What should I do before requesting removal from any blocklist?

The most critical mistake senders make is rushing to request delisting without fixing the underlying problem. Blocklists exist because something went wrong - submitting a removal request without addressing the root cause wastes everyone's time and often results in immediate re-listing.

Universal pre-delisting checklist:

1. Identify the root cause

• Check when the listing occurred - what changed around that time?
• Review your sending logs for anomalies (spikes, new campaigns, new sources)
• Check for compromised accounts or scripts
• Review recent list additions for purchased or scraped data

2. Stop the bleeding

• Pause all sending from the listed IP/domain if needed
• Disable any compromised accounts or vulnerable forms
• Remove problematic content or links

3. Fix authentication

• Verify **SPF** includes all legitimate sending sources
• Confirm **DKIM** is signing properly
• Check **DMARC alignment**
• Fix rDNS (PTR records) for sending IPs

4. Clean your lists

• Remove bounced addresses
• Suppress unsubscribes globally
• Consider running verification on older addresses
• Remove addresses with no engagement

5. Check for ongoing issues

• Monitor complaint rates
• Verify unsubscribe process works
• Ensure all senders on your IP are legitimate

6. Document what you've done

• Blocklists often ask what caused the listing and what you've fixed
• Having clear answers speeds up removal

Then, and only then, submit your removal request.

Requesting delisting without fixing the problem is like asking the coast guard to remove a hazard warning while your ship is still on fire. They're not trying to be difficult - they're trying to prevent you from sinking and taking others with you.