Hit the Inbox, Not the Spam Folder by Avoiding these Spam Words in your Email Copy 

It's no secret that words play a significant role in the success of your cold email marketing campaigns. The right email copy can make all the difference in whether your email gets opened, read, and acted upon - or ends up in the trash.  

But what about the words you shouldn't use? The ones that immediately mark your email as SPAM? Turns out, there are a few of them. And if you're not careful, they could end up costing your business.  

What Are Spam Words in Email Marketing? 

Spam words are those that automatically trigger a spam filter. They're the ones that, when included in an email, increase the chances that your message will be sent straight to the recipient's junk folder.   

There are a few different reasons why a word might be considered spammy. In some cases, it's because the word has been overused and abused by marketers to the point where recipients have come to associate it with being sold to. In other cases, it's because the word itself has negative connotations - like "free," which often signals to recipients that they're about to be tricked into a sales pitch.  

And then there are those words that just plain sound like spam. They're the ones that make your email sound sales-y, or unprofessional, or just plain desperate. For example, "guaranteed," "free," and "money." If you're using any of these words in your emails, it's time to cut them out - they're hurting your chances of getting noticed, and ruining your credibility. 

If you use these words in your email, there's a good chance they're getting caught in spam filters. And that means your messages are never even reaching your intended recipients.  

In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the most common trigger words that get your email marked as spam.  

Let’s get started with the top 5 categories of words that trigger spam filters. 

Words That Are Manipulative 

One of the biggest triggers of spam filters is the use of manipulative words. These are words that are used to try and coerce or manipulate the recipient into doing something, whether it's buying a product or signing up for a service. Some of the most common manipulative words include: 

• Free
• Limited time only
• Buy now
• Urgent
• Warning
• Act now
• Action
• Apply now
• Apply online
• Buy
• Buy direct
• Call
• Call now
• Click here
• Collect
• Increase sales
• Less expensive
• New customers only

These words are often used in an attempt to create a sense of urgency or to get the recipient to take action without thinking. But all they really do is turn people off and make your email look like spam. 

Symbols 

Another thing to avoid in your cold emails is symbols. Symbols - especially those that are used as spam indicators, such as the $ symbol - can get your email marked as spam faster than anything else. In fact, many spam filters are set up to automatically filter any email that contains a symbol. A few are listed here that you must avoid using in your cold emails: 

• 100%
• 100% free
• 100% satisfied
• 99.9%
• 50% off
• 4U
• #1
• $$$
• Make $
• Save $
• 0%
• 0% risk

These symbols are often used in an attempt to make an offer look more attractive or to get the recipient to take action. But all they really do is make your email look like spam. 

Far-Fetched Words and Claims 

When it comes to email marketing, honesty is always the best policy. That's why you should avoid using far-fetched words and claims in your emails. Words like "guaranteed", "miracle", and "secret" are all red flags for spam filters. 

Here's a list of some other words and claims that you should avoid using in your emails: 

• As seen on TV
• Cancel at any time
• Earn $1,000 a week
• Free gift
• Get paid to surf the web
• Make money fast
• No investment required
• One-time offer
• RISK-FREE! 
• Be your own boss
• Big bucks
• Billion
• Billion dollars
• Cash
• Cash bonus 
• Consolidate debt and credit
• Consolidate your debt
• Double your income
• Earn
• Earn cash

Needy Words 

Another category of words that can get your email marked as spam is words that make it sound like you need something from the recipient. These are words that put the recipient in a position of power, and often make them feel like they're being scammed or taken advantage of. Some of the most common needy words include: 

• All-new
• Bargain
• Best price
• Bonus
• Email marketing
• Free
• For instant access
• For you
• Giveaway
• Increase sales
• Join millions
• Offer expires soon
• Once in a lifetime opportunity
• Promise you won't find a better deal!

These words often come across as insincere or desperate, and they can quickly turn people off. So if you want to avoid getting your email marked as spam, it's best to avoid using these words. 

False Promise Words 

False promise words are another category of words that can get your email marked as spam. These are words that are used to make an offer sound too good to be true, and often promise things that can't be delivered. Some of the most common false promise words include: 

• No catch
• No cost
• No credit check
• No fees
• No gimmick
• Refinance
• No interest
• No investment
• No capital
• No obligation
• No risk
• For only
• Free access
• Full refund
• Get it now

Avoiding spammy words is essential if you want your cold email campaign to be seen as professional and not intrusive. These words often promise things that can't be delivered, and they can quickly turn people off. So if you want to avoid getting your email marked as spam, it's best to avoid using these words.  

If you're looking for an affordable, yet powerful, cold email marketing solution, try MailClickConvert today!