My Emails Are Not Being Delivered. Black Lists and White Lists Explained.

Over 40% of all emails within your marketing campaign are not being delivered. You may not even be aware of this, as many ISPs will not send back a bounce message. In fact if you are sending messages to AOL customers, AOL is now blocking over 80% of the messages that come into their servers.

One of the main reasons that this is occurring is that your IP or Domain may be Black Listed. All major ISP's and many corporate email systems now check against Black Lists and will refuse to deliver any emails that come from an IP that is Black Listed.

But what exactly is a Black List?

DNS black lists are lists of domains and IP's that are known to originate Spam. Many anti-spam software programs used by corporations and ISP's use these lists to control Spam by refusing any email that originates from one of these domains or IPs.

Unfortunately there are many instances of false positives as there are few checks and often little objectivity when listing a particular IP. In order for a black list to know that a domain is sending Spam, the offence must be reported . It may take only one report via a web form for you to be listed.

You may be listed maliciously through one complaint of a client, or that of a competitor. Many Black Lists, as well, will list not only the IP that is suspected as spamming, but will list any IPs in that range of addresses. If someone using the same Internet provider as you is accused of spamming and is placed on a Black List, you may be listed as well.

DNS blacklists are usually maintained by anti-spam organizations or by individuals.

What are some of the most popular Black Lists that ISPs are using?

Some of these include:

MAPS - http://www.mail-abuse.com/
Spam Cop - http://www.spamcop.net/
SpamHaus - http://www.spamhaus.org/
SPEWS.org - http://www.spews.org/
ORDB.org - Open Relay Database - http://www.ordb.org/

How do I know if I am on a Black List?

Unfortunately, you really can't be 100% sure if you have been black listed. You may be on someone's black list and not even know it. There are, however, ways to check most of the lists.

One way is to check your server log when sending your campaigns. You will often see an email bounce notice indicating that the message has bounced because you are on a particular black list.

Many of the major black lists also allow you to enter your IP into a form on their site. These checks will tell you whether you appear, or not, on their list.

A useful tool, is the Black List Monitor. http://www.blacklistmonitor.com. - It automatically checks your IP against most of the major Black Lists and tells you which ones you are listed on. It also gives you help in getting removed. All your IPs are constantly monitored for any changes, listings, or delistings.

But what is a White List and how can this help?

Many corporations and ISPs will create a white list. This is a list of trusted IP addresses that they feel confident will not send spam to their customers. If your IP is listed on a particular white list then your email messages will be delivered to the destination email address. It is important for reputable marketers to work with the major ISP's such as AOL to ensure that you are on their white list. For most, it can be a lengthy process, but well worth your efforts.

Other third-party email certification programs now exist. Bonded sender www.bondedsender.com is one such agency. By joining Bonded Sender, senders improve deliverability rates and differentiate their brand. Senders go through a formal application process, adhere to email standards and post a bond against potential complaints. Major ISPs such as MSN/Hotmail now check against Bond Sender's white list and allow these email to pass.

Knowing if you are on a black list, getting removed if you are and getting established on white lists is critical if you are email marketing. The more messages delivered equals more sales!

Author Karen Fegarty is with MailWorkZ the creator of Black List Monitor-- advanced service that continuously checks all the major blacklists for you, and then some. Don't be treated unfairly! Keep a handle on who may have you blacklisted. Get a free trial and find out more at http://www.blacklistmonitor.com.

---

What is Email Marketing?

There are many avenues available for marketing online products. Radios,... Read More

A Cool Email Communication Tip

If I sent you an email that said: "The Big... Read More

Email Hosting ? Learn How To Use eMail To Grow Your Business

Email is a wonderful thing. It costs next to nothing... Read More

22 Simple But Highly Effective Methods To Ban E-mail Opt-In List

Here are 22 simple but highly effective methods to build... Read More

Free Email Accounts ? Pros and Cons

Free email accounts are great if you want to hide... Read More

Online Marketing Through Newsletters

So you want to start publishing an online newsletter? Why?... Read More

The Ultimate Business Network: One Secret Power of the Masters

Dear Friend:If you're out there networking and have been for... Read More

Market Your Business through Newsletters

Most business people on the web subscribe to at least... Read More

Proven Techniques For Building A Responsive List

We've all heard those who have Internet business-success stories proclaim,... Read More

Email Aesthetics- APPEARANCE is Everything!

Email AestheticsIt`s an old, old saying, but it`s true: you... Read More

Automatic Responder - The Secret of Super Affiliates Success

Congratulations, you just made a sale!Congratulations, you just made a... Read More

The Game Is Changing, Are You?

It's happening. Again.The Internet marketing 'game' is rapidly changing... again.Email... Read More

Follow Up Letter for Past Customers - Why and How to Write It

Following up with your past customers is a proven way... Read More

A Review on Email Go Getter System (EGGS)

A Review on Email Go Getter System (EGGS) by Martin... Read More

3 Essential Tools for Email Marketers

Marketing your business with email is an art.It's very easy... Read More

Does Punctuation Really Matter in Email?

So much depends on choosing the correct mark of punctuation... Read More

Achieve Success With Your Own Money - Making Newsletter

To be successful with a newsletter, you have to specialize... Read More

Are Your Subscribers Receiving Your Newsletter?

In my e-mail one day, I received the following message:... Read More

Signature Files: The Easy Way To Create More Business

If you do business as an affiliate, then you're constantly... Read More

The Importance of a Name in the Sent from Email Address

When using an email marketing tool such as Adestra's Message... Read More

Are Your Emails Being Heard

Yes, the headline is spelled right. What if you had... Read More

How to Do an E-mail Interview in 9 Easy Steps

Need a fresh idea for your e-zine content? Do an... Read More

Creating A Newsletter And Making Your Website Magnetic

Creating a newsletter is an ideal way to drive repeat... Read More

Top 5 Reasons to Use Autoresponders

One of the best and newest tools out there for... Read More

Lesson #2: Different (and Profitable!) Ways to Use Smart Autoresponders

So, autoresponders allow you to automate the process of instantly... Read More

Dont Be Viewed as Rude!

All too often otherwise nice folks come off as terse... Read More

Autoresponders An Important Part Of Internet Marketing?

Setting up and using email autoresponders on your site is... Read More

Spam! Whats the Real Problem

Most people now know the official definition of spam- Unsolicited... Read More

10 Persuasive Triggers To Plug Into Your Ad

1. Most people want to win over others. Tell your... Read More

How To Use Email Autoresponders to Boost Customer Loyalty

Your e-commerce website relies on its customers to become returning... Read More

Web Advertising: How To Increase Traffic By Offering A Free Course

One web advertising strategy that can help you become popular... Read More

Just Write an Email

How did you sell your last product? Imagine that I... Read More

Ten Tips for Email Marketers

Here are the ten most important tips to ensure you're... Read More