SORBs Blacklist [2024 Update]: How to Remove in 5 Steps + 5 Tips To Avoid

So, you’ve been sending emails for your business, and everything seems to be going smoothly.

Your campaigns were running well, leads were coming in, and then suddenly…

Your emails stopped reaching the inbox.

Turns out, your IP or domain has been listed on the SORBs blacklist. 

Now you're probably wondering:

• Why did this happen to you?
• What can you do to fix it?
• How do you ensure it never happens again?

I get it. Finding out your IP or domain is blacklisted can be frustrating and stressful.

But don’t worry, you’re not the first to deal with this, and you definitely won’t be the last.

In this blog, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about the SORBs blacklist, including:

💥What SORBs Blacklist is and why you might be listed.

💥The consequences of being on the SORBs blacklist, like email deliverability issues and potential loss of revenue.

💥How to remove your IP or domain from the SORBs blacklist in just 5 easy steps.

💥And finally, I’ll share 5 tips to help you avoid getting blacklisted in the future.

By the end of this blog, you'll not only know how to remove your IP or domain from the SORBs blacklist, but you'll also have a solid plan to keep it from happening again.

So, grab your coffee, sit back, and let’s tackle this together! 

But before you start I want to give you a latest update on SORBs: 

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What is SORBs Blacklist?

First things first, SORBs stands for Spam and Open Relay Blocking System. Now, that might sound a bit technical, but don’t worry—I’ll simplify it for you. 

SORBs is essentially a blacklist that identifies and blocks IP addresses and domains that are suspected of sending spam or being vulnerable to misuse, like open relays.

So, what does that mean for you? 

If your IP or domain ends up on the SORBs blacklist, it’s because SORBs believes that emails from your address might be:

• Spammy or likely to be spam
• Coming from a server that isn’t properly secured
• Associated with activities that could harm recipients, like open relays

Now, let’s talk about how SORBs decide who gets blacklisted.

• Spam Complaints: If your IP has received multiple spam complaints, SORBs might flag you.
• Open Relays: If your server allows anyone to send emails through it without proper security, it could land you on the list.
• Other Vulnerabilities: Any other security issues that might make your emails seem risky to recipients.

The impact of being listed on the SORBs blacklist can be pretty serious. When your IP or domain is on this list, your emails might:

• Go straight to the spam folder
• Get blocked entirely by email providers
• Hurt your email marketing and communication efforts

This can really affect your business, especially if you rely on emails to connect with customers. You could lose out on sales, damage your brand’s reputation, and see a drop in revenue—all because your emails aren’t reaching the inbox.

So, in a nutshell, SORBs is a tool used to filter out potentially harmful emails by blacklisting IPs and domains that don’t meet certain security standards. 

If you’re on this list, it can seriously impact your email deliverability, but don’t worry—in the next sections, I’ll guide you on the reasons you might be listed on SORBs Blacklist

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Why might you be listed on SORBs Blacklist?

First off, spam complaints are a major reason. If your emails are being marked as spam by recipients, SORBs take notice. Even if you’re not intentionally sending spam, too many complaints can land you on the blacklist. It’s like getting too many strikes in a game—you end up out.

Here are some common reasons why spam complaints might occur:

• Unsolicited emails: Sending emails to people who didn’t opt-in.
• Frequent emailing: Sending too many emails in a short period.
• Misleading content: Emails that don’t match what the recipient expected.

Another common issue is open relays. An open relay is when your email server is configured in a way that allows anyone to send emails through it. This might sound harmless, but it’s a big no-no in the email world. 

Spammers love open relays because they can use them to send out tons of junk mail, and if your server is one of them, SORBs will likely blacklist you.

Signs that your server might be an open relay include:

• Unusual email traffic: A sudden spike in outgoing emails.
• Server misconfiguration: Incorrect setup allowing unauthorized access.
• Spam complaints: Multiple reports about spam coming from your domain.

Then there’s the problem of compromised servers. If your server has been hacked or compromised in some way, it might be used to send out spam without you even knowing it. This is another red flag for SORBs. They’re all about keeping email safe, and a compromised server is anything but.

Key indicators of a compromised server are:

• Unauthorized access: Unknown users or scripts running on your server.
• Strange email activity: Emails being sent that you didn’t authorize.
• Security breaches: Known vulnerabilities or past hacks.

So, how do you know if you’ve been listed? 

It’s pretty simple. You can check your status on the SORBs website. They have a search tool where you can enter your IP address or domain name to see if you’re on their blacklist. It’s a good idea to do this regularly, especially if you suspect something might be wrong with your email deliverability.

