How to prevent php mail from going to spam

The eternal struggle against spam filters! Here are some tips to help prevent PHP mail from going to spam:

  1. Use a valid From email address: Make sure the From email address is valid and not a generic or fake address. This will help the recipient's email provider trust your email more.
  2. Use a descriptive Subject: Avoid using generic or misleading subjects. Instead, use a clear and descriptive subject that relates to the content of the email.
  3. Use a proper HTML structure: Use a valid HTML structure with a <html>, <head>, and <body> tags. This will help the email client render your email correctly and reduce the likelihood of it being flagged as spam.
  4. Avoid spammy keywords: Refrain from using keywords that are commonly associated with spam, such as "FREE", "WIN", "MAKE MONEY", etc.
  5. Use a clear and concise message: Keep your email message clear, concise, and relevant to the recipient. Avoid using overly promotional or sales-y language.
  6. Use a valid and recognized domain: Use a valid and recognized domain name in your email headers. This will help the recipient's email provider trust your email more.
  7. Use a proper MIME type: Set the MIME type of your email to text/html or multipart/alternative to ensure that the email client can render your email correctly.
  8. Avoid using all caps: Avoid using all capital letters in your email subject or body. This can make your email look like spam.
  9. Use a clear and visible unsubscribe link: Provide a clear and visible unsubscribe link in your email that allows the recipient to easily opt-out of future emails.
  10. Use a reputable email service provider: Consider using a reputable email service provider (ESP) like Mailgun, Sendgrid, or Amazon SES, which can help you avoid spam filters and improve deliverability.
  11. Warm up your IP address: If you're sending emails from a new IP address, warm it up by sending a small volume of emails to a small group of recipients before sending a large volume of emails to a larger audience.
  12. Monitor your bounce and complaint rates: Keep an eye on your bounce and complaint rates. If they're high, it may indicate that your emails are being flagged as spam, and you'll need to adjust your email sending strategy accordingly.
  13. Use a DKIM and SPF: Set up a DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) and Sender Policy Framework (SPF) to authenticate your emails and help prevent spam filters from flagging them as spam.
  14. Avoid sending emails to invalid or unverified addresses: Make sure you're not sending emails to invalid or unverified addresses, as this can lead to high bounce rates and flag your emails as spam.
  15. Test your emails: Test your emails regularly to ensure they're not being flagged as spam. You can use tools like Mail Tester or SpamAssassin to test your emails.

By following these tips, you can help prevent your PHP mail from going to spam and improve the deliverability of your emails.