If you cannot send email and you get a bounce from secureserver.net, you can channel your frustration toward GoDaddy. GoDaddy’s email blacklist policies irk many email system administrators but here are some tips to help get email sending again. This is another installment of our Spam Blacklist Removal Series, so be sure to check out the series for other ISPs.

Blacklisted at GoDaddy (Secureserver.net)

If you cannot send email and receive a bounce with the following:

SMTP error from remote mail server after initial connection:
host smtp.secureserver.net [72.167.238.201]:
554-p3pismtp01-010.prod.phx3.secureserver.net
554 Your access to this mail system has been rejected due to the
sending MTA's poor reputation. If you believe that this failure is in
error, please contact the intended recipient via alternate means.

Your server’s IP has been blocked by GoDaddy’s spam filters.

GoDaddy’s Spam Blacklist

GoDaddy does not disclose the details of its blacklisting policy, but I found that they use Senderbase. Senderbase measures a sender’s reputation and scores it as Good, Neutral or Poor. If you have a Poor reputation, Godaddy may block your emails. Be sure to check your sender reputation to assure you do not have a Poor reputation. If you do, then you can start the removal process. If not, then Godaddy may be blocking your email for another reason.

Getting Removed from SenderBase Blacklist

Before trying to get removed from the secureserver.net blacklist, you need to:

• Make sure the spam has stopped coming from your email server.
• Check for people forwarding email from your server to GoDaddy
• Review DNS settings to assure they are correct.

Do not try to get removed if you are not certain the spamming has stopped. Some blacklists, may only remove your IP from their blacklist a few times before you are listed permanently.

To resete your sender’s reputation, you can email support@senderbase.org. Include your IP address and request that you be removed. They will review your case. Typically, I hear back from them in 1-2 business days.

I am sure GoDaddy uses other blacklist tools, so getting a good reputation at Senderbase may not be sufficient, but having a poor reputation will certainly get your email blocked.

Email Blacklist Check

If you have been blacklisted by GoDaddy, you may have been blacklisted by other sites. While there are many blacklist checking tools, I recommend using MXToolbox’s Blacklist Check. DNSStuff also provides good email diagnostic tools, but you need a paid subscription.

Spam Blacklists

Spam blacklists are both a blessing and a pain. They can save you from spam but they can also prevent you from sending legitimate email. They key to staying off email blacklists is maintaining good email practices and appropriate DNS entries. Tools like SPF and DKIM can help your email avoid the junk folder.