DKIM passes but mail still lands in spam — why

DKIM=pass only proves the mail was not tampered with. It does not make a receiver trust you.

What actually moves the needle

1. Domain/IP reputation — built slowly through consistent, wanted mail.
2. Engagement — opens, replies, and the absence of complaints.
3. List hygiene — sending to dead addresses or spam traps is fatal.
4. Content — spammy phrasing, bare one-line bodies and link-heavy mail get flagged.

If a specific recipient marks you spam, their filter learns it for that mailbox — test with a fresh inbox or mail-tester.com.