How does changing ESPs and domains affect sender reputation and email deliverability?

Summary

Changing ESPs and domains can substantially affect sender reputation and email deliverability. Transitioning ESPs necessitates warming up new IP addresses to build credibility, while new domains require establishing a positive sending reputation through authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and consistent engagement. Mailbox providers like Google and Microsoft use domain reputation, based on factors like spam complaints, sending volume, and authentication, to assess email quality. Experts recommend careful planning, monitoring, and the potential isolation of companies relying on 'cold outreach'. Considerations include managing the visible 'From' address versus the return-path, subdomain strategy, and adherence to best practices for list hygiene to minimize disruptions and maintain optimal deliverability.

Key findings

  • ESP Transition Risks: Switching ESPs temporarily impacts sender reputation, necessitating IP address warm-up.
  • Domain Change Impacts: New domains require building reputation via authentication and engagement.
  • Reputation Assessment: Mailbox providers use domain reputation (spam complaints, volume, authentication) to judge email quality.
  • Authentication Importance: SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are vital for verifying senders and preventing address forgery.
  • Domain and Subdomain Management: A well designed domain and subdomain management is vital for campaign success.
  • Transition Considerations: Transitioning to a new setup should be well designed to reduce negative impact on deliverability.

Key considerations

  • IP Warm-up Strategy: Gradually warm-up new IPs to establish positive sending history with ISPs.
  • Authentication Setup: Properly configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records.
  • List Hygiene: Regularly clean email lists to remove inactive/unengaged recipients.
  • Gradual Transition: Implement changes progressively, monitoring deliverability metrics.
  • Sender Reputation Awareness: Be mindful of sending practices and reputation factors (spam complaints, engagement).
  • Consider Visible 'From': Pay attention to the visible 'From' and return-path alignment during transitions.

What email marketers say
18Marketer opinions

Changing ESPs and domains can significantly affect sender reputation and email deliverability. Switching ESPs requires warming up new IP addresses to establish credibility. A new domain lacks a sending history, demanding a reputation-building phase focused on authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and consistent sending practices. Maintaining proper list hygiene, understanding the impact of visible FROM versus return-path domains, and considering the implications of subdomains versus cousin domains are also vital for ensuring optimal email deliverability during such transitions.

Key opinions

  • ESP Transition Impact: Switching ESPs can temporarily affect sender reputation and deliverability, necessitating a new IP address warmup period.
  • Domain Change Impact: Changing domains requires building reputation from scratch with authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and consistent sending practices.
  • Subdomain Considerations: Using subdomains effectively segments email traffic but can lead to deliverability issues if one subdomain is blacklisted.
  • Cousin Domain Risks: Using cousin domains can damage brand reputation and make it easier for impersonators to target your audience.
  • MX Record Importance: Domains with MX records tied to them require extra attention during ESP and domain transitions.
  • Domain Reputation Basis: Domain reputation is based on sending history, spam complaints, and engagement metrics.
  • Domain Age Significance: ISPs consider domain age when determining sender trustworthiness.

Key considerations

  • IP Warmup: Gradually increase email volume to new IP addresses to build a positive sending reputation with ISPs.
  • Domain Authentication: Implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to authenticate your domain and prevent email spoofing.
  • List Hygiene: Maintain a clean email list by removing inactive or unengaged subscribers.
  • FROM/Return Path Alignment: Carefully manage the relationship between the visible FROM address and the return-path address.
  • Transition Strategy: Plan a gradual transition to a new ESP or domain to minimize disruption to sender reputation and deliverability.
  • Monitor Deliverability: Monitor deliverability metrics closely during and after ESP or domain changes to identify and address any issues.
  • Separate Traffic: Isolate different types of email traffic (e.g., transactional vs. marketing) using subdomains.
Marketer view

Email marketer from GlockApps discusses that a new domain will not have any sending reputation. A new domain can be used immediately; however, you have to warm it up to establish your reputation gradually.

February 2022 - GlockApps
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks responds stating correct. The domains that have an MX tied to it are the ones you have to really pay attention to. So if your visible From is different than the return-path, then you should be good.

