Spam Score
A rating calculated by spam filters indicating the likelihood that an email is spam.
Definition
A spam score is a numerical rating calculated by spam filters to assess the likelihood that an email is spam. Various factors contribute to the score: authentication results, sender reputation, content analysis, formatting, links, and sending patterns. Higher scores indicate greater spam likelihood. Scores above certain thresholds trigger filtering to spam folders or rejection.
Why It Matters
Understanding spam scores helps you optimize emails for deliverability. Knowing what factors increase scores allows you to avoid spam triggers. Pre-send spam testing tools calculate scores so you can fix problems before sending. Lower scores mean better inbox placement.
How It Works
Spam filters assign points for various characteristics - negative points for authentication failures, suspicious phrases, excessive images, or poor reputation; positive points (lower score) for good authentication and engagement history. Scores typically range from 0-10+, with higher being worse. Thresholds vary by provider.
Best Practices
- 1Test emails with spam scoring tools before sending
- 2Maintain proper email authentication
- 3Avoid spam trigger words and formatting
- 4Keep good sender reputation
- 5Monitor spam scores over time and optimize