In one of our previous blog post, we introduced The Email Deliverability Mind Map. Now, we want to take a closer look at its individual components. Let’s start with the Content section: Spam Trigger Words.
If your emails are ending up in the spam folder, your content might be part of the problem, even if your technical setup is flawless.
One of the silent killers of inbox placement could be caused by Spam trigger words.
These are words and phrases that spam filters might flag as suspicious because they’re often used in low-quality, deceptive, or overly aggressive emails.
So Why Spam Words Matter?
Spam filters (like Gmail’s, Yahoo’s, and Outlook’s) scan every part of your email:
- – Subject line
- – Body copy
- – Headers
- – Even your signature
They assign a “spam score” based on multiple factors, and if that score is too high… 🗑️ straight to the spam folder.
Spammy language is one of the most easily avoidable reasons emails get flagged.
But before we move on to the actual list of “dangerous” spam words, I believe it’s important to make one key clarification:
Context matters.
Not all “spam” words are evil.
You can say “free,” “bonus,” or even “urgent” — if it’s used in a relevant, well-structured message.
The problem is when these words stack up, lack context, or are used in spammy formatting.
Let’s Look at Some Specific Examples of Spam Trigger Words based on a content type.
🔸1. Financial Hype / Easy Money
The following words might look suspicious not only to spam filters but also to the people you’re sending the email to.
❌ Avoid:
- Make money fast
- Extra cash
- Earn $1000/day
- Financial freedom
- Work from home
✅ Instead, try:
- Learn how to build a side income
- Grow your business revenue
- Insights on remote-friendly careers
🔸 2. Manipulative Urgency or Pressure
Creating urgency is good copywriting, unless it sounds like clickbait.
❌ Avoid:
- Act now!
- Limited time only
- Don’t delete this
- URGENT
- This won’t last
✅ Use calm but clear language:
- Offer ends Friday
- Last chance to register
- Reminder: Registration closes soon
🔸 3. Health Claims
If you’re in wellness, be especially careful. Bold medical claims can get you filtered.
❌ Avoid:
- Cure your pain
- Lose weight fast
- No prescription needed
- Miracle solution
- Eliminate wrinkles
✅ Better:
- Support your wellness goals
- Backed by clinical research
- Tips to feel better naturally
🔸 4. Shady Incentives / Freebies
Spam filters dislike “too good to be true” offers or aggressive calls to “buy now.”
❌ Avoid:
- Free money
- Risk-free trial
- 100% guaranteed
- Winner!
- Get it now!
✅ Rephrase:
- Try it free for 7 days
- Backed by our satisfaction promise
- Explore your options
🔸 5. Overuse of Symbols and All Caps
You could have the best message, but if it LOOKS like spam, filters will flag it.
❌ Bad formatting:
- 💥FREE💥
- MakeMoney
- CLICK HERE NOW!!!!
- GET IT FOR NOTHING!!!
✅ Instead:
- Use bold/italics sparingly
- Limit exclamation points
- Keep formatting natural and professional
🔸 6. Overpromising / Exaggeration
Spam filters are trained to look for too-good-to-be-true language.
❌ Avoid:
- Guaranteed results
- Once in a lifetime
- Best deal ever
- Never fail
✅ Try:
- Real stories from our customers
- Proven strategies (with examples)
- Transparent pricing & terms
✍️ Subject Line Examples
Subject lines are especially sensitive. Here’s how to fix spammy ones:
❌ Bad:
- 💰 Earn extra $$$ in 3 days
- ACT NOW – FREE BONUS!!!
- This is your FINAL warning
✅ Better:
- 3 simple ways to grow your income
- Final reminder: Bonus offer ends today
- What most people get wrong about email
📪 Final Thought
Spam trigger words are often used as clickbait by spammers, but as responsible senders, we must respect our recipients and maintain their trust.
That means delivering relevant, expected content that aligns with what they signed up for.
Your subject lines and message body should accurately reflect the value you’re offering without misleading or exaggerated language.
If your titles are too flashy or don’t match the actual content or product, recipients may feel misled, which can lead to frustration, complaints, and higher spam rates.
Focus on clarity, honesty, and relevance, because good deliverability starts with good relationships.