February 2025 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Litmus answers that properly authenticating your domain (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is crucial for establishing trust with mailbox providers. Authentication helps verify that you are who you say you are, improving email deliverability and reducing the risk of spam filtering.

July 2023 - Litmus
Marketer view

Email marketer from Sendinblue shares that changing domains can significantly impact email deliverability. A new domain lacks a sending history, requiring a reputation-building phase. Senders should focus on authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and consistent sending practices to establish trust with ISPs.

January 2023 - Sendinblue
Marketer view

Email marketer from Postmark shares that the choice between using a subdomain or a top-level domain depends on your specific sending needs and risk tolerance. Subdomains can be used to isolate different types of email traffic (e.g., transactional vs. marketing), while a single top-level domain can simplify brand management.

November 2023 - Postmark
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit user u/EmailGuru123 responds that changing domains is like starting over. You lose all your previous reputation, so make sure your email list is clean and your authentication is set up correctly.

August 2024 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks answers that if your visible From is different than the return-path, then you should be good. If the visible From your customer sees is also the one used in the return-path and DKIM, you’ll want to keep timing in mind, regardless of if it’s hard cut.

September 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from MailerCheck discusses that the age of your domain matters. ISPs look at domain age as a factor in determining whether or not to trust a sender. Starting with a mature domain can give you a slight advantage over a brand new domain.

January 2022 - MailerCheck
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks responds that Spamhaus' DBL would list your entire organizational domain if a sub-domain deserves a listing.

July 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks shares the cousin domain is not good practice because by using one, you'll "teach" your recipients that your brand can have multiple domains, making it easier to impersonate your brand.

December 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks advises to change the ESP first and wait a month or two before changing the domain to minimize the impact on email deliverability.

December 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that separating your subdomain based on purpose is a good thing, especially if you are spinning up a new subdomain for marketing.

November 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum explains that when switching ESPs, you might see a dip in deliverability initially because your new IP address doesn't have a sending history yet. Start slowly and monitor your results.

November 2023 - Email Marketing Forum
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email on Acid shares that when switching ESPs you will need to warm up your new IP address. IP warming is the process of gradually increasing email volume to build a positive sending reputation with ISPs.

July 2024 - Email on Acid
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailjet explains that switching ESPs can temporarily affect sender reputation and deliverability. A new IP address requires a warmup period to establish credibility with mailbox providers. Poor list hygiene and authentication issues can further compound deliverability problems during the transition.

March 2022 - Mailjet
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks explains that changing the domain name when switching ESPs will likely have a negative impact, at least in the short term, because filters take time to adjust to changes.

May 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackOverflow user TechEmailPro discusses that domain reputation is based on your sending history, spam complaints, and engagement metrics. A new domain starts with no reputation, requiring a careful warmup strategy to avoid deliverability issues.

April 2021 - StackOverflow
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks suggests a subdomain for your new vendor’s returnpath would be the best path if you want a transition. This lets you warm up new IPs while continuing to mail off your current platform.

April 2022 - Email Geeks

What the experts say
7Expert opinions

Experts suggest that while changing ESPs and domains can impact deliverability, some advocate for making all changes at once for a shorter disruption period. They emphasize the lack of need for different subdomains and highlight the benefit of using subdomains over purchasing entirely new domains. It is also important to isolate companies that rely on 'cold outreach' (spam) to prevent them from ruining the rest of the company and to carefully plan the transition with IP warming, monitoring, and consistent practices. Overall a new domain requires building a positive reputation focusing on authentication and engagement.

Key opinions

  • All-at-Once Approach: Some experts advocate for changing ESPs and domains simultaneously to minimize the duration of disruption.
  • Subdomain Sufficiency: Different subdomains are not necessary for deliverability, and using a subdomain of the main domain is often sufficient.
  • Need to Isolate Spammers: Companies that rely on cold outreach (spam) should be isolated onto their own domain.
  • Transition Planning: Transitioning to a new ESP requires careful planning, IP warming, and consistent sending practices.
  • New Domain Reputation: A new domain needs to build a positive sending reputation from scratch, focusing on authentication and engagement.

