Why Your Emails Go to Spam: Words & Phrases You Must Avoid

Introduction

Every day, people send emails that never reach inboxes — not because of viruses or hacking, but because of spam trigger words, poor formatting, bad domain reputation, and aggressive filters used by Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and corporate mail servers. Email providers now use machine learning to analyze more than 600 signals before deciding whether to deliver or block your message.

In this article, you’ll learn exactly why emails end up in spam, the words and phrases you must avoid, and how to write emails that consistently reach the inbox.

1. How Modern Spam Filters Work

In 2025, email providers use a combination of:

• Machine learning

• Sender reputation

• Domain authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)

• Blacklists

• Keyword detection

• Behavioral patterns

This means even a legitimate email can be blocked if it contains patterns similar to spam — especially the wrong words.

• 2. Top Spam Trigger Words You MUST Avoid

  Below are categories of words that instantly raise red flags.

  A. Money & Financial Triggers

  These words are commonly used in scams and phishing:

  • “Free money”

  • “Quick cash”

  • “No investment”

  • “Credit score”

  • “Make money fast”

  • “100% profit”

  • “Cash bonus”

  Fix: Replace with neutral terms
  ➡ “Financial opportunity”
  ➡ “Earnings update” 

When too many trigger words appear in your email, the algorithm marks your message as high-risk, sending it to spam or promotions.

B. Urgency & Fear Triggers

Spammers often use fear:

• “Urgent!!!”

• “Act now”

• “Limited time only”

• “Click immediately”

• “Your account will close”

Fix:
➡ “Time-sensitive update”
➡ “Please review at your convenience”

C. Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers

Words that suggest unrealistic promises:

• “Guaranteed results”

• “Win big”

• “Double your income”

• “Risk-free”

Filters know scammers use these.

D. Manipulative Sales Language

Aggressive marketing looks spammy:

• “Order now”

• “Buy today!”

• “Amazing deal”

• “Lowest price ever”

Fix:
➡ “Here are the product details…”
➡ “Here’s how to get started…”

🔗 Related: “Email Spam Checker” is a Free automated tool that detects spammy words in your E-mail.

3. Technical Reasons Your Emails Go to Spam

Even if your content is clean, your email can still be blocked.

✔ No SPF, DKIM, or DMARC

These email security settings verify identity.
Without them, Gmail treats your mail as suspicious.

✔ Using a free sender address

Emails sent from:

• @gmail.com

• @yahoo.com

• @hotmail.com

but through a website or bulk sender = automatic spam.

Use a custom domain email like:

info@yourdomain.com

✔ Sending large images or attachments

Big attachments = spam signal.
Fix by hosting files on Drive and linking instead.

4. How to Make Sure Your Emails Always Land in Inbox

✔ Use fewer images, more text

Email providers favor text-based communication.

✔ Avoid ALL CAPS

Examples:
❌ “READ THIS NOW”
❌ “FREE OFFER!!!”

✔ Write like a human

Short sentences, clear explanation, no clickbait.

✔ Add a clear purpose in the first line

Filters read the first sentence more aggressively.

5. Final Tips for Guaranteed Deliverability

• Authenticate your domain (SPF + DKIM + DMARC).

• Avoid spam words.

• Build sender reputation slowly.

• Use a custom domain.

• Never send bulk emails from Gmail.

Your email reputation builds over time — consistency wins.

🔗 Related: “How to Build Your Own SMTP Server | Unlimited Email Sending”