In summary, there are a few key reasons why you might end up on the SORBs blacklist:

• Spam complaints from recipients
• Open relays on your email server
• Compromised servers that have been hacked or misused

Knowing these reasons can help you take steps to avoid getting blacklisted in the first place. And if you find yourself on the list, don’t worry—in the next sections, I’ll guide you on how to get off the SORBs blacklist and keep your emails flowing smoothly.

How to Remove Your IP/Domain from SORBs in 5 Steps? (Alternative Method After SORBs Discontinuation)

With the recent discontinuation of the SORBs anti-spam service by Proofpoint, you might be wondering what to do if your IP or domain was listed. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. 

Even though SORBs is no longer operational, there are alternative steps you can take to ensure your email deliverability isn’t affected. Let’s walk through this together.

Step 1: Identify the Reason for Listing

Even though SORBs is no longer in operation, the reasons why you might have been listed on any spam blacklist still apply. 

The first thing you need to do is identify the root cause that might have led to your listing, whether it was with SORBs or another service. 

This could include issues like spam complaints, an open relay on your server, or even a compromised server.

Here’s how you can still check:

• Review spam complaints: Check your email logs and any feedback loops provided by email service providers.
• Check for open relays: Ensure your server is not configured as an open relay, which allows unauthorized use.
• Scan for compromises: Use security tools to scan your server for any signs of hacking or unauthorized use. 

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Step 2: Fix Underlying Issues

Once you’ve identified the problem, it’s time to fix it. The goal is to prevent any future blacklisting on other services, like SpamCop or Spamhaus, which are still active.

• Close open relays: Ensure your server settings prevent unauthorized access and use.
• Address spam complaints: Clean your email list and make sure you’re only sending to those who’ve opted in.
• Secure your server: Implement strong security measures to prevent your server from being compromised again. 

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Step 3: Gather Evidence of Remediation

Although you can’t directly request delisting from SORBs anymore, it’s still a good practice to gather evidence that you’ve addressed the issues. This evidence will be crucial if you need to contact other blacklisting services or explain your actions to email providers.

• Server logs: Keep records showing the issue has been resolved.
• Security reports: Document the security measures you’ve put in place.
• Spam complaint resolution: If possible, show that you’ve reduced or eliminated spam complaints. 

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Step 4: Use Alternative Anti-Spam Services

With SORBs gone, you should focus on alternative anti-spam services that are still in operation, such as SpamCop and Spamhaus. 

These services provide similar functions to SORBs and can be crucial in maintaining your email deliverability.

• Register with SpamCop: Use SpamCop’s free reporting service to monitor and manage your IP or domain status.
• Check Spamhaus: Regularly check if your IP or domain is listed on Spamhaus, another widely-used anti-spam service.
• Maintain a good reputation: Follow best practices in email sending to avoid future blacklisting. 

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Step 5: Monitor and Follow Up

Even though SORBs is no longer an option, it’s still important to continuously monitor your IP and domain reputation. Use tools from SpamCop, Spamhaus, and other similar services to keep an eye on your status. 

If you find yourself listed on another blacklist, be proactive in resolving the issue.

• Set up alerts: Use monitoring tools to get notified if your IP or domain gets listed.
• Follow up regularly: Check your status on active anti-spam services and take action if needed.
• Stay updated: Keep abreast of changes in the anti-spam community to ensure your email practices are compliant.

In summary, while SORBs is no longer available, you can still protect your email reputation by taking these alternative steps. 

By addressing the underlying issues, using alternative services like SpamCop and Spamhaus, and maintaining ongoing vigilance, you can ensure your emails continue to reach their intended recipients. 

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Consequences of Being on the SORBs Blacklist

So, what happens if your IP or domain ends up on the SORBs blacklist? Let’s break it down together, because the impact can be more serious than you might think.

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Email Deliverability Issues

First and foremost, being on the SORBs blacklist can wreak havoc on your email deliverability. 

Imagine this: You’ve crafted the perfect email campaign, but instead of landing in your recipients’ inboxes, your emails are either getting marked as spam or not being delivered at all. That’s exactly what can happen when you’re blacklisted by SORBs. 

Email providers trust these blacklists to filter out unwanted emails, so if you’re on the list, your messages might never reach their intended audience.

Here’s what you might face:

• Spam folders: Your emails could end up in the spam folder, where most people won’t even bother to look.
• Blocked emails: Some email providers might outright block your emails, meaning they’ll never reach the recipient.
• Bounce rates: Higher bounce rates can follow, as undelivered emails get returned to you.

