Overview
When you set up a fresh sending domain for your email marketing, it has no reputation with mailbox providers. In order to demonstrate that you’re a legitimate sender, you’ll need to gradually increase the number of emails you send out. This process, known as “warming up a domain,” helps you avoid landing in spam folders and establishes a solid sender reputation.
Why Is Domain Warming Necessary?
Email platforms keep a close eye on new domains and IP addresses because they lack any proven track record. Without a positive sending history, your emails can easily get filtered into spam or blocked. By slowly ramping up your sending volume, you show mailbox providers that your domain follows best practices and meets consistent engagement patterns - boosting your deliverability rates in the process.
Set Up DKIM
Before sending any emails, we recommend that you set up DKIM before sending any messages. DKIM helps verify the authenticity of your emails, enhancing your domain's credibility in the eyes of MBPs. Click here to learn how to do this.
How to Maintain Strong Deliverability
Use an opt-in strategy. Make sure subscribers specifically agree to receive your content so they expect your emails.
Monitor your lists. Keep your contact lists updated by regularly removing bounced or uninterested addresses.
Craft relevant content. Provide valuable information to minimize spam complaints and encourage high open rates.
Avoid spam triggers. Stay away from questionable phrases and tactics in your subject lines and message body.
Be consistent. Stick to a steady sending schedule and keep your “From” name recognizable.
Warming Up Your Domain Step by Step
Below is a recommended schedule you can follow when warming up your domain. The idea is to send emails in small, controlled batches and increase those numbers over time:
Day 1: 50 emails
Day 2: 100 emails
Day 3: 200 emails
Day 4: 400 emails
Day 5: 800 emails
Day 6: 1,500 emails
Day 7: 3,000 emails
Day 8: 5,000 emails
If your total sending needs exceed 5,000 emails per day, keep extending your schedule in gradual steps rather than making any sudden jumps. This helps prevent red flags with mailbox providers.
Keep Track of Performance
As you incrementally send more emails each day, pay attention to your delivery metrics. Watch for:
Open rates and click rates – Are subscribers engaging as expected? If this drops, there is an issue.
Bounce rates – A spike might indicate invalid addresses or list quality issues.
Spam complaints – Look for sudden increases and investigate the cause right away.
Tracking these indicators will help you spot potential problems and fine-tune your strategy before they escalate.
Additional Recommendations
Avoid link shorteners. Some filters flag these as potential spam indicators.
Personalize your messages. Use subscriber data (like name or location) to build trust and encourage positive engagement.
Retire inactive contacts. If people haven’t opened your emails over a long period, consider removing them from your list.
Domain Warming with Course Creators Kit
By following the careful, step-by-step process outlined above, you’ll let mailbox providers know that your domain is reputable and consistent. This approach, combined with monitoring your metrics and keeping your content relevant, will help you maintain a strong sender reputation. Ultimately, domain warming is an essential practice for anyone looking to succeed with email marketing in Course Creators Kit.