Is Your Website at Risk? Know How to Check for Domain Blacklist!

What is a Domain Blacklist?

A domain blacklist is like a "no-entry" list for websites. If a domain is blacklisted, it means that email providers or security systems have flagged it as unsafe. Being on a domain blacklist can hurt your email deliverability and online reputation.

According to a report by Cisco, 85% of all emails sent daily are classified as spam, and many of these come from blacklisted domains.

Types of Blacklists

1. Email Blacklists

Email blacklists are lists that email providers use to block emails from domains known for sending spam.

• If your domain is on one of these lists, your emails might end up in the spam folder instead of the inbox. This can hurt your email deliverability and make it hard for you to reach your audience.
• To avoid this, always send emails to people who want to hear from you and use a blacklist checker to monitor your domain.

2. IP Blacklist

An IP blacklist blocks specific IP addresses that have been caught sending spam or engaging in malicious activity.

• If your IP address is blacklisted, it can prevent your emails from being delivered and may even block your website from being accessed by users.
• Regularly checking for IP blacklist status can help you keep your domain reputation clean and avoid these issues.

3. Domain Name System (DNS) Blacklist

A DNS blacklist works like a "do-not-enter" list for domains.

• Being on a DNS blacklist can prevent your emails from reaching inboxes. It can also block users from accessing your website, which can harm your business.
• Regularly check your domain status using a blacklist checker tool. Make sure your email servers are secure, and avoid sending spammy content.

4. URL Blacklists

URL blacklists are lists of web addresses that are blocked because they are known to host harmful content, such as viruses, phishing scams, or other malicious software. Harmful backlinks can contribute to blacklisting, so regularly auditing your website’s links is essential.

• A blacklisted URL can severely damage your website’s reputation. Visitors may be scared off by security warnings, leading to a drop in traffic and trust.
• To keep your URL off blacklists, regularly scan your site for malware and ensure your website security is up to date.

How to Check for Domain Blacklist

1. Use Online Blacklist Checker Tools

Online blacklist checker tools are a quick way to see if your domain or IP address is blacklisted. Websites like MXToolbox or DNSBL.info let you check your domain or IP across multiple blacklists.

Here's how to use it:

• Visit a blacklist checker website, enter your domain or IP address, and click "check."
• The tool will display if your domain is listed on any blacklists, giving you the information you need to take action. Performing a routine blacklist check can save your business from unforeseen communication barriers.

2. Monitor Your Email Delivery Reports

Monitoring your email delivery reports helps you detect if your domain might be blacklisted. A sudden drop in email delivery rates or a spike in bounce rates could indicate that your ip or domain name is on a blacklist.

Here's how to monitor:

• Use the delivery reports provided by your email service provider.
• Regularly review these reports to track your email performance.
• If you notice any irregularities, use a blacklist checker tool to investigate further.

3. Check DNSBL Listings

DNSBL stands for Domain Name System-based Blackhole List. It’s a list that tracks domains known for sending out spammy websites or spreading malware. If your domain is on a DNSBL, it might be blocked by email servers or web browsers.

Here's how to see it:

• Use online blacklist checker tools to see if your domain is listed on any DNSBL.
• Websites like MXToolbox allow you to enter your domain and check multiple DNSBLs at once.
• This helps you quickly identify and resolve issues.

4. Leverage Google’s Safe Browsing Tool

Google’s free Safe Browsing Tool helps you see if your domain is marked as unsafe. If your domain is flagged, users might see a warning before they visit your site.

Here's how to do it:

• Visit the Google Safe Browsing site and enter your domain to check its status.
• If your domain is flagged, take steps to clean up any issues and request a review from Google.

Common Causes of Blacklisting to Avoid

1. Sending Spammy Emails

One of the most common causes of blacklisting is sending spammy emails. If your domain or IP address is associated with sending a large number of unsolicited emails, it can quickly get flagged by email providers.

Here's how to avoid it:

• Only send emails to people who have opted in to receive them.
• Use email blacklist checker tools regularly to monitor your domain and ensure it’s not flagged for spam.

2. Poor Email List Hygiene

Poor email and contact list hygiene means not keeping your email list clean and updated. Sending emails to old, inactive, or incorrect addresses can lead to high bounce rates, which is a red flag for email servers.

Here's how to avoid it:

• Regularly clean your email list by removing inactive or incorrect addresses.
• Use tools to verify email addresses before sending out campaigns.

3. Malware or Hacking Activities

If you discover your domain is involved in spreading malware or has been hacked, it can be blacklisted quickly. Cybercriminals often exploit compromised websites to send malicious emails or spread viruses.

Here's how to avoid it:

• Use strong passwords, update your software regularly, and monitor your domain for any unusual activity.
• If your domain gets flagged, act fast to clean up the issue and request removal from blacklists. Promptly submitting removal requests can help restore your online credibility.

4. High Complaint Rates

If too many people mark your front page or emails as spam, your domain or IP address can be blacklisted. Email providers track how often users complain about emails, and note that a high complaint rate is a red flag.

Monitoring your domain’s IPs can help you quickly identify and resolve issues before they lead to blacklisting.

Here's how to avoid it:

• Make sure you send emails only to people who have subscribed to your list.
• Always provide a clear and easy way for people to unsubscribe if they no longer want to receive your emails.

5. Unsecured Mail Server

An unsecured mail server is another common cause of email blacklisting. If your company or mail servers is not properly secured, it can be hijacked by spammers to send out large volumes of spam emails.

Here's how to avoid it:

• Secure your mail server by using strong passwords, enabling encryption, and regularly updating your software.
• Regularly check your mail server for any signs of unauthorized activity.

6. Sending Emails to Spam Traps

Spam traps are email addresses that are set up to identify and catch spammers. If you send emails to these addresses, it’s a clear sign that you’re not managing your email list well, which can lead to blacklisting.

Here's how to avoid it:

• Regularly clean your email list to remove inactive or invalid addresses.
• Avoid buying email lists, and focus on growing your list organically with people who genuinely want to receive your emails.

7. Shared IP Address Issues

When ip domain for your website shares an IP address with other websites, it can lead to problems. If one of the sites on the shared IP sends spam or engages in bad practices, your domain can also get blacklisted.

Here's how to avoid it:

• Use a dedicated IP address for your website.
• This way, your domain’s reputation depends only on your own activities, not on others who share your IP.

Conclusion

Regular check for domain blacklists protects your online reputation. By monitoring your IP address and email deliverability, you can avoid being blacklisted and ensure your emails reach your audience.

After resolving the underlying issues that led to blacklisting, it is crucial to submit a removal request. Stay proactive to check blacklists and blacklist services to maintain your domain’s credibility.

‍