“Create your emails mindfully, authentically, with purpose. Being mindful of words and phrases that can trigger spam filters.” ~ Kat Milner

Introduction:

As a Coach, how you communicate with your clients is paramount. It is one of the primary ways you lead by example, and show that you are a caring professional, and someone your clients will want to have in their corner.

However, making sure your emails land in your client's primary inbox, can be challenging, especially when it comes to the updated spam filters.

Spam filters are designed to flag suspicious or unsolicited emails, and even your well-intentioned messages can get caught in the filter if they contain certain words.

Therefore, it is crucial to be mindful of the language you use - as some of what can trigger the spam filters may surprise you.

With that said, here are 10 words and phrases to avoid in your emails

1. Guarantee

While Coaches often offer assurances and support, the word "guarantee" often raises the red flag for spam filters.

Instead of promising a specific outcome (because we all know that outcomes only truly happen when the client does the work), focus on the process and benefits of your coaching services without making absolute claims.

2. Free

Offering complimentary resources or consultations is common with Coaches, but using the word "free" can trigger spam filters. For example, "Book Your FREE Call Now" could very likely trigger the spam filter.

Consider alternative words and phrases such as "complimentary" or "my gift to you".

3. Instant

Transformations can take time - yet we all know that some can be faster than others. However, the spam filter would probably think you are promising something unrealistic (remember, they look for words, not context).

Instead of focusing on immediacy, emphasize the journey, progress, and paint the vision of the intended results.

4. Limited Time

Urgency can be a powerful motivator, but phrases like "limited time offer" or "act now" can trigger spam filters.

If it truly is a time-sensitive offer, get creative is your words. Things like "don't delay", "offer ends soon", or "seize this opportunity".

5. Discount

While offering discounts can be a legitimate marketing strategy (especially when you are a new Coach), spam filters often flag emails containing the word "discount".

If you still want to give a discount, try using alternate words such as "reduced rate for a limited time", "temporary savings", "introductory rate", or "new client pricing".

6. Cash

Discussing the financial aspects of your coaching business is essential, but using terms like "cash" or "quick cash" can make the spam filters think you're a get-rich-quick scheme.

Maintain your professionalism by using neutral language when discussing your fees and/or payment options.

7. Congratulations

Celebrating your clients' achievements is a core part of coaching - unfortunately, spam filters often interpret "congratulations" as promotional content (think, "Congratulations! You've won XXX!").

Instead of "congratulations", opt for personalised messages that acknowledge your client's progress and milestones.

If you are congratulating them for taking the leap of faith to enrol in your program, maybe substitute things like "bravo", "well done", "hats off", or "cheers" instead of "congratulations".

8. Secret

It's true that you often share insights and strategies with your clients, using the word "secret" can trigger spam filters due to its association with deceptive practices.

Instead, find ways to frame your guidance as valuable insights or actionable tips.

In the case of a lead magnet, rather than "Top Secrets for XXX", maybe use something like "formula", "blueprint", "gateway", or similar term.

9. Risk-Free

Assuring your clients (or potential clients) of a risk-free experience is a common practice. Spam filters may interpret it as misleading advertising.

Focus on building trust through transparency and honesty about your coaching process and program.

If you need to say your offer is risk-free, you can say you offer a "happiness guarantee", or "peace of mind" options.

10. Click Here

Saving the biggest one for last...

Including a call to action (CTA) is vital for driving engagement, but "click here" is probably one of the fastest ways to trigger the spam filters.

Instead of "click here", get creative and use descriptive and relevant CTAs that encourage your reader to take specific action without resorting to "spammy" language.

If you are including a hyperlink, you can say something like "Check it out here" instead of "click here".

If you are using bit .ly links - don't use too many - that can trigger the spam filters, too.

A conversation about spam-filter trigger words

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