Warming up IPs after acquiring a company with a large contact list requires a gradual, strategic approach focusing on engaged users, careful monitoring, and strong list hygiene. Experts and documentation emphasize starting with a small volume of emails sent to the most engaged subscribers, gradually increasing volume over time while closely monitoring deliverability metrics like open rates, click-through rates, bounce rates, and spam complaints. List segmentation by engagement and recency is crucial, as is maintaining a consistent sending cadence. Proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is essential for building trust with mailbox providers. Tools like Google Postmaster Tools, Microsoft SNDS, and JMRP should be used to actively monitor sender reputation. A phased rollout, careful consideration of how new subscribers might react, and rigorous list cleaning are vital to prevent triggering spam filters and maintain a healthy sender reputation.
7 marketer opinions
When warming up IPs after acquiring a large contact list, experts recommend focusing on sending to engaged users first. Email marketers also state to gradually increase sending volume and maintain consistent sending habits while closely monitoring deliverability metrics like open rates, click-through rates, bounce rates, and complaint rates. They suggest also to prioritize proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) to build trust with mailbox providers and enhance deliverability. Segmenting the list by engagement and recency, and pausing or adjusting the warming schedule based on performance, is key. The consensus is that a careful and data-driven approach is crucial to avoid triggering spam filters and maintain a healthy sender reputation.
Marketer view
Email marketer from GlockApps recommends gradually increasing your sending volume. Start with a small number of emails and increase it daily or weekly, based on your current volume. A sudden spike in sending volume can trigger spam filters and harm your deliverability.
3 Aug 2021 - GlockApps
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit suggests segmenting your list by engagement and recency. Start with those who have engaged in the last 30 days and slowly add older segments. Monitor your open rates closely, and pause if you see dips.
6 Aug 2024 - Reddit
4 expert opinions
Experts advise a gradual and strategic approach to warming up IPs after acquiring a large contact list. Recommendations include starting with the current sending volume and gradually increasing it, while closely monitoring open and click rates to adjust the pace. Emphasis is placed on list hygiene, rigorously cleaning the list to remove invalid or inactive addresses. Experts also suggest a phased rollout, segmenting the list based on engagement and gradually introducing contacts to the mailing schedule. Consideration for how new subscribers might react, along with the potential for increased complaints and triggering 'unexpected volume' filters, is crucial for a successful IP warm-up.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks recommends starting from the current volume and slowly increasing it, while considering how new subscribers might react, particularly concerning engagement data and expectations, to prevent increased complaints. Also, Laura suggests being careful about triggering the "unexpected volume" filters when warming up.
4 Dec 2022 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks advises to start from current volumes and increase by 30% daily, monitoring open and click rates to adjust the pace.
17 Dec 2024 - Email Geeks
5 technical articles
Technical documentation emphasizes the importance of a gradual IP warming strategy when acquiring a large contact list. Starting with a small volume of emails to the most engaged users is crucial, followed by a slow, progressive increase over weeks or months. Close monitoring of deliverability metrics (spam complaints, IP reputation, domain reputation) and sender reputation using tools like Google Postmaster Tools, Microsoft SNDS, and JMRP is essential for detecting and addressing any issues. Email authentication and following best practices are fundamental. List segmentation based on engagement and proper IP warming schedules are vital for a positive sender reputation and deliverability.
Technical article
Documentation from SparkPost explains that a gradual IP warming strategy is crucial. Start with a small volume of emails to the most engaged users, slowly increasing the volume over time while monitoring deliverability metrics. Segment your list and send to the most active users first to build a positive reputation.
27 Jul 2022 - SparkPost
Technical article
Documentation from Amazon SES provides best practices on how to gradually increase the volume of emails you send through a new IP address. As you send more email, ISPs will gradually learn that your email is legitimate, which will improve your deliverability. It is important to monitor your sending limits and deliverability metrics during the warming up process.
24 Feb 2025 - Amazon
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