Google & Yahoo Policy Changes: A Seamailer Sender's Checklist

Keeping up with email policy changes from major providers like Google and Yahoo is essential for email marketers who want to maximize deliverability and engagement. Recent updates have introduced new requirements that can impact how your emails are received, filtered, or blocked. Here’s a checklist for Seamailer users to ensure compliance and optimize deliverability with Google and Yahoo’s new policies.

Authentication is critical to prevent your emails from being flagged as spam. It confirms your identity to Google and Yahoo, boosting the sender's reputation and trust.

• SPF (Sender Policy Framework): Set up an SPF record for your domain. This tells providers that Seamailer is authorized to send emails on your behalf.
• DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): Ensure DKIM is configured. This verifies that your emails haven’t been tampered with during transmission.
• DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance): Implement DMARC for an added layer of protection against phishing and spoofing.

2. Use a Custom Email Domain

Using a custom email domain rather than a generic one (e.g., Gmail or Yahoo) is increasingly necessary to improve deliverability and brand trust. Google and Yahoo prioritize emails sent from custom domains, and having one will help avoid spam filters.

• Verify your domain with Seamailer to access additional sender reputation management tools and tracking.

3. Ensure List Hygiene and Permission Compliance

Both Google and Yahoo are strict about sender list hygiene and subscriber permissions to prevent spam complaints.

• Use Double Opt-In: For new subscribers, a double opt-in (confirmation email) helps ensure that recipients want your emails, reducing spam complaints.
• Regularly Clean Your List: Remove inactive or unengaged subscribers regularly to improve your sender score. Many providers now penalize senders with high rates of unengaged contacts.

4. Maintain a Consistent Sending Volume

Spikes in email volume are flagged as potential spam activity, especially by Google.

• Gradually Increase Volume: For new senders or new campaigns, gradually increase your email volume to build a steady reputation.
• Avoid Sudden Spikes: Send consistently and avoid sharp volume increases, especially for promotional campaigns.

5. Monitor Sender Reputation and Engagement Rates

Google and Yahoo consider sender reputation when deciding whether to deliver or filter your emails.

• Check Open Rates, Click Rates, and Unsubscribe Rates: High engagement is a positive signal to providers.
• Avoid High Bounce Rates: Remove hard bounces immediately and monitor soft bounces closely.

6. Comply with Spam and Unsubscribe Requirements

Ensure you’re following anti-spam regulations to avoid penalties or delivery restrictions.

• Provide a Clear Unsubscribe Option: Both Google and Yahoo require a prominent, easy-to-use unsubscribe link.
• Avoid Spammy Language and Tactics: Avoid all-caps subject lines, excessive exclamation marks, and spammy words that could trigger spam filters.

7. Use Segmentation and Personalization

Sending highly relevant and personalized emails improves engagement, which boosts your deliverability.

• Segment Your Audience: Use Seamailer’s segmentation tools to target specific subscriber groups. This avoids sending generic messages that may lead to low engagement.
• Personalize Content: Include personalization tags, like the subscriber’s name, to increase open and click rates.

8. Stay Up-to-Date with Policy Changes

Email policies for Google, Yahoo, and other providers are regularly updated. Staying informed helps you avoid disruptions to your email campaigns.

• Check for Policy Updates: Regularly review updates from Seamailer as we monitor policy changes and provide recommendations.
• Test New Features and Updates: Seamailer may introduce new tools or features in response to changes, so take advantage of these to maintain compliance.

9. Run A/B Tests and Monitor Results

A/B testing lets you see what content, design, and frequency work best with your audience, helping you optimize for higher engagement and compliance.

• Experiment with Subject Lines and Timing: This helps you understand what drives better open and click rates.
• Review Reports in Seamailer: Analyze your engagement metrics to make data-driven improvements.

10. Use Seamailer’s Spam Score Checker

Seamailer’s spam score checker reviews your email for common spam triggers and gives suggestions on what to adjust.

• Check Before Sending: Run your email through the spam score checker to identify any red flags or areas for improvement.
• Make Necessary Adjustments: Follow the tool’s recommendations to minimize the chances of your email being filtered as spam.

Staying compliant with Google and Yahoo’s email policies is essential for maximizing your deliverability and engagement rates. By following this checklist and using Seamailer’s tools, you can improve your sender reputation, build trust with your subscribers, and ensure your emails reach the inbox. Keep this checklist handy and review it regularly to stay on top of any new changes or updates.

For more resources, visit the SeaMailer Help Center or contact our support team for assistance.