Title: Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b - freem URL Source: https://freemwiki.com/index.php?mobileaction=toggle_view_mobile&title=Openai%2F6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b Markdown Content: ### User: im hosting an email server here [https://sendy.return.me](https://sendy.return.me/) using Sendy.[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=2 "Edit section: User: im hosting an email server here https://sendy.return.me using Sendy.") im hosting an email server here [https://sendy.return.me](https://sendy.return.me/) using Sendy. I am using Amazon SES for sending all the emails. I noticed my open rates are very low. When i was testing my email went in to my gmail spam. I need to make sure our emails get in to customers inbox regardless of what email server they have. how can i increase my open rates? are there some settings in Amazon SES DNS that i need to do or something else. I used to have 10 times the open rates last year, now its much lower. help me ### Assistant: Here’s a complete, practical, step-by-step plan to fix your deliverability and get your open rates back up with Amazon …[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=3 "Edit section: Assistant: Here’s a complete, practical, step-by-step plan to fix your deliverability and get your open rates back up with Amazon …") Here’s a complete, practical, step-by-step plan to fix your deliverability and get your open rates back up with Amazon SES + Sendy, focusing specifically on what causes Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, corporate servers, etc. to send your emails to SPAM and how to get out of it. I'll keep this very clear and actionable. ### When open rates suddenly drop (especially with Gmail marking emails as spam), it is usually caused by one of these:[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=4 "Edit section: When open rates suddenly drop (especially with Gmail marking emails as spam), it is usually caused by one of these:") ##### Even a small spike (0.3–1% complaints) can make SES lower your sending reputation.[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=5 "Edit section: Even a small spike (0.3–1% complaints) can make SES lower your sending reputation.") ##### As of Feb 2024, ALL bulk senders must comply with:[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=6 "Edit section: As of Feb 2024, ALL bulk senders must comply with:") * SPF * DKIM * DMARC * “List-Unsubscribe” header * One-click unsubscribe If any of these are missing, Gmail sends you to spam. ##### If your list isn’t clean, sending 200,000 emails at 4/sec can trigger Gmail filters.[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=7 "Edit section: If your list isn’t clean, sending 200,000 emails at 4/sec can trigger Gmail filters.") ##### Inactive recipients = Gmail thinks you’re spam.[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=8 "Edit section: Inactive recipients = Gmail thinks you’re spam.") ### Below is exactly what to update.[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=9 "Edit section: Below is exactly what to update.") #### In your DNS for return.me, make sure you have:[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=10 "Edit section: In your DNS for return.me, make sure you have:") v=spf1 include:amazonses.com ~all Make sure you do NOT have multiple SPF records. Only ONE allowed. #### In Amazon SES → Verified Identities → return.me → DKIM[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=11 "Edit section: In Amazon SES → Verified Identities → return.me → DKIM") Make sure: * You enabled Easy DKIM * You added the 3 CNAME records to your DNS * All show verified If DKIM is not working, Gmail will 100% mark you as spam. #### Without DMARC, Gmail throttles and spams your emails.[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=12 "Edit section: Without DMARC, Gmail throttles and spams your emails.") Add this DNS record (minimum requirement): Type: TXT Host: _dmarc Value: v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc@return.me You can tighten it later, but this is the starting point. #### Even if you use Microsoft 365, you still need Gmail-friendly MX records to avoid spam suspicion:[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=13 "Edit section: Even if you use Microsoft 365, you still need Gmail-friendly MX records to avoid spam suspicion:") return.me. IN MX 10 inbound-smtp.us-east-1.amazonaws.com (Optional but improves SES trust score.) ### ###[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=14 "Edit section: ###") In Sendy settings → Brands → Your Brand → turn this ON: ✔ “Set list-unsubscribe header” ✔ “Add one-click unsubscribe” Gmail requires this now. ##### Emails with:[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=15 "Edit section: Emails with:") * too many images * too little text * large images … often go to spam. Try: * 60% text / 40% images * No giant banners at the top ##### Especially for ReturnMe promo emails:[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=16 "Edit section: Especially for ReturnMe promo emails:") "free" "promo" "discount" "buy now" "urgent" "earn money" "special offer" Replace with softer words: * complimentary * offer * preferred pricing * limited spots * member advantage ##### If you sent 200,000 emails too fast, Gmail marks it as bulk spam.