## What are Cloudmark issues and what can I do about them?

Cloudmark is a major email filtering provider used by many ISPs and email services. Here's how to address Cloudmark-related delivery issues:

1.  Common Cloudmark Filtering Triggers:

- Sudden changes in sending volume
- Poor list hygiene practices
- High complaint rates
- Content patterns associated with spam
- Low engagement rates

1.  Resolution Steps:

- Monitor your sending reputation
- Maintain consistent sending patterns
- Remove unengaged subscribers
- Keep lists clean and permission-based
- Follow content best practices

1.  Prevention Best Practices:

- Implement double opt-in
- Regular list cleaning
- Monitor engagement metrics
- Segment your mailings
- Gradual volume increases

1.  If Blocked by Cloudmark:

- Review recent sending patterns
- Check complaint rates
- Audit list acquisition practices
- Reduce sending volume temporarily
- Focus on most engaged subscribers

When experiencing Cloudmark issues, start by reviewing your sending practices and making necessary adjustments before gradually rebuilding your sending reputation.

## Why has my spam complaint rate increased and what can I do about it?

Common causes and solutions for increased spam complaints:

1.  Common Triggers:

- Unexpected emails to subscribers
- Sending to inactive lists
- Frequency changes
- Content misalignment

1.  Prevention Strategies:

- Maintain regular sending patterns
- Use clear sender identification
- Match subscriber expectations
- Implement preference centers

1.  Best Practices:

- Verify subscriber consent
- Monitor engagement metrics
- Segment based on activity
- Honor unsubscribe requests promptly

I'll add a carefully scoped section on Cloudmark issues that aligns with standard email deliverability best practices:

## Gmail is delivering to spam. How can I improve my reputation?

To optimize Gmail delivery:

1.  Authentication Requirements:

- Implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC
- Set up BIMI for brand verification
- Monitor authentication alignment

1.  Reputation Monitoring:

- Create a Google Postmaster Tools account
- Track domain reputation metrics
- Monitor spam complaint rates

1.  Engagement Optimization:

- Focus on engaged subscribers
- Remove inactive recipients (6+ months)
- Implement sunset policies
- Use engagement-based segmentation

1.  Best Practices:

- Use consistent sending domains
- Maintain clear sender identification
- Process unsubscribes promptly
- Monitor feedback loops

## How do I improve my sending reputation?

Follow these key best practices to maintain a strong sending reputation:

1.  Authentication:

- Verify domain configuration
- Implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC
- Regularly audit DNS records

1.  List Management:

- Remove inactive subscribers (6+ months)
- Process bounces promptly
- Honor unsubscribe requests immediately
- Consider double opt-in for new subscribers

1.  Sending Patterns:

- Maintain consistent daily volumes
- Avoid sudden volume spikes
- Distribute large campaigns over time
- Balance HTML and text content

1.  Content Guidelines:

- Include clear unsubscribe mechanisms
- Write clear, non-promotional subject lines
- Maintain appropriate image-to-text ratios
- Include required physical address

## Why is my Health Score so low?

The Health Score provides a comprehensive view of your sending practices and deliverability. Here's how to understand and improve it:

1.  Score Components: The Health Score evaluates twelve key metrics:

- List Quality Metrics:

- Subscriber Quality (patterns indicating list procurement issues)
- Engaged Recipients (opens/clicks within 30 days)
- Unengaged Recipients (90+ days without engagement)
- Historical Engagement (previous 3-day engagement rate)
- Spam Trap Hits
- [Suppression List](/knowledge-base/marketing/create-target-segments/create-a-suppression-list) Hits
- Bounce & Complaint Metrics:
- Hard Bounces
- Block Bounces
- Transient Failures
- Other Bounces
- Spam Complaints
- Unsubscribe Rate

1.  Improvement Steps:

- Review the Health Score Dashboard's details page
- Focus on components with the largest impact
- Implement recommended actions for each component
- Monitor trends over time