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Summary

The question of whether email spam trigger words still hold relevance for deliverability is a persistent one for email marketers. Once a primary concern, the landscape of spam filtering has evolved significantly. Modern spam filters are far more sophisticated, moving beyond simple keyword matching to evaluate a multitude of factors, with sender reputation and engagement metrics taking precedence.

What email marketers say

Among email marketers, there's a nuanced understanding regarding spam trigger words. While many acknowledge that the days of simple keyword blacklists are largely over, a lingering caution persists. Some marketers have observed that certain words or patterns, especially when combined with other negative signals, can still influence an email's fate, demonstrating that content, though not the sole factor, remains a component of deliverability.

Marketer view

A marketer from Email Geeks emphasizes that the most critical factor for email deliverability is sender reputation, not merely the presence or absence of specific words. Modern spam filters prioritize a sender's overall trustworthiness and history of positive engagement over simplistic keyword analysis. This means that even with aggressive-sounding words, a strong reputation can lead to inbox placement.

24 Sep 2019 - Email Geeks

Marketer view

A marketer from Mailmodo asserts that traditional spam words are no longer the primary reason for poor email deliverability. Current email filtering has evolved past simple keyword detection, focusing instead on a broader range of signals to determine an email's legitimacy and sender reputation. This shift encourages marketers to focus on comprehensive email hygiene.

22 May 2024 - Mailmodo

What the experts say

Deliverability experts generally hold a unified perspective on spam trigger words: their individual impact has dramatically decreased. The shift from rudimentary keyword blocking to sophisticated, AI-driven filtering means that sender reputation, recipient engagement, and overall sending patterns are the paramount factors determining inbox placement. While egregious content can still be problematic, it's rarely due to a single blacklist word.

Expert view

A Deliverability Expert from Email Geeks clarifies the historical context of spam trigger words, explaining they were an early, temporary measure by spam filters. These words became flags not due to recipient behavior, but because they were common in high volumes of spam. This approach was a stopgap solution, not intended for long-term effectiveness, against the initial surge of unsolicited mail.

24 Sep 2019 - Email Geeks

Expert view

A Deliverability Expert from Word to the Wise debunks the common myth that single words in the subject line, such as 'FREE!!!', inherently harm email delivery. They assert that modern email filters operate on a much more complex basis than simple keyword detection. The effectiveness of filters has evolved beyond such basic rules and focuses on broader signals.

01 May 2016 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says

Official documentation from major email service providers and reputable deliverability organizations consistently emphasizes that modern spam filtering relies on a complex interplay of signals. While content quality is a factor, it's assessed within the broader context of sender reputation, email authentication, and recipient engagement. There is a clear move away from simplistic blocklist rules based on individual words.

Technical article

Email Deliverability Documentation from Mailmodo outlines that the era of simple spam word lists is largely over. Current email filtering methodologies have advanced to consider a holistic view of sender trustworthiness, making static lists of 'bad words' less influential. This shift encourages marketers to focus on comprehensive email hygiene, including technical setup and audience engagement.

22 May 2024 - Mailmodo

Technical article

Email Deliverability Documentation from Mailjet highlights that while the concept of rigid 'spam trigger words' is largely a myth, certain content patterns or aggressive language can still raise flags. The documentation advises senders to avoid practices that mimic unsolicited bulk email, focusing instead on clear, value-driven communication that aligns with recipient expectations and avoids deceptive tactics.

10 Apr 2025 - Mailjet

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