What is spam?

Anyone with an email address knows it: that endless stream of unsolicited newsletters, vague offers for cryptocurrencies, or messages from "distant princes" wanting to give away millions. We call it spam.

But what exactly is spam, why is it dangerous for your business, and how do you ensure that your legitimate emails aren't accidentally marked as spam?

What exactly is spam?

Spam is the collective term for unsolicited, bulk electronic messages. The term originated from a famous Monty Python sketch about the meat product 'Spam', in which the word was repeated so often that any other conversation became impossible. It works the same way on the internet: it floods your inbox and disrupts your normal communication.

There are different types of spam:

Commercial spam: Unsolicited advertising from companies that have obtained your email address illegally.

Phishing: Messages that look like emails from your bank or a parcel service, but are intended to steal your login credentials.

Malware spam: Emails with attachments or links that install viruses or ransomware on your computer.

Why is spam a problem for entrepreneurs?

Besides the annoyance factor, spam is a serious threat to your business operations:

Loss of productivity: Employees spend an average of hours per month filtering their inbox.

Security risks: One wrong click can bring down your entire corporate network.

Reputational damage: If your mail server is poorly secured, spammers can use your domain name to send emails. As a result, your company ends up on a blacklist.

How do you prevent your emails from ending up in the spam folder?

As an entrepreneur, you naturally want your invoices and newsletters to actually arrive. This is where the techniques we frequently implement at Mediawax come into play:

SPF, DKIM, and DMARC: These are digital signatures that prove to mail providers (such as Gmail or Outlook) that you are indeed the sender.

Use a "Double Opt-in": Have people confirm their subscription to your newsletter. This ensures that you do not send emails to people who have not requested them.

BIMI: By displaying your logo in the inbox, you provide a visual sign of trust to the recipient (and the spam filter).

Conclusion

Spam will never disappear completely, but by having your own email security in order, you protect not only yourself but also your customers. A clean inbox is the foundation for professional communication.