In recent times, the email marketing landscape has witnessed a significant shift as one of the prominent players in the email hosting industry, Zoho, decided to ban cold email for tens of thousands of its users. The consequences have been nothing short of chaotic, with users left frustrated and bewildered. In this article, we delve into the Zoho cold email ban, its potential reasons, and explore viable alternatives, including Google, Outlook, Inframail, and self-hosted SMTP servers.

The Shocking Ban: Zoho's Cold Email Prohibition

For many businesses, Zoho had been a reliable and cost-effective choice for email hosting. The ability to send cold emails, a valuable strategy for reaching new prospects in the recruiting, agency, and coaching sectors, was a crucial feature that attracted users to Zoho.

However, the unexpected ban on cold email by Zoho has sent shockwaves through these communities. Users who had invested both time and money in setting up their email campaigns found their efforts wasted and their hard-earned dollars down the drain.

The big question on everyone's mind is: Why did Zoho ban cold email? Unfortunately, Zoho has not publicly disclosed the exact reasons behind this drastic move. While the company's motives remain shrouded in secrecy, several plausible explanations have been proposed:

1. Artificial Warm-up Detection

Zoho may have implemented measures to detect artificial warm-up practices used by email sending software. This could be an attempt to prevent spammers from abusing their services and protect their IPs from being flagged as sources of spam.

2. Protecting Against Spam

Zoho might have decided to categorize unsolicited cold emails as spam, aligning with the broader industry trend of cracking down on spam and promoting email best practices.

Whatever the rationale behind Zoho's cold email ban, it is clear that tens of thousands of businesses have been adversely affected, leaving many searching for alternative solutions.

Exploring the Alternatives

For users left in the lurch by Zoho's ban, the quest for suitable alternatives has become paramount. Two well-known alternatives to Zoho are Google and Outlook, both giants in the email hosting industry. However, the price difference between these platforms and Zoho is substantial, with Google costing $7 per inbox per month and Outlook at $5 per inbox per month.

1. Google and Outlook

While the price point may be a deterrent, Google and Outlook offer reliable email hosting solutions. They also require proper configuration of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to ensure excellent deliverability.

2. Inframail: A New Contender

Inframail has emerged as a compelling alternative for those affected by Zoho's cold email ban. This email hosting platform is tailor-made for business owners, offering a unique combination of affordability, convenience, and functionality.

Inframail not only permits cold email campaigns but also streamlines the setup process. Creating 15 ready-to-use inboxes takes just seconds, thanks to its automation capabilities. Moreover, Inframail's pricing is unbeatable, with a flat rate of $99 per month for unlimited inboxes.

3. Self-Hosted SMTP Servers

For the more technically inclined, hosting your SMTP server is an even cheaper option. However, this path can be arduous and challenging. Monitoring and maintaining the reputation of your deliverability can be a formidable task.

Conclusion

The ban on cold email by Zoho has disrupted the email marketing strategies of many businesses, leaving them scrambling for alternatives. While Google and Outlook remain solid options, Inframail shines as a cost-effective and efficient solution designed specifically for business owners who need reliable email hosting and automation capabilities. Whether you choose a mainstream provider or explore newer options like Inframail, it's essential to adapt to the changing email marketing landscape and continue reaching your prospects effectively.

Writer: Kidous Mahteme
Co-founder of Inframail
Content Creation Lover