Blocklists, also known as blacklists, are a tool used by mailbox providers and ISPs to protect their users from unwanted and potentially harmful emails. When an email sender is suspected of sending spam or other malicious content, their IP address or domain is added to the blocklist, effectively blocking any outbound email from that sender.
Blocklists work by preventing bulk inbound email from reaching the subscriber’s inbox, either by rejecting it at the server level or filtering it out before it reaches the inbox. This helps protect users from spam, phishing attempts, and other forms of unwanted email content.
While blocklists are an effective tool for protecting users, they can also have unintended consequences for legitimate email senders. In some cases, email senders may be added to the blocklist due to a mistake or false positive, which can harm their email deliverability and reputation.
To avoid being added to a blocklist, email marketers should follow best practices for email marketing, such as avoiding spammy content, using opt-in methods to build their email list, and providing an easy way for recipients to opt-out of emails. Additionally, email marketers should regularly monitor their email deliverability and reputation and take corrective action if needed, such as removing inactive or invalid email addresses from their list or improving engagement rates through targeted content and segmentation.
By following best practices and being proactive about email deliverability and reputation, email marketers can avoid being added to blocklists and maintain a positive relationship with their subscribers and mailbox providers.