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Key Takeaways

• The word “sex” alone is no longer a significant factor in determining email deliverability.
• Email deliverability is now more heavily influenced by engagement metrics, such as open rates and click-through rates.
• It’s still advisable to avoid excessive use of spammy keywords, especially when combined with other potential red flags, such as high bounce rates or spam complaints.

Remember the days when simply mentioning “sex” in an email subject line was enough to send it straight to the spam folder? Well, it turns out that those days may be long gone. In a recent experiment conducted by email marketing experts, an email containing the word “sex” in both the subject line and body sailed through spam filters like a pro.

“Sex” Alone Isn’t the Culprit Anymore

The experiment, conducted using ReturnPath’s email deliverability platform, sent an email with “sex” in both the subject line and message body. Surprisingly, the email received a low SpamAssassin score of 2.1, indicating that it was not likely to be caught in spam filters. This suggests that the word “sex” alone is no longer a significant factor in determining email deliverability.

The Real Spam Triggers

So, if “sex” isn’t the spam trigger it used to be, what is? According to email delivery specialist Evan Murphy, it’s all about the overall context of your email. SpamAssassin evaluates emails based on multiple categories, including general spam, sexually explicit content, and commercial content. If your email is flagged in multiple categories, it’s more likely to be caught in spam filters, regardless of whether or not it contains the word “sex.”

The Takeaway: Context Matters

The key takeaway here is that while certain words may have once been considered spam triggers, they are no longer the sole determining factor. Email deliverability is now more heavily influenced by engagement metrics, such as open rates and click-through rates. However, it’s still advisable to avoid excessive use of spammy keywords, especially when combined with other potential red flags, such as high bounce rates or spam complaints.

Bonus: Remember, the goal of email marketing is to connect with your audience and provide valuable content. So, instead of relying on spammy tactics to get your emails opened, focus on creating engaging and relevant content that your subscribers will actually want to read.

Conclusion: While the word “sex” may no longer be an automatic spam trigger, it’s still important to be mindful of the overall context of your emails and avoid using excessive spammy keywords. By focusing on engagement and providing valuable content, you can increase your chances of landing in the inbox, not the spam folder.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I still use the word “sex” in my email subject lines?

A: While it’s not a guaranteed spam trigger, it’s best to avoid using it excessively or in combination with other spammy keywords.

Q: What are the most important factors in email deliverability?

A: Engagement metrics, such as open rates and click-through rates, as well as overall email content and reputation.

Q: How can I improve my email deliverability?

A: Focus on creating engaging content, building a strong sender reputation, and avoiding spammy tactics.