If your IP or domain ends up on a blacklist, the first action is to verify the listing and understand the specific blacklist's impact, as not all blacklists are equally important. Major blacklists like Spamhaus require immediate attention. Next, identify the reason for the listing (e.g., compromised server, spamming activity) by analyzing bounce messages and utilizing tools like MXToolbox and Spamhaus's Data Query Tool. Then, implement the blacklist's specific delisting procedure, keeping in mind that delisting isn't guaranteed. Prevent future occurrences by maintaining strong email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), keeping software updated, employing a dedicated IP with proper warm-up, and diligently cleaning email lists to avoid spam traps. Continuous monitoring of your sending reputation and fostering authentic engagement from recipients are also crucial for long-term deliverability.
9 marketer opinions
If listed on Spamhaus or other blacklists, a multi-faceted approach is required. First, monitor your IP and domain reputation using dedicated tools. Understand the specific blacklist you're listed on, as each has its own removal process. Focus on major blacklists like Spamhaus, as they have the most significant impact on deliverability. Employ strategies like using a dedicated IP address, warming up new IPs gradually, and avoiding spam traps through double opt-in and list cleaning. Analyze bouncebacks to identify blacklist issues, and actively work to improve your sender reputation. Smaller blacklists may be less impactful, so prioritize accordingly.
Marketer view
Email marketer from an Email Deliverability Blog advises gradually warming up new IP addresses by slowly increasing sending volume. This helps establish a positive sending reputation with ISPs and reduces the likelihood of being flagged as a spammer and added to blacklists.
2 Apr 2024 - Email Deliverability Blog
Marketer view
Email marketer from Mailjet recommends using monitoring tools to proactively track your IP and domain reputation, enabling you to identify and address blacklisting issues before they significantly impact deliverability. They also emphasize the importance of maintaining clean email lists and adhering to email marketing best practices.
5 Jun 2025 - Mailjet
7 expert opinions
When addressing blacklisting, begin by verifying the listing's accuracy using tools like multirbl.valli.org/lookup/. Understand that not all blacklists are equal; some have minimal impact, while others significantly affect deliverability. Prioritize major lists and those causing bounces. Focus on improving your sending reputation by ensuring consistent sending volume and authentic engagement. Analyze bounceback messages to pinpoint specific blacklisting issues and their causes. Use reputation monitoring tools to proactively identify and address negative indicators. Understand the different types of blacklists to tailor your response effectively. Remember that regional lists typically only affect deliverability in specific geographic areas.
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource advocates for continuous monitoring of your sending reputation using tools and services that track IP and domain health. They recommend proactively addressing any negative indicators and implementing best practices to improve your reputation over time.
25 Dec 2022 - Spam Resource
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise shares that analyzing bounceback messages is crucial for identifying blacklist issues. The bounce messages often contain specific information about which blacklist is causing the delivery failure, enabling targeted remediation efforts.
15 Apr 2022 - Word to the Wise
5 technical articles
If listed on Spamhaus or other blacklists, the first step is to identify the reason for the listing, often through tools like MXToolbox or Spamhaus's Data Query Tool. Fix the underlying issue, such as a compromised server or spamming activity. Then, request delisting through the specific blacklist's website, understanding that delisting is not guaranteed. Prevent future listings by maintaining proper SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records, keeping software updated, and monitoring outbound email activity. Analyzing bounce messages can also help pinpoint blacklisting issues.
Technical article
Documentation from MXToolbox shares that you can use their tool to check if your IP or domain is listed on various blacklists. It identifies the listed blacklists and provides links to the respective delisting procedures.
6 Nov 2021 - MXToolbox
Technical article
Documentation from Spamhaus explains the delisting process, which involves identifying the reason for listing, fixing the issue (e.g., compromised server, spamming activity), and then requesting delisting through their website. They emphasize that delisting is not guaranteed and depends on the severity and resolution of the issue.
14 Dec 2021 - Spamhaus
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