Spam is one of the most common terms in the digital world, especially in email marketing. But what exactly is spam and how can you avoid it? At Easymailing, we explain its meaning, its types, and provide practical strategies to overcome it. This is key knowledge for brand and business managers looking to optimize their campaigns and maintain effective and respectful communication with their audience.
What does spam mean?
Spam is any unsolicited and unwanted communication sent in bulk. It is mainly associated with email but also occurs on social media, phone calls, and instant messaging applications. Essentially, it involves sending indiscriminate messages for commercial, advertising, or fraudulent purposes without the recipient’s consent.
Types of spam
Spam can take many forms across different channels. Here are the most common types of spam:
Unwanted email or email spam.
Spam on social media such as Instagram or Facebook.
Phone spam.
Spam on messaging apps like WhatsApp.
As a brand or business manager, if you commit any of these types of spam in your email marketing campaigns, even subtly, you will notice decreased effectiveness. Just observe its impact on soft bounce and hard bounce.
Given the different types of spam, let’s explain each in more detail.
Unwanted email
Email spam is one of the most frequent types. These communications typically include commercial offers, false promotions, or even attempts at phishing.
Spam on social media
Spam on platforms like Instagram or Facebook refers to unwanted messages in comments, posts, or direct messages. It is often related to social commerce advertising or malicious activities linked to dark social.
Phone spam
Phone spam involves unwanted calls that can range from telemarketing to fraud attempts. These calls are particularly intrusive and annoying for users.
Spam on messaging apps
These are unwanted messages sent through instant messaging apps, such as WhatsApp. They often include malicious links or misleading promotions.
How to avoid the different types of spam
Preventing spam requires a multi-faceted approach. These effective strategies on how to avoid spam will help you depending on the type you encounter:
How to avoid unwanted email
Use spam filters. Configure your email service to use effective filters and mark suspicious emails.
Don’t share your email address on public websites to reduce the risk of receiving spam.
Unsubscribe from unwanted mailing lists using the options usually included in promotional emails.
How to avoid spam on social media
Adjust privacy settings. Configure your social media accounts to limit who can message or tag you.
Report and block. Use the reporting and blocking tools available.
How to avoid phone spam
Register on exclusion lists like the Robinson List, where you can list your number to avoid spam calls.
Use call-blocking apps that identify and block suspicious numbers.
How to avoid spam on messaging apps
Adjust privacy settings. On WhatsApp and other apps, you can configure who can add you to groups or send you messages.
Do not interact with suspicious spam messages from unknown senders.
By following these strategies, you improve your deliverability, protect your communications, and ensure that your messages reach the right audience without being flagged as spam.