What is an email blacklist?
An email blacklist is a list of email addresses, domains, or IP addresses that are identified as sources of spam or malicious activity by email service providers or spam filters.
What happens if your email domain is blacklisted?
Being on an email blacklist impacts an organization’s email deliverability, as messages from blacklisted sources are flagged as spam or even rejected, making it essential for senders to monitor and address issues leading to blacklisting.
How do I check if my domain is blacklisted?
Use Online Blacklist Checking Tools
There are several online tools and websites that allow you to check if your email domain is blacklisted on various spam and security blacklist databases. Some popular tools include:
These tools usually require you to enter your domain or IP address, and they will provide information about your domain’s blacklist status.
Check with Email Service Providers
Many email service providers offer built-in tools or dashboards that allow you to check the reputation of your email domain. These tools might provide information about your deliverability and whether your domain is blacklisted.
Receive Non-Delivery Reports (NDRs)
If your emails are consistently bouncing or not being delivered, you might receive Non-Delivery Reports (NDRs) from the recipient’s email server. These reports might indicate that your domain or IP address is on a blacklist. The NDRs often provide information about why the email was rejected.
Check with Blacklist Providers Directly
Some blacklist providers offer web interfaces where you can manually check your domain’s status on their blacklist. For example, if you suspect you’re listed on a specific blacklist, visit the blacklist provider’s website and look for a lookup or search tool.
Implement Email Deliverability Monitoring Tools
There are third-party tools and services that provide ongoing monitoring of your email deliverability and reputation. These tools can alert you if your domain gets blacklisted and offer insights into why it happened.
What do I do if my domain is blacklisted?
Identify the Blacklists
Determine which blacklist(s) your domain is listed on. Use online blacklist checking tools, such as MX Toolbox, or reports from email service providers to identify the specific blacklists that have listed your domain.
Investigate the Cause
Determine the reason for the blacklisting. Common reasons include sending spam, compromised accounts, misconfigured email records (SPF, DKIM, etc. detailed below), or other suspicious activities. Investigate your email practices and server setup to find the root cause.
Address the Issue
Depending on the cause, take appropriate actions to address the issue:
- Spam Complaints: If spam complaints are the cause, review your email content, mailing practices, and subscriber lists. Implement best practices for email marketing and ensure that recipients have opted in to receive your emails.
- Compromised Accounts: If compromised accounts are the issue, reset passwords for affected accounts, conduct security audits, and implement stronger authentication measures.
- Misconfigured Servers: If misconfigured email servers are causing issues, review your DNS records, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC setups. Ensure that your email sending practices are compliant with industry standards.
Request Removal from Blacklists
Most blacklist providers offer a process to request removal. Visit the blacklist provider’s website and follow their instructions to submit a removal request. This process might involve providing information about the actions you’ve taken to address the issue.
Monitor and Prevent Recurrence
After taking corrective actions and requesting removal, closely monitor your email practices, server setup, and email deliverability. Implement ongoing monitoring and preventive measures to avoid future blacklisting.
Consider Email Deliverability Monitoring Services
Consider using email deliverability monitoring services or tools that provide ongoing monitoring of your email reputation. These tools can alert you if your domain gets blacklisted again and offer insights into maintaining a positive reputation.
Educate Your Team
If your organization is involved in email marketing or communication, educate your team about best practices for email deliverability, spam prevention, and security.
Remember that removal from blacklists might take time. Each blacklist provider has its own process and timeframe for removal. Be patient and ensure that you’ve addressed the underlying issues before requesting removal.
Prevention is key to maintaining a good email reputation. By following industry best practices, regularly monitoring your email practices, and promptly addressing any issues, you can reduce the risk of future blacklisting.
