How to Check Your Email for Spam Triggers Using AI

Why This Matters

Writing emails that consistently reach your audience’s inbox takes more than good content - it takes awareness of how spam filters evaluate your message. Even honest, well-written emails can sometimes get flagged.

This guide walks you through a simple, AI-assisted process to check your emails for spam triggers, understand what might cause issues, and adjust your message while keeping your same personality and tone.


Why Spam Filters Flag Good Emails

Spam filters are designed to protect inboxes from unwanted or misleading content. They use algorithms to evaluate words, formatting, and structure — and sometimes catch genuine messages by mistake.

Common triggers include:

  • Trigger words and phrases: Words like “free,” “act now,” “guaranteed,” “earn money,” “urgent,” and “limited time.”
  • Excessive formatting: All caps, multiple exclamation marks, bright colors, or unusual fonts.
  • Too many links or images: Overly busy layouts look like spam.
  • Pressure tactics: Statements that sound pushy or create false urgency, such as “Don’t miss out!” or “Offer expires tonight.”

AI tools can help you identify these risks quickly and recommend small, natural adjustments that make your emails safer to send.

Step-by-Step: Use AI to Analyze Your Email

1. Write Your Full Email

Start by writing your complete message, including the subject line and body. Don’t overthink it yet. Focus on communicating clearly and naturally.


2. Copy Your Email Content

Select and copy everything the recipient will see, including your subject line and message body.


3. Open an AI Tool

Go to ChatGPT or Claude in your browser. Both have free versions that work perfectly for this purpose.


4. Paste This Prompt

Paste the following prompt into the AI tool, then paste your email beneath it.

This version of the prompt asks the AI to both explain potential spam issues and rewrite your message to improve deliverability.

Analyze this email for spam filter triggers.

1. Identify and explain any words, phrases, or formatting choices that might cause the email to be flagged as spam — tell me what they are and why spam filters might react to them.

2. Then, rewrite the email to keep the same tone and intent but remove or adjust anything likely to trigger spam filters. Make the new version sound natural, authentic, and human.


Email subject: [PASTE SUBJECT HERE]

Email body: [PASTE EMAIL BODY HERE]


5. Review the AI’s Feedback

The AI will give you two sections:

  • A list of possible spam triggers in your email and an explanation of why they matter.

  • A rewritten version that removes or tones down risky words or formatting while preserving your message.


6. Apply the Suggestions

You don’t have to accept every suggestion. Focus on changes that make sense and keep your authentic voice.

The goal is to reduce spam risk without losing personality or warmth.


7. Recheck if You Make Big Edits

If you make significant changes, paste the new version back into the AI and run the same prompt again. This helps confirm your updates solved the issues.

What This Method Can and Cannot Do

AI tools help you identify content-related spam triggers such as wording, formatting, or tone.

However, inbox placement also depends on technical factors like:

  • Verified sending domain
  • Sender reputation
  • How recipients interact with your messages (opens, replies, unsubscribes)

Think of AI analysis as one piece of your deliverability toolkit. It strengthens your content but works best alongside proper technical setup.

Writing Tips to Stay Out of Spam

  • Be conversational. Write as if you’re talking to one person, not selling to a crowd.
  • Simplify formatting. Avoid all caps, colorful text, or excessive punctuation.
  • Be honest, not hype-heavy. Replace artificial urgency with real reasons to act.
  • Keep it clean. Limit links and images to what’s essential.
  • Add personal details. Mention names, context, or specifics that show authenticity.

Questions and Answers

Q: Will this guarantee my emails reach the inbox?

A: No. This method reduces spam risk by improving your content, but technical factors like sender reputation and authentication also play a role.


Q: Which AI tool should I use?

A: ChatGPT and Claude both work well. Use whichever one you’re comfortable with.


Q: Do I need to check every email?

A: No. Use AI checks when you’re writing something new or trying different wording. You’ll naturally learn what triggers filters over time.


Q: Can I use this method for newsletters or marketing emails?

A: Yes. Marketing and promotional emails tend to include more trigger words, so AI analysis is especially valuable.


Q: What if I have to use a flagged word?

A: It’s fine to use necessary words occasionally. Just balance them with clear, natural language so the rest of your email feels genuine.

Guide Type: Best Practices

Estimated Time: 10–15 minutes

Next Guides: Email Sending Domain Setup • Creating Effective Subject Lines • Email List Management Best Practices