Email Spam Trigger Words to Avoid in 2023 and Beyond
Jun 28, 2023
This list was last updated 6/28/23. This list of words is not definitive. As spam filters adapt to the world we live in we will continue to update this list.
Have you ever spent hours crafting “the perfect email” only to find out that your email ended up in the recipient's spam folder? Of course you have.
As the digital age continues to evolve, so does the complicated and often confusing world of email deliverability.
There are many reasons why your emails may be landing in your recipient’s spam folder, but one reason is increasingly to blame.
Spam trigger words.
These are words and phrases that are often detected and flagged by spam filters. They might seem harmless at first glance and maybe even essential to the email you’re hoping to send, but they can (and will) negatively affect your email deliverability rate.
Continue reading as we breakdown these spam trigger words and phrases and prepare for a deep dive into the confusing world of spam trigger words and spammy email content. It's time to send better email and avoid the black hole of email spam filters.
What are spam trigger words?
Spam trigger words are terms or phrases that could potentially cause email service providers to mark your email as spam.
These words are often associated with money, scams, clickbait or overly aggressive marketing tactics.
However, it’s important to note that using one or two of these words in an email doesn't guarantee it will end up in the spam folder. And avoiding these specific words also doesn’t guarantee that your email won’t end up in the spam folder.
Spam trigger words to avoid
Remember, this list is not definitive. It couldn’t possibly be. As email spam filters adapt to bad actors changing tactics, this list will also change. We will continue updating the below lists as we see changes in the industry.
This list was last updated 6/28/23.
Financial Phrases to avoid
Additional income
Be your own boss
Financial freedom
Free money
Income from home
Join millions
Million dollars
Money back
Potential earnings
Pure profit
Refinance
Serious cash
While you sleep
$$$
Make money
Make $
Urgency Phrases to avoid
Access
All new
Call now
Don't delete
Get it now
Info you requested
Information you requested
See for yourself
Sign up free
Tell us what you think
What are you waiting for?
Act now
Claim now
Sales Phrases to avoid
As seen on
Buy one get one free
Don't be left behind
Get started now
Give it away
Giveaway
Incredible deal
Order now
See for yourself
Shopping spree
Thousand dollars
Will not believe your eyes
Too Good to Be True Phrases to avoid
Addresses on CD
Certified
Fantastic deal
In accordance with laws
Join millions
Lose weight
No catch
No gimmick
No purchase necessary
No questions asked
No strings attached
Obligation-free
Prize
Winning
Winner
Medication-Related Words to avoid
Cures baldness
Diagnose at home
Human growth hormone
Lose weight
No exercise
No dieting
Reverses aging
Weight loss
Miracle
Mirage drug
Magic
Pharmacy
Solution
Generic Spammy Phrases to avoid
Accept credit cards
Act now
Don't hesitate
Ad
Billion
Billions
Bonus
Cash
Cash bonus
Celebrity
Cheap
Claims
Clearance
Compare rates
Congratulations!
Credit card offers
Deal
Extra income
Fast cash
Free hosting
Free info
Free membership
Free preview
Full refund
Giving away
Guarantee
Hidden assets
Increase sales
Incredible deal
Internet market
Investment
Join millions
Miracle
MLM
Money back
Multi-level marketing
No catch
No cost
No credit check
No fees
No gimmick
No obligation
No strings attached
Not junk
Obligation-free
Passwords
Pennies a day
Potential earnings
Prize
Risk-free
Satisfaction guaranteed
Save big money
Special promotion
Unsolicited
Winner
You’re a winner!
Friend
Dear
Send better emails
Now that you have a giant list of words and phrases to avoid in order to maximize your chances at landing in your recipient’s primary inbox, it’s time to write that email.