How to Check If Your Email Is Spam Before Sending

You've crafted the perfect email. Hours of work went into the copy, the offer is compelling, and you're ready to hit send. But here's the problem: if that email lands in spam, none of it matters.

Studies show that 21% of permission-based emails never reach the inbox. For cold emails, that number is even higher. The good news? You can test your emails before sending and catch potential spam triggers in advance.

Why You Need to Check Emails for Spam Before Sending

Email providers like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo use sophisticated algorithms to filter spam. These filters analyze multiple factors:

• Content analysis – Looking for spam trigger words and suspicious patterns
• Sender reputation – Your domain's history and authentication setup
• Engagement signals – How recipients interact with your emails
• Technical factors – SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records

Most email marketers focus only on technical setup. But here's the reality: your email content is the #1 factor that determines deliverability once your technical setup is correct.

Step-by-Step: How to Check If Your Email Will Go to Spam

Step 1: Analyze Your Email Content for Spam Triggers

Start with content analysis. This is the fastest way to catch obvious issues before they hurt your deliverability. Here's what to look for:

Spam Trigger Words

Certain words and phrases immediately raise red flags with spam filters. These include:

• Financial urgency: "Act now," "Limited time," "Expires today"
• Exaggerated claims: "Guaranteed," "100% free," "Best price"
• Pushy language: "Don't miss out," "Click now," "Order today"

See our complete list of 500+ spam trigger words →

AI-Sounding Phrases

With the rise of AI-generated content, spam filters now detect "robotic" language patterns. Avoid phrases like:

• "I hope this email finds you well"
• "I wanted to reach out because..."
• "Just following up on my previous email"

Step 2: Check Your Sender Reputation

Your sender reputation affects whether your emails reach the inbox. Use these free tools:

• Google Postmaster Tools – Check your domain reputation with Gmail
• Microsoft SNDS – See how Outlook views your sending practices
• MxToolbox – Verify you're not on any email blacklists

Step 3: Verify Technical Setup

Make sure your email authentication is properly configured:

• SPF record – Specifies which servers can send email for your domain
• DKIM signature – Cryptographically signs your emails
• DMARC policy – Tells receivers how to handle unauthenticated emails

Step 4: Send Test Emails

Before sending to your full list, send tests to accounts at major providers:

• Gmail (personal and Google Workspace)
• Outlook/Microsoft 365
• Yahoo Mail
• Apple iCloud

Check if emails land in inbox, promotions, or spam. If any go to spam, refine your content and test again.

Common Mistakes That Trigger Spam Filters

1. Using ALL CAPS in subject lines – This screams "spam" to both filters and recipients.
2. Too many exclamation points!!! – One is enough. Multiple triggers spam flags.
3. Image-heavy emails – Aim for at least a 60:40 text-to-image ratio.
4. Misleading subject lines – Subject should match email content.
5. Shortened URLs – Bit.ly and similar services are often associated with spam.
6. Large attachments – Link to files instead of attaching them.

Pre-Send Email Checklist

Best Tools to Check If Email Is Spam

Read our detailed comparison of email testing tools →

Conclusion

Checking your email for spam before sending is no longer optional—it's essential for successful email marketing and cold outreach. By following this guide and using the right tools, you can significantly improve your inbox placement rates.

Start with content analysis (the most overlooked step), then verify your technical setup, and always test before sending to your full list.