How should I warm up my IP address for B2B email sends to avoid Proofpoint blocks?
Summary
What email marketers say10Marketer opinions
Email marketer from LinkedIn user Sarah Jones recommends focusing on subscriber list hygiene during IP warming. Remove inactive or unengaged subscribers to improve your sender reputation and reduce the risk of Proofpoint flagging your IP.
Email marketer from Woodpecker suggests starting with highly targeted campaigns to B2B prospects who are most likely to engage with your emails. This helps build a positive sender reputation and reduce the risk of Proofpoint blocks.
Email marketer from GlockApps recommends monitoring blocklists to ensure your IP is not listed on any reputable blocklists. If your IP is listed, take steps to remove it before starting the IP warming process.
Email marketer from Mailjet recommends maintaining a consistent sending schedule during IP warming to establish a predictable sending pattern that ISPs can recognize and trust.
Email marketer from EmailGeeks Forum EmailGeek2023 emphasizes sending high-quality, relevant content during IP warming to encourage engagement and reduce the likelihood of Proofpoint flagging your IP.
Email marketer from GMass suggests rotating your IP addresses to spread out your email volume and reduce the chance of hitting sending limits or being flagged by Proofpoint during IP warming.
Email marketer from SendGrid shares that focusing on sending to engaged subscribers during IP warming is crucial. Positive engagement signals to ISPs that your emails are wanted and valuable, improving your sender reputation.
Email marketer from Lemlist advocates tracking engagement metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and spam complaints during IP warming to identify and address any deliverability issues that could lead to Proofpoint blocking.
Email marketer from Snov.io emphasizes implementing email authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) to verify your identity and prevent spoofing. This helps improve your sender reputation and reduce the likelihood of Proofpoint blocking your IP.
Email marketer from Reddit user u/EmailProB2B suggests segmenting B2B lists and gradually increasing volume to specific segments while monitoring Proofpoint's reputation checks. Focus on providing valuable content to avoid being flagged as spam.
What the experts say4Expert opinions
Expert from Word to the Wise emphasizes the importance of stringent list hygiene, especially for B2B sends. Regularly prune inactive subscribers and segment your list based on engagement to maintain a healthy sender reputation and reduce the risk of Proofpoint flagging your IP.
Expert from Spamresource explains that proactive blocklist monitoring is crucial and to check your IP address using Proofpoint's reputation lookup tool. To contact Proofpoint for more information and remediation, email them directly.
Expert from Email Geeks advises to contact Proofpoint directly (postmaster@proofpoint.com) to resolve block issues. She notes that Proofpoint's blocking isn't typically due to fast IP warming but is based on recipient feedback.
Expert from Email Geeks explains that machine learning algorithms prefer consistency, so starting with the intended sending pattern is best. She also highlights that B2B is different, and it's important to understand the reason for delivery failures, especially block bounces.
What the documentation says5Technical articles
Documentation from SparkPost explains that IP warming involves gradually increasing sending volume to establish a positive reputation with ISPs. Start with your most engaged users and monitor deliverability metrics closely.
Documentation from Google highlights the importance of monitoring your sender reputation using Google Postmaster Tools to identify and address any deliverability issues that could lead to Proofpoint blocking.
Documentation from Proofpoint advises checking their IP reputation lookup tool to see if your IP is listed and to understand the reasons for the listing. Then contact them for more information.
Documentation from Microsoft provides a list of factors to consider which include your IP reputation, domain reputation, authentication status, list accuracy, complaint rates, and content
Documentation from RFC Editor highlights following email sending standards (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and monitoring feedback loops. Implement these technical standards for authentication and monitor blocklists.