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Reputation Damage

Next up is your reputation—both as an email sender and as a business. When your IP or domain is blacklisted, it sends a signal to email providers that your emails might not be trustworthy. 

This can seriously damage your sender reputation, making it harder to get your emails delivered even after you’ve been removed from the blacklist. It’s like having a black mark against your name that takes time to erase.

Consider the effects on your business:

• Trust issues: Recipients might start to see your emails as spam or untrustworthy.
• Long-term damage: Once your reputation is damaged, it can take time to rebuild trust with email providers and recipients.
• Brand perception: Your brand’s credibility might take a hit if your emails are associated with spam. 

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Financial Implications

Finally, let’s talk about the financial side of things. If your emails aren’t reaching their targets, you could be losing out on potential revenue. 

Think about it—every undelivered email is a missed opportunity to connect with a customer, close a sale, or nurture a lead. 

Over time, this can add up to significant losses, especially if email marketing is a key part of your business strategy.

The financial impact could include:

• Lost sales: Missed opportunities to convert leads into customers.
• Wasted resources: Time and money spent on email campaigns that don’t reach their audience.
• Decreased ROI: Lower return on investment from your email marketing efforts due to poor deliverability.

In short, being on the SORBs blacklist can have a ripple effect on your business. From email deliverability issues to reputation damage and financial losses, the consequences are far-reaching. 

In the next sections, I’ll guide you through tips to avoid these pitfalls and get back on track.

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5 Tips To Avoid Future Blacklisting

Now that you understand the consequences, let’s talk about how to avoid getting blacklisted in the first place. Here are five tips to help you keep your IP and domain off blacklists:

1. Maintain a Clean Email List

Make sure you’re only sending emails to people who have opted in to receive them. Regularly clean your email list to remove inactive or invalid addresses. This reduces the chances of your emails being marked as spam.

2. Implement Strong Security Measures

Ensure your server is secure and not vulnerable to being used as an open relay. Regularly update your security protocols and monitor for any signs of compromise. 

You can use Infraforge to build your own private email infrastructure which gives you flexibility to secure your server. You can check this video to understand better.

E3. Follow Best Practices in Email Marketing

Avoid sending unsolicited emails, and always follow email marketing best practices. This includes using clear subject lines, providing easy opt-out options, and respecting your recipients’ privacy. 

4. Monitor Your Email Reputation

Use tools to regularly check your email reputation and IP/domain status. This can help you catch any issues early and take corrective action before they lead to blacklisting.

5. Stay Informed and Updated

Keep up with the latest trends and best practices in cold email. The landscape is always changing, and staying informed can help you avoid potential pitfalls.

By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of being blacklisted and ensure that your emails continue to reach their intended recipients. 

Remember, staying off blacklists isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about building and maintaining trust with your audience.

Conclusion 

High five!

You’ve made it all the way to the end.

Let’s quickly recap what we’ve covered so far:

• We explored what the SORBs blacklist was and why it mattered.
  
  
• Walk through the 5 steps to remove your IP or domain from the blacklist (or handle alternative methods now that SORBs is gone).
  
  
• Discussed the serious consequences of being blacklisted, like email deliverability issues and damage to your reputation.
  
  
• Shared 5 essential tips to help you avoid getting blacklisted in the future.

Now, if you ask me, it all boils down to two key things:

☝🏼 Protecting your email reputation

This means staying on top of your email practices, ensuring your server is secure, and always sending to people who want to hear from you. A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping you off those blacklists.

✌🏼 Being proactive and vigilant

Monitoring your IP and domain regularly, staying informed about best practices, and being ready to act if something goes wrong are your best defenses. Don’t wait until it’s too late—prevention is easier than cure.

In short, staying ahead of the game is the best way to ensure your emails keep reaching the right inboxes.

Before you go, let’s do something fun today.

How about a quick quiz?

Sounds good? Great, answer this:

Which of the following can help you maintain a good email reputation?

a) Regularly updating your email list

b) Securing your email server against open relays

c) Monitoring your IP reputation with tools like SpamCop

d) All of the above

Here’s the deal: send me your answer at frank@salesforge.ai, and I’ll send you a special guide on keeping your email deliverability at its best! 

And guess what? I’ll send you the guide even if you don’t answer at all. No strings attached.

Just drop me a line, and let’s make sure your emails always land where they’re supposed to.

Here’s to keeping your email reputation spotless and your business thriving.

Until next time!

P.S. By the way, the right answer is - d) All of the above.

Stay vigilant and keep those emails flowing smoothly. See you!

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