[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=17 "Edit section: If you sent 200,000 emails too fast, Gmail marks it as bulk spam.") Fix: * Start at 2,000 per hour * Increase daily: 2,000 → 5,000 → 10,000 → 25,000 * Let Gmail “trust” your IP again ### Your list likely has:[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=18 "Edit section: Your list likely has:") * old contacts * inactive recipients * high bounce or spam complaint history * corporate firewalls blocking the old domain reputation Solution: Clean the list. Use a service like: * NeverBounce * ZeroBounce * Bouncer * MailerCheck Clean out: * invalid emails * role addresses (info@, sales@, hr@) * spam traps * inactive addresses (no opens in 12 months) Then, create Segments in Sendy: ##### → Send to these first. Gmail will improve your reputation.[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=19 "Edit section: → Send to these first. Gmail will improve your reputation.") ##### → Email them slowly.[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=20 "Edit section: → Email them slowly.") ### Here are the exact records you MUST have for high deliverability:[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=21 "Edit section: Here are the exact records you MUST have for high deliverability:") ##### v=spf1 include:amazonses.com ~all[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=22 "Edit section: v=spf1 include:amazonses.com ~all") ##### 3 CNAME records Amazon gave you[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=23 "Edit section: 3 CNAME records Amazon gave you") ##### v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=[mailto:dmarc@return.me](mailto:dmarc@return.me)[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=24 "Edit section: v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc@return.me") ##### Only if you have a trademarked logo[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=25 "Edit section: Only if you have a trademarked logo") ##### #[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=26 "Edit section: #") ##### Gmail loves:[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=27 "Edit section: Gmail loves:") * “Quick idea for you” * “This can help” * “Update for you” * “Your ReturnMe tags” * “A small request” Avoid emoji. Avoid all caps. ##### Example:[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=28 "Edit section: Example:") Subject: Quick follow-up for Halo Preview: Thought you’d find this useful. ##### Plain text emails get 40–60% higher inbox placement.[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=29 "Edit section: Plain text emails get 40–60% higher inbox placement.") ##### Missing this = spam.[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=30 "Edit section: Missing this = spam.") ### If you want, I can help you:[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=31 "Edit section: If you want, I can help you:") ✔ Check your SPF ✔ Check your DKIM ✔ Check your DMARC ✔ Check your domain’s reputation ✔ Check your IP reputation ✔ Check your email layout ✔ Rewrite your templates for inbox placement ✔ Rebuild your segments ✔ Help set safe sending speeds (especially for 200K emails) Just tell me: What is your sending domain? (e.g., mail.return.me or sendy.return.me?) and I can run through every setting FOR YOU and tell you exactly what to fix. ### 1. Verify SPF, DKIM, and add DMARC[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=32 "Edit section: 1. Verify SPF, DKIM, and add DMARC") 1. Enable List-Unsubscribe (Sendy) 2. Warm up sending again 3. Clean your email list 4. Adjust image/text ratio 5. Avoid spammy subject lines/content 6. Resend campaigns to engaged users first Do these 7 steps and your open rates will return to normal. If you'd like, paste your DNS records or tell me your domain and I’ll tell you exactly what’s missing. ### User: show me where to go in amazon ses to see and make these changes[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=33 "Edit section: User: show me where to go in amazon ses to see and make these changes") show me where to go in amazon ses to see and make these changes ### Assistant: Here is a clear, step-by-step walkthrough showing exactly where to click in Amazon SES to set up and fix SPF, DKIM, DMA…[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=34 "Edit section: Assistant: Here is a clear, step-by-step walkthrough showing exactly where to click in Amazon SES to set up and fix SPF, DKIM, DMA…") Here is a clear, step-by-step walkthrough showing exactly where to click in Amazon SES to set up and fix SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and all deliverability settings. I’ll guide you like you’re inside the SES console. ### ✅ 1. Log into Amazon SES[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=35 "Edit section: ✅ 1. Log into Amazon SES") Go to: console.aws.amazon.com[[2]](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?mobileaction=toggle_view_mobile&title=Openai%2F6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b#cite_note-2) Choose the correct region where your SES is set up (usually US-East-1, US-West-2, or EU-West-1). ### ✅ 2. GO HERE TO FIX DKIM & SPF[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=36 "Edit section: ✅ 2. GO HERE TO FIX DKIM & SPF") ##### [edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=37 "Edit section: Menu → SES → Identities") On the left sidebar, click: “Verified identities” You will see your sending domain (example: return.me or mail.return.me). ##### Click your domain.