How to Check and Improve Your Domain's Spam Score
Your domain's spam score is a composite measure of how likely your emails are to be flagged as spam. It is influenced by DNS authentication records, IP reputation, blocklist status, and sending patterns. A high spam score means your legitimate emails may never reach the inbox. Regular monitoring and optimization are critical for maintaining good deliverability.
Check your spam score now
Use our free Spam Score Checker tool to analyze your domain's spam risk factors and get actionable recommendations.
Step 1: Run a Spam Score Check
Start by entering your domain in the Spam Score Checker. The tool evaluates multiple factors including authentication records, blocklist presence, and DNS configuration. Review each factor to understand what is helping and what is hurting your score.
Step 2: Fix Authentication Records
Missing or misconfigured email authentication is the number one cause of high spam scores. Verify and fix each protocol:
- SPF: Use the SPF Checker to confirm your SPF record is valid and includes all legitimate senders.
- DKIM: Use the DKIM Checker to verify your signing keys are published and valid.
- DMARC: Use the DMARC Checker to confirm you have a DMARC policy in place.
Step 3: Check Blocklist Status
DNS blocklists (DNSBLs) are databases of IPs and domains known for sending spam. If your domain or IP appears on a blocklist, your spam score increases dramatically. Use the Blacklist Checker to scan major blocklists. If listed, follow the blocklist's delisting process immediately.
Step 4: Verify DNS Infrastructure
Several DNS factors affect spam scoring:
- Reverse DNS: Ensure your mail server IP has a valid PTR record using the Reverse DNS Lookup.
- MX records: Confirm your MX records are properly configured with the MX Lookup tool.
- Domain age: Newly registered domains often have higher spam scores. Build reputation gradually by starting with low volumes.
Step 5: Monitor and Maintain
Spam scores are not static. Changes to your infrastructure, sending patterns, or blocklist additions can shift your score at any time. Check your spam score monthly, after DNS changes, and before major email campaigns. Run the Spam Score Checker regularly and address any new issues immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good spam score?
A lower spam score is better. In SpamAssassin, a score below 3.0 is generally considered safe for inbox delivery. Scores above 5.0 are typically classified as spam. Each spam filter uses its own scale, so check the specific tool's documentation.
What factors increase a domain's spam score?
Common factors include missing SPF, DKIM, or DMARC records, being listed on DNS blocklists, no reverse DNS, a new domain with no sending history, and poor email content patterns like excessive caps or spam trigger words.
How often should I check my spam score?
Check your spam score at least monthly or after any changes to your email infrastructure. If you run email marketing campaigns, check before and after each campaign to catch issues early before they damage your sender reputation.