Keep your shop's emails and texts out of the spam folder.

To get the most out of Shopmonkey's CRM Campaigns, you want to balance urgency with authenticity. Modern spam filters are highly sensitive to pressure tactics and hype language that mimics phishing or low-quality marketing. This guide covers the words to avoid, the habits to build, and the technical details that help ensure your messages actually reach your customers.

Words & Phrases to Avoid

Certain words and phrases are red flags for email providers like Gmail and Outlook. As a general rule, if it sounds like a high-pressure sales pitch or a "get rich quick" scheme, it's likely to trigger a spam filter.

Subject Line Best Practices

The subject line is the first thing a spam filter scans. If it reads like a shouting advertisement, it won't make it through.

The subject line is the first thing a spam filter scans. If it reads like a shouting advertisement, it won't make it through.

Don't fake a reply

Never use "Re:" or "Fwd:" to trick a customer into thinking the email is part of an existing conversation. Spam filters catch this, and it erodes customer trust.

Keep it personal

Use the customer's name or their vehicle model to make the subject feel like a one-to-one message, not a mass blast.

• "Spammy": "URGENT: SAVE BIG ON BRAKES!!!"
• Better: "A quick reminder about the brakes on your F-150, [Name]"

Follow the "No-Hype" Rule

If a subject line sounds like something a robot would blast out to a million people, rephrase it. It should read like a service writer talking to one customer.

Content & Technical Triggers

Beyond word choice, the way your message is built matters just as much. Here are the hidden factors that can land you in spam.

Watch your image-to-text ratio

Don't send an email that is just one large image. Spam filters can't read images, so they assume you're hiding text. Always include at least two to three sentences of real, visible text alongside any images.

Use a recognizable "From" name

Make sure the sender name is something your customers will recognize — for example, "Mike at Joe's Auto" rather than "Admin" or "No-Reply." A familiar name builds trust and improves open rates.

Avoid generic link shorteners

Spammers commonly use services like Bitly or TinyURL to hide malicious links. Instead, use the full, transparent URL or a button within the Shopmonkey campaign editor.

Include your physical address

Anti-spam laws (specifically, the CAN-SPAM Act) require you to include your shop's physical mailing address in the footer of every marketing email. This is not optional — it's a legal requirement.

SMS-Specific Tips

Mobile carriers are even stricter than email providers. If you're sending text-based campaigns, keep these extra rules in mind:

Limit "money" symbols

Overusing the "$" symbol in a text message can trigger carrier-level blocks. Use dollar amounts sparingly.

Identify your shop

Every text message should start with your shop's name so both the customer and the carrier know who is sending it.

Always include opt-out language

End your messages with something like "Reply STOP to opt out." It may seem counterintuitive, but not including an opt-out actually makes you look more like a spammer to the carrier's automated filters.

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