How to verify SFMC IP warming and domain reputation when sharing an IP address?
Summary
What email marketers say10Marketer opinions
Marketer from Email Geeks responds that there is a differentiation between a “shared” IP, and one that is just shared between two EIDs owned by the same company. He also mentions that there was an automated delivery audit that you could ask for in the past, and suggests opening a support ticket to speak to someone in deliverability support to check if it's still available.
Email marketer from EmailGeek.com shares the need to monitor domain reputation through tools like Google Postmaster Tools, which provides insights into spam rates, IP reputation, and feedback loops. EmailGeek also mentions that consistently sending engaging content helps maintain a positive domain reputation.
Email marketer from SendGrid responds that using SPF and DKIM records verifies that you are authorized to send emails from your domain. This authentication helps prevent spoofing and improves your sender reputation.
Email marketer from Reddit shares the need to segment your list and send to the most engaged users first when warming an IP, especially a shared one. This user emphasizes the importance of monitoring open rates and avoiding sudden spikes in volume.
Email marketer from Word to the Wise responds to use Google Postmaster Tools to track domain and IP reputation, identify spam issues, and monitor authentication results (SPF, DKIM, DMARC). They emphasize that this tool offers crucial data for diagnosing and addressing deliverability problems.
Marketer from Email Geeks recommends the KBX tool over the SF Rep Audit and suggests setting up Google Postmaster Tools. She also advises warming the domain first, even if the IP is warm.
Email marketer from Smart Insights emphasizes the importance of warming shared IPs gradually, monitoring sender reputation metrics, and segmenting email lists to ensure consistent engagement and avoid spam traps. She also recommends using feedback loops to address complaints promptly.
Email marketer from MailerQ recommends a slow and steady approach to warming a shared IP, starting with your best recipients and focusing on quality content. Also they responded that you should watch your bounce rates and blocklist status like a hawk during the warming phase.
Email marketer from StackExchange advises using tools like MultiRBL, SenderScore, and MXToolbox to check if your IP or domain is blacklisted. They also suggest setting up alerts to be notified of any changes in reputation.
Email marketer from Litmus shares that a good domain reputation stems from consistent sending habits, low bounce rates, and high engagement. Monitor your sender score and use feedback loops to maintain a positive reputation and resolve issues promptly.
What the experts say4Expert opinions
Expert from Word to the Wise shares that sender reputation should be checked and monitored with tools and services. Also Word to the Wise recommends using tools to monitor blocklists and to use Google Postmaster Tools to analyze the deliverability of your email marketing campaigns.
Expert from Email Geeks mentions that he built the Reputation Audit and a more recent authentication tester at www.kbxscore.com that’s a bit similar and might be useful.
Expert from Spam Resource explains that warming a shared IP effectively involves building a positive sending reputation. They emphasize starting with a small volume of email to highly engaged users, gradually increasing the volume over time, and closely monitoring deliverability metrics and sender reputation.
Expert from Email Geeks explains that Domains in SFMC can be shared both up and down and side to side inside of the enterprise account structure.
What the documentation says6Technical articles
Documentation from Mailjet shares that sender reputation is based on factors such as IP address, domain, and sending practices. Good sender reputation can improve email delivery. They also point out that consistent sending practices help ensure better deliverability.
Documentation from Google explains that for best practices to avoid your email going to spam, ensure authentication standards like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are correctly set up. They note that proper authentication is crucial for Gmail to trust your emails.
Documentation from DMARC.org explains that DMARC helps email receivers handle unauthorized emails using your domain. Setting up DMARC provides you with reports to monitor your email traffic and ensure legitimate emails are delivered.
Documentation from SparkPost explains IP warming involves gradually increasing email volume to build a positive sending reputation. The article includes best practices like starting with highly engaged subscribers, monitoring bounce rates, and progressively increasing send volume over several weeks.
Documentation from Salesforce Help explains that Sender Authentication Package (SAP) includes dedicated IP address, custom subdomain for link and image wrapping, and branded reply mail address. It further states that a dedicated IP helps build your sending reputation by ensuring that your email activities don't suffer due to the activities of other Marketing Cloud users.
Documentation from Microsoft shares that to improve deliverability, verify your domain ownership in the Microsoft 365 admin center. They explain that doing so helps establish credibility and prevent your emails from being flagged as spam.