[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=38 "Edit section: Click your domain.") Inside that domain page you will see: ##### ✔ A. Easy DKIM[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=39 "Edit section: ✔ A. Easy DKIM") * Look for “DKIM signing” * Make sure it says: “Enabled (Easy DKIM)” * If not → click “Edit” → enable Easy DKIM * SES will give you 3 CNAME records * Add these to your DNS * Status must say “Verified” ##### ✔ B. SPF[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=40 "Edit section: ✔ B. SPF") SPF isn’t directly edited inside SES, but SES shows you the record you need. Scroll until you see: “Mail-From domain” You will see: v=spf1 include:amazonses.com ~all You must add this at your DNS provider. ### ✅ 3. WHERE TO FIND THE REQUIRED DNS RECORDS[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=41 "Edit section: ✅ 3. WHERE TO FIND THE REQUIRED DNS RECORDS") Inside your domain identity, scroll down to: ##### Section: “DNS records”[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=42 "Edit section: Section: “DNS records”") You will see 3–6 records: 1. TXT → SPF 2. Two or three CNAMEs → DKIM 3. TXT (optional) → MAIL FROM domain Copy/paste these into your DNS. When they turn green / verified, you’re good. ### ✅ 4. HOW TO SET UP DMARC[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=43 "Edit section: ✅ 4. HOW TO SET UP DMARC") DMARC is not inside Amazon SES. You set it in your DNS provider (GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Microsoft, etc.). Add this TXT record: Host: _dmarc Type: TXT Value: v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc@return.me You can confirm this record with: [https://mxtoolbox.com/dmarc.aspx](https://mxtoolbox.com/dmarc.aspx) ### ✅ 5. CHECK COMPLAINT, BOUNCE, AND REPUTATION[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=44 "Edit section: ✅ 5. CHECK COMPLAINT, BOUNCE, AND REPUTATION") To see if SES is throttling your domain (VERY IMPORTANT): ##### [edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=45 "Edit section: In SES sidebar click:") “Reputation dashboard” (or depending on region: “Account dashboard” → “Reputation”) Inside you can see: ✔ Bounce rate ✔ Complaint rate ✔ Rejection rate ✔ Account health ✔ Sending limits ✔ IP reputation If your bounce OR complaint rate is high, Gmail will hit spam automatically. ### ✅ 6. CHECK SENDING SETTINGS[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=46 "Edit section: ✅ 6. CHECK SENDING SETTINGS") Go to: SES → Configuration → Sending → Account dashboard This page shows: * Are you hitting rate limits? * Are emails being throttled? * Are you on the spam list? * Are you in the SES sandbox? ### ✅ 7. CHECK EMAIL DELIVERABILITY INSIGHTS[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=47 "Edit section: ✅ 7. CHECK EMAIL DELIVERABILITY INSIGHTS") Go here: SES → Deliverability → Insights This page shows: * Domain reputation * Key compliance issues * Authentication issues (SPF/DKIM/DMARC) * Inbox placement score * Gmail/Yahoo deliverability warnings ### ✅ 8. WARM-UP SETTINGS AND SENDING SPEED[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=48 "Edit section: ✅ 8. WARM-UP SETTINGS AND SENDING SPEED") Go here: SES → Configuration → Sending → Sending limits This shows: * Max emails per second * Max emails per 24 hours For large lists (e.g., 200,000+), this matters for Gmail inbox placement. ### ✅ QUICK SUMMARY OF WHERE TO CLICK[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=49 "Edit section: ✅ QUICK SUMMARY OF WHERE TO CLICK") | What you want to fix | Where to click in SES | | --------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | DKIM | SES → Verified Identities → Domain → DKIM | | SPF record info | SES → Verified Identities → Domain → Mail-From | | DNS records | SES → Verified Identities → Domain → DNS records section | | Reputation problems | SES → Reputation Dashboard | | Bounce/complaint rate | SES → Reputation Dashboard | | Sending speed | SES → Configuration → Sending limits | | Deliverability issues | SES → Deliverability → Insights | ### 📌 Want me to walk you through this LIVE?[edit](https://freemwiki.com/index.php?title=Openai/6929cd1c-7a64-8001-8a2c-558af209458b&action=edit§ion=50 "Edit section: 📌 Want me to walk you through this LIVE?") If you tell me: ✔ Your SES region ✔ Your sending domain (ex: mail.return.me or return.me) ✔ Your DNS host (GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Microsoft, etc.) I can guide you screen-by-screen and tell you exactly what to click and exactly what to fix. Just tell me your setup and I’ll walk you step-by-step.