How to Get Emails to Go to the Inbox Instead of Spam (Even for Shopify Stores)

How to Get Emails to the Inbox Instead of Spam

There’s nothing more frustrating than crafting the perfect email—only for it to land in the dreaded spam folder. Whether you're running a newsletter, sending out promotions, or managing automated messages from your online store, email deliverability is a make-or-break factor for success. Fortunately, there are clear strategies to ensure your emails hit the inbox where they belong.

1. Warm Up Your Email the Right Way

If you're sending emails from a new domain or haven't been consistently active, email providers may view your messages with suspicion. That’s why email warmup is essential. By gradually increasing your sending volume and interacting with real inboxes, you build sender reputation and trust with ISPs like Gmail and Outlook.

A proper warmup process mimics human-like behavior: emails get opened, replied to, and pulled out of spam. This tells mailbox providers, “Hey, these messages are legit!”—dramatically increasing your chance of inbox placement.

2. Watch Your Shopify Emails

If you're running an eCommerce store, you might notice your order confirmations or abandoned cart reminders slipping into spam. It’s a common issue—Shopify going to spam is something many merchants struggle with. The default Shopify email setup doesn’t always play nicely with strict spam filters, especially if your DNS records (like SPF and DKIM) aren’t configured correctly.

Fixing this often requires custom domain authentication, improving your sender reputation, and monitoring bounce rates. If you’ve been relying on Shopify’s out-of-the-box settings, it’s time to optimize.

3. Use a Reliable Email API

Sometimes, the issue isn’t your content—it’s how your emails are sent. If you're using free or poorly configured tools to send your messages, you could be flagged as spam without realizing it. That’s where a free email API comes in handy. With the right API, you can gain more control over your sending infrastructure, improve tracking, and ensure your emails are authenticated and properly routed.

Choose an API that supports features like domain validation, reputation monitoring, and feedback loops. These tools empower you to proactively manage deliverability instead of reacting after problems occur.

Final Tips for Better Inbox Placement

• Authenticate your domain. Set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
• Avoid spammy language. Steer clear of all caps, excessive exclamation points, or misleading subject lines.
• Monitor your metrics. High bounce or complaint rates hurt your reputation.
• Clean your list. Regularly remove unengaged or invalid addresses.
• Send with consistency. Sudden spikes in volume can look suspicious.

In the end, inbox placement isn’t magic—it’s strategy. With the right tools and a commitment to best practices, your emails can consistently reach your audience where it matters most.