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What should I do if my Mailgun shared IP has a low reputation in Google Postmaster Tools?

Summary

If your Mailgun shared IP has a low reputation in Google Postmaster Tools, several steps can be taken. First, ascertain whether the IP is shared or dedicated. For shared IPs, your domain reputation becomes paramount, as Google prioritizes it. Ensure proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and maintain list hygiene by segmenting lists, prioritizing engagement, and removing inactive users. Monitor reputation metrics via Google Postmaster Tools and set up DMARC reports to detect unauthorized sending. Consider the type of emails being sent; if they are primarily product notifications with low engagement, rethink their content and frequency. Finally, contact Mailgun support to explore options such as moving to a different IP pool and investigate if other IPs on the account are affected. Be mindful that Google Postmaster Tools may not always be 100% accurate.

Key findings

  • Domain Reputation Importance: Google prioritizes domain reputation over IP reputation, especially for shared IPs.
  • Shared IP Vulnerability: Shared IPs are influenced by the sending practices of all users on that IP.
  • Authentication is Crucial: Properly configured SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are essential for deliverability.
  • List Hygiene Matters: Maintaining a clean and engaged email list positively impacts IP reputation.
  • Monitoring is Key: Regularly monitor reputation metrics in Google Postmaster Tools and DMARC reports.

Key considerations

  • IP Type Check: Determine whether the IP is shared or dedicated as the appropriate response differs.
  • Engagment Assessment: Assess the engagement levels of your email recipients to identify potential issues.
  • Contact Mailgun: Reach out to Mailgun support to discuss available options and potential solutions.
  • Feedback Loops: Implement feedback loops to understand how recipients are marking your emails.
  • Sending Practices: Adhere to best sending practices and Google's guidelines for bulk email senders.

What email marketers say

15 marketer opinions

If a Mailgun shared IP has a low reputation in Google Postmaster Tools, it's crucial to first determine if the IP is indeed shared. If it is, and your domain reputation remains high, the impact may be minimal. Consistent sending practices, proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and list hygiene are essential for improving IP reputation. Segmentation of email lists, engagement monitoring, and feedback loops are also beneficial. Contacting Mailgun support to explore options like moving to a different IP pool can also be a viable solution.

Key opinions

  • Shared IP Impact: On shared IPs, the impact of low IP reputation might be minimal if domain reputation is high.
  • Authentication: Proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is crucial for deliverability.
  • List Hygiene: Maintaining a clean email list and engaging with active users improves sender reputation.
  • Engagement: High engagement rates positively influence IP reputation.
  • GPT Reliability: Google Postmaster Tools might not always be entirely accurate.

Key considerations

  • Domain Reputation: Monitor domain reputation closely, as it heavily influences deliverability.
  • IP Type: Determine if the IP is shared or dedicated, as the appropriate actions differ.
  • Engagement Metrics: Track engagement metrics to identify and address potential issues.
  • Contact Support: Contact Mailgun support to explore options and troubleshoot the issue.
  • Sending Volume: Maintain a consistent sending volume to establish a stable reputation.

Marketer view

Email marketer from Woodpecker.co shares to clean your email list of inactive subscribers and prioritize engagement and avoid sending to inactive or unengaged users.

27 Mar 2023 - Woodpecker.co

Marketer view

Email marketer from Email on Acid shares that misconfigured SPF/DKIM records can lead to deliverability issues. Ensure Mailgun's authentication settings are correctly implemented for your domain.

11 Sep 2022 - Email on Acid

What the experts say

2 expert opinions

When using a shared IP on Mailgun, a low IP reputation in Google Postmaster Tools requires careful monitoring and proactive steps. Because shared IPs are impacted by the sending practices of all users on that IP, contacting Mailgun to explore moving to a different IP pool is a primary recommendation. Utilizing DMARC feedback reports is also recommended to monitor IP reputation and identify potential unauthorized sending activities.

Key opinions

  • Shared IP Vulnerability: Shared IPs are susceptible to the actions of all users on the IP address.
  • Monitoring: Continuously monitor IP reputation in Google Postmaster Tools.
  • DMARC Feedback: DMARC feedback reports are beneficial for monitoring reputation and detecting unauthorized sending.

Key considerations

  • Contact ESP: Reaching out to Mailgun to explore options like moving to a different IP pool is crucial.
  • Unauthorized Sending: Investigate and address any potential unauthorized sending activities to protect your reputation.

Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise (Laura Atkins) explains to use DMARC feedback reports to monitor IP address reputation and to check for unauthorized sending by malicious users. Additionally, they highlight that if using a shared IP, it’s important to contact your ESP to find if there is any actions they can take.

3 Jul 2021 - Word to the Wise

Expert view

Expert from Spamresource.com shares that when you use a shared IP address, you're at the mercy of what everyone else using that IP is doing. It's important to monitor your sending reputation in Google Postmaster Tools and contact your ESP to see if you can move to a different IP address pool.

13 Jun 2025 - Spamresource.com

What the documentation says

4 technical articles

When a Mailgun shared IP has a low reputation in Google Postmaster Tools, the main course of action involves monitoring IP health, ensuring proper email authentication, and adhering to sending guidelines. Since shared IPs are affected by other users' behavior, regular monitoring of reputation metrics is vital. Ensuring that SPF records are correctly configured to authorize Mailgun's servers and setting up DMARC reports to monitor authentication results are essential for identifying and addressing potential issues.

Key findings

  • Shared IP Impact: Shared IP reputation is influenced by other users on the same IP.
  • Monitoring Importance: Regular monitoring of IP reputation metrics in Google Postmaster Tools is essential.
  • Authentication Key: Properly configured SPF records are crucial for authorizing Mailgun to send emails on your behalf.
  • DMARC Reports: DMARC reports help monitor authentication results and identify potential issues.

Key considerations

  • Contact Support: Contact Mailgun support if concerns arise about IP health or reputation.
  • Sending Guidelines: Adhere to Google's sending guidelines for bulk email senders to maintain a good reputation.
  • Authentication Issues: Address any authentication issues identified in DMARC reports promptly.

Technical article

Documentation from Mailgun Help Center explains that if using a shared IP, reputation is influenced by other users. Mailgun monitors IP health and takes action if needed. Contact support if concerns arise.

19 Jul 2023 - Mailgun Help Center

Technical article

Documentation from RFC shares to ensure your SPF records are correctly formatted and include Mailgun's servers to authorize them to send emails on behalf of your domain.

8 Apr 2022 - RFC

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