Spam Score
Last updated: March 2025
Definition
A numeric estimate of how likely your email is to be flagged as spam. Calculated from content patterns, sending reputation, authentication status, and formatting. High spam scores mean your email hits the junk folder. Tools like Mail Tester and GlockApps give you a score before you send.
Why It Matters
You can write the perfect cold email and it won't matter if spam filters intercept it. Spam scores let you catch problems before launching a campaign. Testing your email's spam score is a two-minute check that prevents wasted sends and protects your domain reputation.
How to Improve
- Check your spam score with a testing tool before every campaign launch. Fix issues the tool flags.
- Avoid excessive links, ALL CAPS, and spam-trigger phrases like 'act now,' 'limited time,' or 'click here.'
- Set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. Missing authentication is the single biggest spam score penalty.
- Send from a warmed-up domain with a clean sending history. New or cold domains start with higher spam risk.