As an experienced landing page builder and email marketing expert, it's essential to avoid URL shortener spam and ensure your links are legitimate and trustworthy.
In this article, we will discuss the most commonly blacklisted URL shorteners, best practices for using link shorteners, and how to successfully use them in email marketing without being flagged as spam.
Most Commonly Blacklisted URL Shorteners
Several URL shorteners have been blacklisted due to their association with spam or malicious content. Some of the most commonly blacklisted URL shorteners include:
It's important to avoid using these blacklisted URL shorteners, as they can harm your reputation and negatively impact your email deliverability.
How To Avoid URL Shortening Spam
Use Reputable URL Shorteners
Opt for reliable and reputable URL shortening services like rebrand.ly, branch.io, or bl.ink. These services are known for their security measures and lower likelihood of being associated with spam.
Customize Your Shortened URLs
Customize your shortened URLs to include your brand or relevant keywords. This makes the link appear more trustworthy and less likely to be flagged as spam.
Monitor Your Shortened Links
Keep track of your shortened URLs' performance, including click-through rates and traffic sources. Regular monitoring can help identify potential spam issues and address them promptly.
Use HTTPS
Ensure your URL shortening service supports HTTPS, as this adds an additional layer of security and helps establish trust with users and email providers.
Using Link Shorteners in Email Marketing
To successfully use link shorteners in your email marketing campaigns without ending up in the spam folder, follow these steps:
Authenticate Your Domain
Authenticate your domain with email service providers (ESPs) using Sender Policy Framework (SPF), DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM), and Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC).
This helps establish your domain as a legitimate sender and reduces the likelihood of your emails being flagged as spam.
Use Link Wrappers
Link wrappers or click trackers can be used to track the performance of your links without resorting to URL shorteners. Many email marketing platforms offer built-in link tracking features that are less likely to trigger spam filters.
Test Your Emails
Before sending your email campaign to your entire list, test it with a small sample of recipients or use email testing tools like MailTester or Litmus. This can help identify any issues with your links or content that may trigger spam filters.
Maintain a Healthy Email List
Regularly clean your email list by removing invalid addresses, hard bounces, and unengaged subscribers. A healthy email list not only improves your overall deliverability but also reduces the chances of your emails being flagged as spam.
Be Truthful
Ensure your email content is relevant, valuable, and transparent. Clearly explain the purpose of each link click, and tell what the user should be expecting once they click.
By being upfront and providing value to your recipients, you'll build trust and decrease the likelihood of your emails being marked as spam.
Encourage Whitelisting
Ask your subscribers to add your email address to their contacts or whitelist your domain. This helps bypass spam filters and ensures your emails are delivered directly to the inbox.