How can I automate IP warmup in Iterable?

Summary

Automating IP warm-up in Iterable is a strategic process that combines platform-specific tools with best practices. It involves contacting Iterable support for tailored advice, segmenting email lists by engagement, gradually increasing sending volume to engaged users, and continuously monitoring deliverability metrics. While full automation isn't always possible, strategic campaign scheduling and automation of monitoring aspects are key. Success requires a well-planned campaign approach, a focus on data utilization, and ongoing reputation management.

Key findings

  • Iterable Consultation: Consult with Iterable support or a CSM for specific guidance on their platform.
  • Engagement-Based Segmentation: Segment lists by engagement, prioritizing highly engaged subscribers for initial sends.
  • Gradual Volume Increase: Incrementally increase sending volume to avoid deliverability issues and build sender reputation.
  • Deliverability Monitoring: Automate the monitoring of deliverability metrics like bounces, spam complaints, and engagement rates.
  • Strategic Campaign Planning: Treat IP warm-up as a strategic campaign, not just a technical task.
  • Partial Automation: Full automation is unlikely; manual monitoring and adjustments are usually necessary.

Key considerations

  • Platform Tools: Leverage Iterable's specific IP warm-up tools and features.
  • Data-Driven Approach: Use data to personalize content and target the right subscribers.
  • Reputation Building: Focus on building a positive sender reputation with ISPs.
  • Deliverability Expertise: Consider consulting deliverability experts for guidance.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Regularly monitor and adjust your strategy based on performance metrics.

What email marketers say
10Marketer opinions

Automating IP warm-up in Iterable involves a multi-faceted approach. While complete automation might not be possible, aspects like scheduling campaigns, segmenting lists based on engagement, and monitoring deliverability metrics can be automated. Consulting Iterable's support or a CSM is advised for specific strategies, and gradual volume increases are crucial to avoid deliverability issues.

Key opinions

  • Iterable Support: Consult Iterable support or a CSM for tailored IP warm-up strategies.
  • Engagement Segmentation: Segment email lists by engagement levels, starting with the most active users.
  • Gradual Volume Increase: Incrementally increase email sending volume to build a positive sender reputation.
  • Deliverability Monitoring: Automate monitoring of deliverability metrics like bounce rates and spam complaints.
  • Partial Automation: Full automation may not be possible; manual monitoring and adjustments are still needed.

Key considerations

  • ESP-Specific Tools: Utilize Iterable's built-in automation tools for scheduling and monitoring.
  • Expert Consultation: Engage deliverability experts for customized strategies and support.
  • Reputation Management: Prioritize building and maintaining a positive sender reputation with ISPs.
  • Contact Segmentation: Use engagement-based contact segmentation for an effective warm-up.
  • Volume Increments: Carefully manage and increase sending volume to avoid deliverability problems.
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks advises reaching out to the implementation consultant or CSM at Iterable to discuss IP warmup options, as they have the best understanding of the background and MTA setup.

May 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email on Acid highlights the importance of monitoring sending reputation metrics during IP warming. Automate the process of tracking metrics such as bounce rates, complaint rates, and spam trap hits to detect and address deliverability issues quickly.

March 2024 - Email on Acid
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks suggests asking Iterable directly about IP warmup automation, as some ESPs might add a shared IP to the dedicated IP pool and enable warming to handle fallover traffic.

May 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailjet highlights that while complete automation might not be possible, you can automate aspects of IP warming by scheduling sending campaigns. This allows you to automatically increase volume over time, though monitoring and adjustments are still crucial.

July 2023 - Mailjet
Marketer view

Email marketer from Validity shares that you can automate a lot of the deliverability monitoring process, which is important for IP warming. However, the actual sending schedule will depend on your specific situation, and it's wise to engage deliverability experts to improve deliverability in Iterable.

March 2024 - Validity
Marketer view

Email marketer from Gmass explains that warming up an IP address involves building a good sender reputation with ISPs (Internet Service Providers) by gradually increasing the volume of emails you send. Automation tools within your ESP can help schedule and manage this process.

March 2025 - GMass
Marketer view

Email marketer from SendGrid shares that planning is critical to IP Warm-up. Segment your contacts by engagement, start with the most active users, and progressively increase volume to avoid deliverability issues.

