What Is Blacklisting and IP Address Reputation?

What is an IP address?

An IP address is a number that names a computer on the internet, like a house number. Your mail server has one. When it sends mail, other servers see this number.

What is IP reputation?

Reputation is how much others trust you. Mail servers keep a score for every IP address. If you send good mail that people want, the score is good. If you send spam, the score drops. Spam is unwanted junk mail.

What is blacklisting?

A blacklist is a list of IP addresses that sent bad mail. Companies that run these lists share them with mail servers. If your IP is on a list, many servers refuse your mail or put it in spam. You may see a bounce message that mentions "blocked" or "blacklisted".

Why does an IP get listed?

• A hacked website or mailbox sent spam.
• You sent mail to old or fake addresses.
• Many people marked your mail as spam.
• Another site on the same shared server sent spam.
• Mail settings such as SPF and DKIM are missing. These are records that prove your mail is real.

Steps to check and fix

1. Read the bounce message. It often names the list.
2. Find your sending IP address. Ask Hostvento support if you do not know it.
3. Look it up on a free blacklist checker website.
4. Find and fix the cause first. Scan your website for malware. Change the passwords of your mailboxes.
5. Check that SPF and DKIM records exist for your domain. Your control panel has a tool for this.
6. Open the website of the blacklist that lists you. Most have a removal form. Fill it in.
7. Wait. Removal can take hours or days.

How to keep a good reputation

• Only email people who agreed to get your mail.
• Keep your mailing lists clean.
• Use strong passwords.
• Keep website software up to date.

If you need help, open a ticket on the support page.

Quick recap

• Reputation is a trust score for your IP address.
• A blacklist is a list of IPs known for spam.
• Fix the cause, then ask for removal.
• Clean lists and strong passwords prevent it.