Getting listed on an IP or email blacklist can severely impact your email deliverability. Use our free blocklist checker to monitor your domain’s reputation and prevent email spam issues. It will alert you if your domain is at risk.
How does an email blocklist work?
Email blacklists track your domain’s reputation. Sending too many emails to invalid addresses or contacts who haven’t opted in can lead to spam complaints and email bounces, which may result in your domain being blacklisted.
Email blacklists, also called Real-Time Blackhole Lists (RBL) or DNS Blacklists (DNSBL), exist at both the domain and ISP levels. They help prevent spam and protect email users from malicious activity.
If your domain or IP ends up on a blacklist, your email deliverability will drop, and emails will start bouncing.
Why am I on an email blacklist?
There are several reasons your domain or IP may be blacklisted:
1. High Spam Complaints
Email users can mark your messages as spam with just a click. Frequent emails or irrelevant content can result in too many complaints, damaging your domain’s reputation. The industry standard for acceptable spam complaints is 0.1%—anything higher could lead to blacklisting. Beyond the symptom of a blocklisting, you need to treat the cause. Ensure you have full consent and are sending emails that your recipients want and are excited to receive.
2. Domain or IP Compromise
If your domain unexpectedly appears on a blacklist, it may have been compromised by spammers or spoofers. These malicious actors use vulnerable domains for phishing or spreading malware, landing your domain on a blacklist to protect other users.
3. Non-Opt-In Email Lists
Sending emails to people who didn’t subscribe is a fast way to get blocklisted. Purchased email lists are especially dangerous and should never be used.
4. Inherited Blacklist from Previous IP Owner
If you’ve recently acquired a new IP address, it’s possible the previous owner engaged in spammy practices. Even if you’re not at fault, you may need to work with your ISP or blacklist services to clear the issue.
5. Website Reputation
Your domain’s reputation isn’t just limited to email. If your website has low-quality content, high bounce rates, is hosting malicious content or links to spammy sites, you could find yourself on an IP or domain blacklist as well.