July 2023 - SendGrid
Marketer view

Email marketer from Litmus shares that to automate the IP warm-up process effectively, segment your email lists based on engagement levels. Start with the most engaged subscribers and gradually add less engaged ones over time.

August 2022 - Litmus
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit shares that although fully automated IP warming is not feasible, you can automate aspects of the process by scheduling campaigns and using tools to monitor deliverability metrics.

September 2024 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailgun shares that it is critical to gradually increase your email sending volume during the IP warm-up process. Starting too high can harm your reputation.

September 2023 - Mailgun

What the experts say
2Expert opinions

Experts emphasize a strategic, data-driven approach to IP warm-up, focusing on engaging subscribers and gradual volume increases to build a positive reputation and ensure successful deliverability.

Key opinions

  • Strategic Planning: IP warm-up requires a well-thought-out sending plan, not just a technical process.
  • Engaged Subscribers: Prioritize sending to engaged subscribers during the warm-up phase.
  • Gradual Volume Increases: Increase sending volume slowly and steadily to avoid negative impacts on reputation.
  • Deliverability Metrics: Monitor deliverability metrics closely throughout the warm-up process.
  • Data-Driven: Leverage data to send relevant messages to recipients, improving engagement.

Key considerations

  • Reputation Management: Focus on building a positive sender reputation with ISPs.
  • Content Relevance: Ensure messages are relevant and engaging for the recipients.
  • Campaign Approach: Treat IP warm-up as a carefully planned campaign, not a one-time task.
  • Data Utilization: Effectively use data to target the right subscribers with the right content.
  • Monitoring and Adjustment: Continuously monitor and adjust your strategy based on performance metrics.
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource shares that warming up an IP address requires a strategic sending plan, prioritizing engaged subscribers. The focus should be on gradual volume increases and deliverability metrics to prevent a negative reputation with ISPs.

April 2022 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise shares that IP warming should be approached as a carefully planned campaign, not just a technical task. It is essential to use your data to send the right messages to engaged recipients to ensure success.

June 2022 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says
5Technical articles

Documentation from various email platforms emphasizes the importance of gradual sending volume increases, starting with engaged users, for successful IP warm-up. Tools are often available to automate campaign scheduling and monitoring, helping to build a positive sender reputation and avoid spam filters.

Key findings

  • Gradual Volume Increase: All platforms recommend gradually increasing sending volume during IP warm-up.
  • Engaged Users First: Starting with engaged users is crucial to build a positive sender reputation.
  • Automation Tools: Platforms offer tools to automate campaign scheduling and monitoring.
  • Sender Reputation: Building a positive sender reputation is key to avoiding spam filters.
  • Authentication: Proper email authentication is essential for deliverability.

Key considerations

  • Platform-Specific Tools: Utilize the specific automation tools offered by your email platform (e.g., Iterable, SparkPost).
  • Monitoring Metrics: Continuously monitor key metrics like bounces and spam complaints.
  • Planning and Execution: Proper planning and execution are vital for optimal deliverability.
  • Sending Limits: Be aware of and manage initial sending limits imposed by the platform.
  • Best Practices: Adhere to email marketing best practices to avoid being marked as spam.
Technical article

Documentation from Google Workspace explains that following best practices, like properly authenticating your emails and gradually increasing sending volume, can prevent your emails from being marked as spam. Use tools within your email platform to help manage these aspects of IP warm-up.

September 2022 - Google
Technical article

Documentation from Postmark Support explains that to properly warm-up your IP address, increase sending volume gradually while continuously monitoring key metrics like bounces and spam complaints. It’s a process that requires careful planning and execution to ensure optimal deliverability.

February 2023 - Postmark
Technical article

Documentation from SparkPost explains that their IP Warm-up Tool will automatically schedule campaigns for you based on best practices. This tool also allows you to create seed lists and adjust the sending schedule as needed.

January 2022 - SparkPost
Technical article

Documentation from Iterable Support explains that it's important to gradually increase sending volume when warming up an IP address in Iterable. Start with your most engaged users and slowly add more contacts over time to build a positive sender reputation.

June 2022 - Iterable Support
Technical article

Documentation from Amazon SES explains that when you start using a new dedicated IP address, SES automatically imposes a low sending limit. This limit gradually increases as you build a sending reputation.

August 2023 - Amazon Web Services