Suddenly most of your marketing emails are going to spam. How do you diagnose and fix the problem?

What the interviewer wants to hear

• Check authentication: SPF, DKIM, DMARC alignment
• Check reputation tools such as Google Postmaster Tools and blocklists
• Review recent changes: lists, volume, content, new tools
• Pause sends to unengaged or risky segments
• Rebuild reputation with engaged segments and gradual volume
• Fix root causes like list sources and sign-up process

Model answer

First I would check the technical basics: SPF, DKIM and DMARC records and alignment, because a DNS change or a new sending tool can break them. Then I would look at Google Postmaster Tools, Microsoft's SNDS and blocklist checks to see spam complaint rates and domain and IP reputation. Next I would review what changed recently: a new list import, a jump in volume, a different template or a new sign-up source that might bring fake addresses. While investigating, I would pause sends to unengaged and risky segments. To recover, I would send only to the most engaged subscribers, such as people who clicked in the last 30 to 60 days, with content they clearly want, and increase volume slowly as signals improve. Finally, I would fix the root cause, for example adding double opt-in or captcha to the sign-up form, and set up monitoring alerts so it is caught earlier next time.

More hard Digital Marketing Specialist questions

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