Key considerations

  • Assess Disruption Tolerance: Determine whether to change ESPs and domains separately or simultaneously based on disruption tolerance.
  • Subdomain Strategy: Utilize subdomains effectively to manage email traffic without purchasing entirely new domains.
  • Isolate Problematic Senders: Force companies reliant on spam onto their own domain to protect the rest of the company's deliverability.
  • Implement Warmup Strategy: Gradually warm up new IPs when transitioning to a new ESP to build a positive sending reputation.
  • Focus on Authentication: Prioritize email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and engagement when starting with a new domain.
  • Monitor Deliverability Metrics: Monitor deliverability metrics during and after changes to identify and address any issues.
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks recommends the pain of moving all changes at once instead of twice is worth the outcome.

August 2021 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks shares an argument for making all changes (ESP and domain) at once as it leads to a shorter period of disruption.

December 2021 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks confirms using a subdomain of your main domain is great and there's no need to purchase an entirely new domain.

October 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Spamresource.com answers that the transition to a new ESP requires careful planning. Warming up new IPs gradually, monitoring deliverability metrics, and maintaining consistent sending practices are crucial for minimizing disruption to sender reputation.

March 2025 - Spamresource.com
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise explains that changing domains can have a significant impact on deliverability. Starting with a new domain requires building a positive sending reputation from scratch, focusing on authentication and engagement.

August 2021 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks explains there’s no need to use different subdomains from a delivery perspective.

May 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks shares if your company has decided that “cold outreach” (AKA, spam) is the only way they’re ever going to grow and be successful and that paying for your advertising is just beyond the pale, then you should, absolutely, force them onto their own domain.

March 2024 - Email Geeks

What the documentation says
4Technical articles

Email deliverability is heavily influenced by domain and IP reputation, as assessed by mailbox providers like Google and Microsoft. A poor domain reputation, stemming from spam complaints or authentication issues, can lead to email filtering or blocking. New IP addresses and domains require careful management to avoid being flagged as spam. Authentication protocols like SPF and DMARC are essential for verifying sender identity and preventing forgery, ultimately improving deliverability.

Key findings

  • Domain Reputation Importance: Google and other mailbox providers use domain reputation to assess email quality.
  • IP/Domain Reputation Critical: Both IP and domain reputation are vital for email deliverability, particularly for new IPs and domains.
  • SPF Authentication: SPF helps prevent sender address forgery by specifying authorized mail servers.
  • DMARC Control: DMARC builds on SPF and DKIM, providing domain owners with greater control and reducing phishing.

Key considerations

  • Manage Reputation: Carefully manage new IP addresses and domains to prevent spam flags.
  • Implement Authentication: Implement authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
  • Monitor Spam Complaints: Address spam complaints and authentication issues to maintain a positive domain reputation.
  • Maintain Sending Volume: Control sending volume to positively impact your domain reputation.
Technical article

Documentation from Google Postmaster Tools answers question about Google uses domain reputation to assess the quality of incoming emails. Domain reputation is based on factors like spam complaints, sending volume, and authentication. Poor domain reputation can lead to emails being filtered to spam or blocked altogether.

July 2021 - Google Postmaster Tools
Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft explains that both IP and domain reputation are critical for email deliverability. New IP addresses and domains lack a sending history and require careful management to avoid being flagged as spam. Microsoft recommends implementing authentication protocols and monitoring sender reputation metrics.

May 2022 - Microsoft
Technical article

Documentation from DMARC.org explains that DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) builds upon SPF and DKIM to provide domain owners with greater control over their email channel. DMARC allows senders to specify how mailbox providers should handle emails that fail authentication checks, reducing phishing and spoofing.

August 2023 - DMARC.org
Technical article

Documentation from RFC explains that SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is an email authentication method that helps prevent sender address forgery. By publishing an SPF record, domain owners can specify which mail servers are authorized to send email on their behalf, improving deliverability.

December 2023 - RFC