Knowledge Base
Why Are My Emails Going to Spam?
Improving Email Deliverability
If your sent emails are landing in recipients' spam folders, here's how to fix it.
Common Causes
- Missing or incorrect SPF record
- No DKIM signature
- New domain with no reputation
- Spam-like content in emails
- Shared IP reputation issues
Step 1: Set Up SPF Record
Add this TXT record to your DNS:
v=spf1 include:_spf.hostdeal.com ~all
Or check DirectAdmin for the correct SPF record.
Step 2: Enable DKIM
- Log into DirectAdmin
- Look for DomainKeys or DKIM
- Enable DKIM signing for your domain
Step 3: Set Up DMARC
Add a DMARC record to your DNS:
v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc@yourdomain.com
Step 4: Check Email Content
Avoid spam triggers:
- ALL CAPS in subject
- Excessive exclamation marks!!!
- Spam words (free, urgent, act now)
- Too many links or images
- Missing unsubscribe link (for newsletters)
Step 5: Build Reputation
- Start by sending to known contacts
- Ask recipients to mark as "not spam"
- Add your address to their contacts
- Send consistently, not in large bursts