Words: "Investment," "Multi-level marketing," "Work from home"
- Safe Alternatives: "Flexible work solutions," "Home-based business tips"
- Adult Content Language: Even if unrelated, these terms can flag your content.
- Trigger Words: "XXX," "Adult," "Click here for more"
- Safe Alternatives: Keep language professional and contextual
Tips for Staying Out of Spam and Promotions Folders
- Avoid Overuse of Keywords: Even safe-sounding words like "affordable" can become problematic if overused.
- Write Like a Human: Natural, conversational language is more likely to pass filters.
- Avoid ALL CAPS and Excessive Punctuation!!!
- Balance Text and Images: Too many images and too little text can look suspicious.
- Include a Physical Address and Unsubscribe Link: These are required by laws like CAN-SPAM and help with credibility.
- Test Your Emails: Use tools like https://www.mail-tester.com/ or https://www.mailgenius.com/ to see if your emails are likely to trigger filters.
Common Spam Words
- Salesy / Promotional Phrases
- Affordable
- Best price
- Free
- Bonus
- Buy direct
- Click here
- Order now
- Call now
- Great offer
- Limited time
- Promise you
- Special promotion
- This won't last
- Winner
- Winning
- Urgent
- Financial Triggers
- Billion
- Cash
- Earn extra cash
- Investment
- Make money
- Million dollars
- Money back
- No hidden costs
- Potential earnings
- Risk-free
- Save big money
- Manipulative Language
- Act now
- Amazing
- As seen on
- Eliminate bad credit
- Get it now
- Guarantee
- Incredible deal
- Once in a lifetime
- Unsecured debt
- Why pay more?
- Banking / Crypto / Loan Terms
- Accept credit cards
- Bank account
- Beneficiary
- Credit card offer
- Hidden charges
- Increase sales
- Lowest price
- Mortgage rates
- Refinance
- Work from home
- Email Tactics That Raise Red Flags
- Click below
- Click this link
- This isn't spam
- You have been selected
- Exclusive deal
- Urgent response needed
- Winner!
- Congratulations
- Security / Privacy Phrases
- Access now
- Confidentiality
- Information you requested
- Passwords
- Social security number
- This is not a scam
Final Thoughts About Spam
Avoiding spam filters isn't about playing it safe — it's about being smart. You can still be persuasive and effective without sounding like a scam. With the right wording, formatting, and testing tools, your email campaigns can hit the inbox and convert readers into customers.
Want help with email strategy that actually works? Contact the experts at Fawkes Digital Marketing today.