Is my email being blocked due to an acceptable use policy or content?

Key findings

• AUP indications: Bounce-back messages often contain specific codes like AUP#POL, directly pointing to an acceptable use policy violation.
• Content-related blocks: Blocks are frequently tied to specific content within the email message itself, not necessarily the sender's overall reputation.
• Intermittent failures: If you have a generally successful mailing history with occasional failures, it's more likely a content or AUP issue than a broad reputation problem.
• ISP policies: ISPs monitor various aspects of email traffic to block mail that violates their network management practices.

Key considerations

• Review email content: Thoroughly examine the email's body, links, and attachments for anything that could violate an AUP. This includes checking for specific error codes like '552 5.2.0 sender rejected AUP#POL'.
• Check advertised domains: Pay close attention to any domains you are advertising or linking to within the specific message that is getting blocked.
• Understand recipient policies: Familiarize yourself with the acceptable use policies of major ISPs and email providers your recipients use.
• Monitor deliverability: Proactively monitor your email deliverability to identify patterns and quickly address blocking issues. A comprehensive approach helps fix emails going to spam.

Key opinions

• AUP as a flag: Many marketers associate the term 'AUP' in bounce messages directly with acceptable use policy violations, suggesting content as the primary culprit.
• Intermittent content issues: Successful mailing history coupled with occasional failures points towards specific content in those failing messages triggering a block.
• Domain advertising impact: The domains advertised within an email are a critical factor that can lead to blocks if they fall foul of content policies.
• Postmaster page frustration: Marketers often find ISP postmaster pages unhelpful for diagnosing specific content-related blocks, despite their intention.

Key considerations

• Deep content review: Regularly review your email content for anything that might be flagged by a recipient's server. This includes third-party advertisements.
• Authentication importance: Even with content issues, ensuring proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) can help. When emails get blocked, authentication can still prevent some issues.
• Monitor blockages: Actively monitor for any temporary rejections, as these often precede more permanent blockages related to content or AUP. Learn why marketing emails are blocked.
• Adapt to new policies: Stay informed about new requirements and policies from major email providers, as these frequently impact content filtering.

Key opinions

• ISP content monitoring: ISPs actively monitor email content and traffic for violations of their network management policies, leading to blocks.
• Limited postmaster utility: Even for major providers, dedicated postmaster pages can be unhelpful for granular diagnostics regarding content-based blocks.
• Intermittent block diagnosis: If blocks are intermittent, experts advise scrutinizing the specific domains or advertising links within the problematic messages.
• Multiple postmasters: Some large providers, like Spectrum, can have a surprisingly high number of internal postmasters managing different aspects of mail flow.

Key considerations

• Content is king: Regardless of technical setup, problematic content or links are a primary reason for blocks, highlighting the need for careful review. This is fundamental to what works in email.
• Beyond reputation: Even with a good sender reputation, specific content can trigger filters, leading to rejections.
• Proactive policy checks: It is important to review and understand the acceptable use policies of key ISPs. This helps improve email deliverability issues.
• Advanced filtering: Be aware that content filtering extends beyond basic spam, often analyzing keywords and URL patterns that violate AUPs.

Key findings

• Content guidelines: AUPs explicitly prohibit sending illegal, harmful, unwanted, or objectionable content.
• Mandatory compliance: All users are required to comply with the provider's acceptable use policy for their services and platform.
• Content scanning: Providers actively scan email content for signs of abuse or low-quality (spam) emails. This includes reviewing for any network management practices.
• Traffic interception: Service providers reserve the right to intercept or block content and traffic that is not in compliance with their terms.
• Bounce rate impact: High bounce rates can lead to a provider declining to send messages or blocking a sender from their infrastructure.

Key considerations

• Proactive compliance: Familiarize yourself with and strictly adhere to the AUPs of all platforms you use for email sending to avoid service disruptions.
• Content audits: Regularly audit your email content for potential policy violations before sending. This is key to improving email success rates.
• Monitor delivery metrics: Keep a close eye on your bounce rates. Elevated rates can trigger automated blocks based on provider policies.
• Review terms of service: Periodically review the terms of service for any email sending platform you utilize to stay updated on their content and usage policies. This helps improve overall email deliverability.