How to resolve Microsoft deliverability issues during IP warm up after being blocked?
Summary
What email marketers say12Marketer opinions
Email marketer from SendGrid emphasizes the importance of sending consistent volume and frequency. A sudden increase in sending volume can trigger spam filters, especially during the initial IP warm-up phase. The article advises a gradual ramp-up based on list size and engagement.
Email marketer from Email Geeks recommends reaching out to Microsoft via their support channel, even if the bounce message indicates a different issue, as they have seen cases where Microsoft lifted blocks after initial rejection.
Email marketer from Web Hosting Talk recommends focusing on building a strong positive reputation by sending emails to highly engaged recipients initially, and gradually increasing volume. He also advises to focus on clean list practices to prevent spam complaints.
Email marketer from Reddit suggests using Microsoft's delisting portal (mentioned in MS documentation above) as the first step. They also recommend providing specific details about the IP warming process and anticipated email volume when submitting the request.
Email marketer from Mailjet shares the importance of gradually increasing sending volume during IP warming. Start with small batches to engaged users and steadily increase as you monitor deliverability metrics and sender reputation. Also, ensure that emails are properly authenticated and content is relevant to recipients.
Email marketer from EmailToolTester shares the importance of monitoring the sender reputation, also ensure your domain isn't on any blacklists. EmailToolTester also shares a list of tools to help identify your sender reputation such as Talos and Google Postmaster Tools.
Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that the best course of action is to send a ticket to Microsoft and escalate it after the initial automated reply, explaining the IP warming process and anticipated traffic.
Email marketer from Neil Patel suggests focusing on building a clean email list by removing inactive subscribers, implementing double opt-in, and segmenting your audience. Also, maintain consistent sending volume, monitor your sender reputation, and authenticate your emails with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
Email marketer from GMass recommends segmenting your list and sending to your most engaged users first. This builds a good sending reputation with Microsoft. Also, monitor bounce rates and immediately remove hard bounces from your list.
Email marketer from Litmus stresses the importance of using a dedicated IP address during the warm-up process. Sharing an IP with other senders can lead to deliverability problems if their sending practices are not up to par. Maintaining control over your IP's reputation is essential for reaching the inbox.
Email marketer from Email Geeks details the typical Microsoft support ticket process, which includes submitting a ticket, receiving an automated response, replying with details, and potentially escalating if the issue persists.
Email marketer from StackOverflow user Thomas, suggested making the users add the sender's email address to their contact list or safe sender list within Outlook. Also, he recommends ensuring that the email's content does not trigger spam filters. This involves avoiding spam trigger words.
What the experts say4Expert opinions
Expert from Word to the Wise highlights the importance of utilizing Microsoft's SNDS tool to monitor your IP's reputation and identify potential issues affecting deliverability. The article emphasizes the value of regularly reviewing SNDS data to understand complaint rates, spam trap hits, and other metrics that can help troubleshoot and resolve deliverability problems during IP warming.
Expert from Email Geeks shares that responding to the initial "we can’t find any problem" response from Microsoft often leads to a resolution, even if they initially claim there is no issue.
Expert from Spam Resource explains that requesting pre-emptive accommodation from Microsoft is valuable for new IPs or those significantly changing their sending patterns. The article details how to properly craft a request, emphasizing the need to explain your sending practices, authentication methods, and commitment to best practices to avoid being blocked during IP warm-up.
Expert from Email Geeks explains that Microsoft's legal team restricts non-boilerplate communication, but humans still read and act on the messages. Suggests focusing on facts and desired actions and ignoring the automated responses.
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from Microsoft details the use of Microsoft's Smart Network Data Services (SNDS) to monitor the health and reputation of your sending IPs. The document covers how to use the data provided by SNDS to identify potential issues and improve email delivery rates.
Documentation from SparkPost emphasizes the necessity of using Microsoft's Smart Network Data Services (SNDS) and the Junk Email Reporting Program (JMRP). SNDS provides data on your IP's reputation, while JMRP allows you to receive reports when users mark your emails as spam.
Documentation from Google explains that Google and Yahoo has introduced new guidelines for bulk email senders. They highlight the importance of enabling DMARC authentication, maintaining low spam rates and providing easy unsubscribe options.
Documentation from Microsoft Docs explains that if your IP address has been blocked by Outlook.com, the sender should use the delisting portal. They should ensure they are adhering to best practices for sending email, including proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and maintaining low complaint rates.