Email Blacklist: How to Check for Blacklisting and Get Yourself Removed

An email blacklist is like a watchlist kept by organizations that track sources of spam and unwanted emails. If your IP address or domain is thought to be sending spam, it can end up on one of these lists. When this happens, email servers check these blacklists and may block your messages or send them straight to recipients’ spam folders. In other words, being blacklisted means your emails might not reach the people you want to hear from you.

• Why You Might Get Blacklisted
• What Happens When You Are on an Email Blacklist
• How to Check if You Are Blacklisted
• Use A Blacklist Checking Service
• Methods to Get Removed From an Email Blacklist
• Steps to Get Removed from a Blacklist
• Preventing Blacklisting in the Future
• Summary

Why You Might Get Blacklisted

• Sending bulk emails without proper consent.
• Your site or email server is being compromised and used to send spam.
• Poor list hygiene (sending emails to addresses that bounce frequently).
• A virus or malware on your system that sends spam.
• Receiving multiple spam complaints from recipients.

What Happens When You Are on an Email Blacklist

There are some negative effects that could come from being on an email blacklist such as:

• Emails Don't Reach Recipients: Your emails may be blocked or sent directly to the spam folder, significantly reducing the chances that your intended audience will see them.
• Delivery Rates Drop: Overall email delivery rates plummet, meaning a large portion of your emails won't even make it to the inbox.
• Reputation Damage: Being on a blacklist can harm your sender reputation, making it more likely for email service providers to mark your future emails as spam.
• Increased Bounce Rates: You'll likely see an increase in email bounces, as servers reject your emails based on your blacklisted status.
• Loss of Business Opportunities: Poor email deliverability can lead to missed opportunities, as important communications with clients, customers, or prospects are interrupted.
• Time-Consuming Removal Process: Getting removed from a blacklist requires identifying the cause of the blacklisting, resolving these issues, and then contacting the blacklist operator to request removal.
• Potential Legal and Compliance Issues: If your emails are being marked as spam due to non-compliance with email regulations (like GDPR or CAN-SPAM), you might face legal repercussions or fines.

How to Check if You Are Blacklisted

Bluehost customers can check their email blacklisting status by following these steps:

1. Identify Your Sending IP or Domain: You can find your outgoing mail server’s IP address in your Bluehost cPanel or through your email client settings.
2. Use Online Blacklist Checking Tools: There are several free tools where you can enter your IP address or domain to see if it appears on any major blacklists. Some popular ones include:
   • MXToolbox
   • WhatIsMyIPAddress
   • Spamhaus
3. Monitor Email Bounce-Back Messages: Sometimes, failed emails will include messages from the recipient server indicating blacklisting.
   
   How To Check Bounce Back Messages:
   • Check your email account’s Inbox or Spam folder for Non-Delivery Reports (NDRs) or “bounce” messages.
   • Look closely at the message content for error codes or phrases such as “blacklisted,” “blocked,” or “spam detected.”
   • Error codes like 554, 550, or messages referencing RBL (Realtime Blackhole List) or DNSBL may indicate blacklist issues.
   • If you use an email client, these bounce messages are often clearly marked; otherwise, consult your email hosting or Bluehost support for assistance reading mail logs.

Use A Blacklist Checking Service

Instead of checking individual blacklists one by one, you can use comprehensive blacklist checking services. These services scan your IP address or domain across multiple blacklists simultaneously, saving you time and giving a clearer picture of your email reputation. Some widely used blacklist checking services include:

• MXToolbox Blacklist Check
• WhatIsMyIPAddress Blacklist Check
• MultiRBL.valli.org
• DNSBL.info

These tools provide detailed reports and often include direct links and instructions for blacklist removal if your IP or domain is found.

Methods to Get Removed From an Email Blacklist

Getting removed from a blacklist usually involves contacting the organization that has your IP address or domain blacklisted and following their specific procedure for removal. Note that each blacklist has a different process, and it’s important to carefully follow the instructions.

• Spamhaus: One of the most widely used blacklists. You can look up your IP or domain and request removal after resolving the issue.
• Trend Micro: This security provider offers a process to submit a sample and request delisting.
• Anonmails DNSBL: Less commonly referenced. Make sure to verify the current URL and removal procedures.
• Barracuda: Popular in corporate email filtering. Lookup your IP and submit a removal request.
• Cloudmark: Provides spam filtering solutions with a clear process to request removal.
• Comcast/Xfinity: Comcast’s postmaster site offers tools and instructions for removal from their blacklist.
• Manitu: A hosting provider with a blacklist removal policy and submission process.
• Proofpoint: Another major security provider with an established delisting procedure.
• SpamCop: Enables users to look up blacklisting and request removal for reported spam sources.
• SORBS: One of the older blacklists, offering lookup and removal request information.

Steps to Get Removed from a Blacklist

1. Identify and Fix the Cause: Before requesting removal, ensure the root cause is addressed. Check for malware, secure your accounts with strong passwords, review your email lists to remove invalid addresses, and ensure your email sending practices comply with anti-spam policies.
2. Request Removal from the Blacklist: Use the links above to submit a delisting request via their website. Include evidence that the problems causing the blacklisting have been fixed.
3. Contact Bluehost Support: If you’re unsure about the next steps, Bluehost’s support team can assist in identifying the issue and guiding you through the removal process.
4. Implement Email Best Practices: Use opt-in subscription methods, include clear unsubscribe links, and regularly clean your mailing lists to prevent future blacklisting.

Preventing Blacklisting in the Future

• Always send emails only to recipients who have consented.
• Use verified and reputable email marketing services when sending bulk emails.
• Keep your systems and software up to date.
• Monitor your sending reputation using tools like Google Postmaster Tools.
• Educate your team about phishing and account security.

Summary

Being blacklisted can severely disrupt your email communications, tarnish your reputation, and impact your business operations. Bluehost customers can take proactive steps to monitor their email status, fix any issues promptly, and work with Bluehost support if needed. Regular maintenance, good sending practices, and vigilance are key to keeping your emails in your recipients’ inboxes.