Melanated Mogul

If you’re a Shopify store owner, chances are you’ve experienced that initial excitement whenever a new email or message notification pops up. You think, “Is it a new customer? Maybe a big order?!” only to find out it’s just another spam message trying to sell you SEO services or promising to skyrocket your sales overnight. Trust me, I’ve been there—more times than I’d like to admit.

As someone who has run a Shopify store, I know how annoying this can be. You’re eagerly waiting to hear from potential customers, but instead, your inbox gets flooded with spammy emails and messages. What’s even more frustrating is that while you may have received a few inquiries or actual orders from real customers, the overwhelming majority of communication seems to come from spammers.

The Prevalence of Spam in Shopify Stores

You might wonder why this is happening. The reality is that spam is a pervasive issue for anyone operating online, and Shopify stores are no exception. Consider these statistics:

• Email Spam: Nearly 45.6% of all emails sent globally in 2023 were classified as spam, amounting to a staggering 162 billion spam emails sent every day. This number highlights the sheer volume of junk communications you might be wading through as a Shopify store owner (EmailToolTester, 2024).
• Social Media Spam: On the social media front, things aren’t much better. A recent survey found that 47% of social media users reported seeing more spam in their feeds over the past year, despite efforts by platforms to combat this issue (HubSpot, 2023). This means that even your business’s social media pages are likely targets for spammers, leading to a flood of unsolicited messages and comments.

Why Does This Happen?

So, why do Shopify store owners get so much spam? The truth is, it’s a common issue not just for Shopify but for almost any online platform. Here are a few reasons why this happens:

1. Public Contact Information: When you list your email or contact information on your store, it becomes accessible to anyone, including spammers. Automated bots crawl the web looking for email addresses and contact forms to target with spam.
2. Shopify App Ecosystem: While the Shopify app ecosystem is fantastic, it’s also a target for developers and marketers who want to push their apps or services. Many spammers use generic messages, hoping to grab your attention.
3. Shopify’s Popularity: With over 4 million stores built on Shopify, it’s a prime target for spammers who know that many store owners are new to e-commerce and might be more susceptible to marketing pitches (Gorgias, 2023).
4. Exposure to Bots: As your store grows and gets more traffic, it naturally attracts more attention from automated bots that are programmed to send spam.
5. Social Media Spam: Social media is another hotspot for spam. Your business’s social media pages are public by nature, making them easy targets for spammers. They might flood your DMs with unsolicited offers, spammy comments, or even tag your business in irrelevant posts. Unlike email, it’s much harder to filter out unwanted messages on social media.

How to Handle Spam on Your Shopify Store

While completely eliminating spam might not be possible, there are definitely ways to manage and reduce it:

1. Use a Dedicated Business Email: Avoid listing your personal email address on your store. Instead, create a dedicated business email specifically for your Shopify store. This way, even if you receive spam, it doesn’t clog up your personal inbox.
2. Enable Spam Filters: Shopify and most email providers offer spam filters. Make sure these are enabled to catch spam before it hits your inbox. Adjust the settings to be more aggressive if necessary.
3. Use a Contact Form: Instead of displaying your email address directly on your website, use a contact form. This can help prevent bots from easily accessing your email.
4. Install a CAPTCHA: Adding a CAPTCHA to your contact form can help block automated spam submissions. It’s a small extra step for real customers but can make a big difference in reducing spam.
5. Be Cautious with Apps and Plugins: Be selective about the apps you install. Some apps may inadvertently expose your store to more spam. Stick to well-reviewed and reputable apps.

Dealing with Social Media Spam

Social media spam is a different beast. Since your profiles are public, they’re more difficult to control. However, there are ways to manage the influx:

1. Filter Comments and Messages: Most social media platforms allow you to filter comments and messages. You can block certain keywords or restrict who can message you.
2. Report and Block: If you consistently receive spam from certain accounts, don’t hesitate to report and block them. The platform may take action against repeat offenders.
3. Be Selective with Tags and Mentions: Regularly monitor and adjust your tag and mention settings. On platforms like Instagram, you can control who is allowed to tag you in posts or comments.
4. Engage with Real Customers: The more you engage with real customers on social media, the easier it is to spot and ignore the spam. Genuine interactions will naturally push spammy content lower in your feed.

Final Thoughts

Running a Shopify store can be incredibly rewarding, but the constant barrage of spam can take a toll on your patience. While it’s impossible to stop all spam, implementing some of the strategies mentioned above can significantly reduce the noise. Remember, your time is valuable, and by managing spam more effectively, you can focus on what truly matters—connecting with your customers and growing your business.

If you’ve experienced spam issues on your Shopify store or social media, I feel your pain. But don’t let it discourage you. Stay proactive, and keep your focus on the customers who truly matter. With the right tools and strategies, you can keep the spam at bay and ensure that your business communications are as clean and efficient as possible.

References:

• EmailToolTester. (2024). Spam Statistics 2024: Survey on Junk Email, AI Scams & Phishing. Retrieved from emailtooltester.com
• HubSpot. (2023). 47% of Social Media Users Report Seeing More Spam in Their Feeds. Retrieved from hubspot.com
• Gorgias. (2023). Shopify Statistics for 2023: Facts & Figures For Merchants. Retrieved from gorgias.com