How to get Proofpoint to unblock my IP address?
Summary
What email marketers say11Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Mailhardener explains that email authentication via SPF, DKIM and DMARC can improve deliverability and avoid blocks. Mailhardener helps you set up and validate these.
Email marketer from EmailDudes Forum shares to check your IP reputation using online tools and address any negative listings. Improve sending practices, authenticate your email, and request delisting from any blacklists.
Marketer from Email Geeks suggests trying mailop, mentioning there was a Proofpoint representative responding there as of April 2022.
Email marketer from SendGrid shares information on the process of warming IP addresses and slowly increasing the volume of emails sent from it over time. This is key to establishing trust.
Marketer from Email Geeks reports that the IP was on Proofpoint's blocklist (PDR) but has been delisted due to a lack of samples to check. He suggests monitoring deliverability to Apple and contacting them directly if issues persist.
Email marketer from GlockApps explains that doing deliverability tests to different email providers including Proofpoint is key to understanding any deliverability issues
Email marketer from Mailjet shares that the key to getting unblocked and remaining unblocked is to maintain a high sender reputation.
Email marketer from Stack Overflow explains that Proofpoint's delisting process involves submitting a request through their support channels or postmaster email. Provide details about the IP address, reasons for the block, and steps taken to resolve the issues causing the block.
Marketer from Email Geeks suggests contacting Apple's postmaster team directly (<https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204137>) if the issue specifically relates to Apple. He also mentions he can check the IP and see where it may have landed if provided.
Email marketer from Reddit suggests monitoring your sending reputation and volume closely, addressing any complaints promptly, and using feedback loops to identify and resolve deliverability issues.
Email marketer from Email Marketing Institute shares that proactive reputation management including setting up feedback loops, engaging with postmasters, and monitoring blocklists can prevent Proofpoint blocking IPs.
What the experts say4Expert opinions
Expert from Word to the Wise explains to properly warm up the IP address by gradually increasing sending volume and monitoring engagement. A sudden spike in volume from a new IP can trigger filters.
Expert from Email Geeks shares that <mailto:postmaster@proofpoint.com|postmaster@proofpoint.com> is usually quite responsive.
Expert from Spam Resource shares information on what to do if your IP is listed on Spamhaus. This includes checking the specific listing reason, addressing any security issues, and following Spamhaus's delisting procedures, which may involve proving you've taken steps to prevent future abuse.
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that understanding why you were blocklisted in the first place (due to spam traps, complaints, bad sending practices etc.) is critical. You need to fix the root cause *before* requesting delisting, otherwise you will likely be re-blocked.
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from Microsoft shares tips to help ensure that their messages get to where they're supposed to go and gives tips to troubleshoot mail flow issues.
Documentation from Google details their sender guidelines for bulk email senders. It advises authenticating email, keeping complaint rates low, and following best practices for email formatting and content.
Documentation from Proofpoint Knowledge Base details the different block messages and remediation steps. It suggests reviewing your sending practices and ensuring compliance with email best practices to avoid being blocked.
Documentation from Spamhaus details their blocklist policies and removal process. It mentions identifying the specific Spamhaus list your IP is on and following their removal instructions, which may involve fixing security issues or demonstrating improved sending practices.