How can Webflow be configured to improve mail-client-friendliness and avoid emails being marked as spam when testing form emails?
TL;DR
- Set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records on your domain and use an authenticated SMTP provider or third-party form service to send emails.
- Avoid spammy language in form fields, configure a domain-based Reply-To address, and test emails with tools like Mail-Tester for deliverability.
Improving email deliverability and preventing Webflow form submissions from being marked as spam involves DNS setup, clean sender identity, and proper testing practices.
1. Use a Custom SMTP Service (Optional Workaround)
- Webflow sends form submissions from no-reply@webflow.io, which can be flagged by spam filters due to generic sending.
- Consider using third-party form handlers (e.g., Zapier, Make, Formspree, Basin) to send emails via your domain’s authenticated SMTP.
2. Set Up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC Records
- While Webflow doesn’t let you configure email DNS directly, these DNS records on your own domain drastically improve reputation for emails sent by third-party handlers.
- If using a tool like Gmail, Mailgun, or SendGrid to relay submissions, configure the following DNS records with your domain host:
- SPF for sender verification (e.g.,
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all) - DKIM for cryptographic authentication
- DMARC to enforce policy based on SPF/DKIM results
3. Avoid Spam Triggers Inside Form Fields
- Some email filters scan submitted form field content.
- Avoid common spam words (e.g., “Free offer,” “Act now”) in your test messages.
- Make sure form content includes legitimate, relevant information and a functional reply-to email.
4. Configure a Reply-To Address
- Webflow lets you set a Reply-To email in the Form Block settings or Project Settings > Forms.
- Use your own domain-based email (e.g., info@yourdomain.com) rather than a personal Gmail address.
- This improves the sender’s professionalism and lowering bounce/spam scores.
5. Whitelist or Monitor Test Emails
- Use tools like Mail-Tester.com or GlockApps to evaluate spam score before sending to actual recipients.
- Add your testing address to a rule or safelist in mail clients like Gmail or Outlook to prevent false positives.
6. Use a Third-Party Notification Service
- For critical notifications, integrate Webflow forms with services like Zapier + Gmail/Outlook, SendGrid, or Brevo to ensure reliable delivery.
- These platforms support domain authentication and provide detailed logs for each email.
Summary
To avoid Webflow form emails being marked as spam, use an email relay service or authenticated SMTP provider with proper SPF/DKIM setup, avoid spammy form content, and configure a valid reply-to address. Webflow alone doesn’t support full email authentication, so leveraging a third-party tool is your best option for reliable email delivery.