Gmail Errors When Sending Newsletter To Spam, Confirms MailChimp
2 mins read

Gmail Errors When Sending Newsletter To Spam, Confirms MailChimp

An ongoing problem with Google’s Gmail is disrupting the normal functioning of email newsletter services.

The issue causes many emails to be redirected to subscribers’ spam folders rather than their primary inboxes.

This problem was highlighted at Search Engine Journal in early June, when our email newsletter open rates were below our usual average.

A representative from MailChimp confirms that this is not an isolated case.

The popular email marketing platform is experiencing Gmail-specific delivery issues with an unknown number of customers.

“The problem occurs with Google and the Gmail platform. We work directly with them to help our users deliver campaigns directly to inboxes,” the MailChimp spokesperson explained.

However, MailChimp has had to admit that tackling this issue is challenging as it occurs outside of its platform. “It’s hard to say when the issue will be fixed,” the spokesman admitted. Nevertheless, it is ensured that a solution is worked out directly with Google.

What does this mean for publishers?

Delivery reports show that Gmail accepts MailChimp campaigns, but incorrectly categorizes them as spam.

This unusual sorting is a thorn in the side of publishers who rely on email newsletters to engage with their readers and distribute content.

In the meantime, MailChimp suggested a workaround. It recommends publishers communicate with their audience about the issue and ask them to manually move the campaigns from the spam folder to their primary inbox.

So that’s exactly what we’re doing.

If this issue affects you as a subscriber, you should consider the following steps to make sure you don’t miss your favorite newsletters.

How to make sure you don’t miss any email newsletters

  • In your inbox, click More.

Gmail Errors When Sending Newsletter To Spam, Confirms MailChimp

  • After clicking, you will see the Spam folder below.

Gmail Errors When Sending Newsletter To Spam, Confirms MailChimp

  • Click Spam. Look for emails from Search Engine Journal, Loren Baker (and all your favorite publishers).
    • If you want to move multiple emails, tick all of them and click “Not Spam”.

Gmail Errors When Sending Newsletter To Spam, Confirms MailChimp

  • You can also do this by opening the email and clicking “Do not report spam”.

Gmail Errors When Sending Newsletter To Spam, Confirms MailChimp

  • You will be asked to confirm the move to the inbox.

Gmail Errors When Sending Newsletter To Spam, Confirms MailChimp

Note that images are downloaded once you check your inbox and you can view the entire email.

More details to come

Although we have confirmed the Gmail glitch with MailChimp, it is currently unclear whether this issue will impact other email newsletter platforms.

Although the solution appears to be in sight, it underscores the urgency of effective communication channels between technology platforms and their users.

Google and MailChimp have not provided a specific timeline for resolving the issue, but have reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the issue as soon as possible.


Featured image created by the author using Midjourney.