Is IP warming necessary when migrating ESPs to shared IPs, and what are the best practices?

Summary

Migrating to a shared IP on a new ESP generally doesn't require IP warming, as the ESP handles this and the IP has an established reputation. Experts and documentation emphasize consistent sending behavior and engagement for a good sender reputation. Key practices include maintaining list hygiene, segmenting the list, and focusing on relevant content. Even on shared IPs, domain reputation and risks from other senders on the IP must be considered. While most sources suggest no warm-up is required on shared IPs, starting with engaged users and gradually increasing volume might be beneficial, especially with a new domain. Monitoring metrics like bounce rates and spam complaints is crucial for addressing deliverability issues.

Key findings

  • Shared IP = No Warm-up: IP warming is typically unnecessary when migrating to a shared IP as the ESP manages the reputation.
  • Domain Reputation Still Matters: Domain reputation remains a factor, especially when using a new domain during the ESP migration.
  • List Hygiene and Segmentation: Maintaining a clean, engaged list and segmenting effectively are critical for deliverability.
  • Consistent Sending Habits: Consistent email sending volume and frequency contribute to building a positive sender reputation.
  • ESP Reputation Management: The collective reputation of all users on a shared IP affects your deliverability. ESPs manage this reputation, but risks remain.

Key considerations

  • List Cleaning and Engagement: Prioritize cleaning your email list and ensuring high engagement rates before and after migration.
  • Targeted Sending: Start by sending to highly engaged users first, especially if using a new domain, to build positive engagement signals.
  • Monitor Deliverability Metrics: Closely monitor bounce rates, spam complaints, and other deliverability metrics after the migration.
  • Awareness of Shared IP Risks: Understand and mitigate the potential risks associated with sharing an IP address with other senders.
  • Gradual Ramp-Up (Optional): While not always required, gradually increasing sending volume over several weeks can further help establish a positive reputation.

What email marketers say
11Marketer opinions

When migrating ESPs to shared IPs, IP warming is generally not required as the ESP handles it and the IP already has an established reputation. However, it's important to maintain good list hygiene, focus on segmentation, and be aware of potential risks from other senders sharing the same IP. Domain reputation also matters and needs monitoring. Gradual ramp-up and consistent sending volume contribute to a positive sender reputation.

Key opinions

  • Shared IP Warming: IP warming is typically unnecessary on shared IPs as the ESP manages it.
  • Domain Reputation: Domain reputation is still a factor during ESP migration, even with shared IPs. Monitor reputation, even when using shared IPs.
  • List Hygiene: Maintaining a clean and engaged email list is crucial for deliverability when migrating to a shared IP.
  • ESP Handling: ESPs on shared IPs combine reputation. So it's generally not an issue, as long as your list is up to scratch and has active opt-ins.

Key considerations

  • List Segmentation: Segment your email list and target highly engaged users first, especially with a new domain.
  • Monitoring: Monitor sending speed and engagement metrics, especially during the initial sends after migration.
  • Shared IP Risks: Be aware of the risks associated with shared IPs, where other senders' practices can impact your deliverability.
  • Consistent sending volume: Ramp-up volume should be increased incrementally over several weeks to not impact deliverability.
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that for Gmail and Yahoo, 500/day works fine for the first day of warmup. Since it's a shared IP, a warmup isn't required.

February 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from SendGrid Blog shares that If you're using a shared IP pool, IP warm-up is not required because these IP addresses are already warmed and have an established sender reputation. You can start sending email right away!

August 2022 - SendGrid Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Quora answers that when migrating to a new ESP using shared IPs, focus on list hygiene and segmentation rather than IP warming. Since it is shared, the IP should already be warmed. Focus on your content and targeting.

August 2022 - Quora
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackExchange states that it depends on the ESP, but mostly the reputation of shared IP addresses is combined. So it's generally not an issue, as long as your list is up to scratch and has active opt-ins.

May 2024 - StackExchange
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks shares that ramp ups aren't only for IPs, but for domains as well. Gmail considers the whole picture and sees that changes occur when switching ESPs. The reputation of the domain becomes questionable and recommends throttling the sending speed and monitoring during the first send.

June 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email on Acid shares, be aware of shared IP address risks, you're sharing IP addresses with other senders which means that your email deliverability and sender reputation can be negatively affected by their sending practices.

January 2025 - Email on Acid
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks explains that if you are going to a shared pool, there's no need to warm anything as it should already be warmed.

October 2021 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit shares that for shared IPs on platforms like Mailchimp or Klaviyo, the ESP handles the warming process. You don't need to warm it up yourself. Just ensure your email list is clean and engaged.

February 2025 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailgun Blog explains that with shared IPs, warming is handled by the ESP. Senders benefit from the collective reputation of all users on that IP, making individual warming unnecessary. Mailgun monitors shared IPs and manages deliverability.

September 2023 - Mailgun Blog
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks answers that if using the same sending domain & the IPs are warm (shared IPs), a warmup is not needed. If using a new domain and looking at domain spread (like Gmail is 4K of the list), it's better to do a warmup by targeting the high-engaged users first.

February 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from SMTP2GO explains that with Shared IPs, you don't need to warm up an IP address yourself. The reputation of the IP address is already established by other senders.

April 2023 - SMTP2GO

What the experts say
4Expert opinions

Expert opinions diverge on the necessity of IP warming for shared IPs. While some suggest it's not needed, emphasis is placed on establishing a positive sender reputation through consistent sending behavior and engagement. Starting with intended segments from the beginning and tailoring approaches per ISP are also noted. Ultimately, maintaining consistent practices and sending behavior earns sender reputation. There is no requirement to warm IPs.

Key opinions

  • Sender Reputation: Building a good sender reputation involves demonstrating responsible sending behavior over time.
  • Consistent Sending: Consistent practices and volume are crucial for earning and maintaining a good sender reputation.
  • Segmentation: Starting with intended segments from the first mailing is recommended.
  • Per-ISP Approach: Adjusting sending strategies per ISP (e.g., Google, Hotmail) may be beneficial. Although not strictly required for shared IPs, some do warming on a per ISP basis.

Key considerations

  • Consistent Practices: Prioritize maintaining consistent email practices.
  • ISP-Specific Tactics: Consider whether tailoring sending volume and strategies per ISP is feasible for your setup.
  • Sender Reputation Focus: Focus on demonstrating positive engagement metrics to build a strong sender reputation.
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks explains she does warming per ISP, so she will do 5000 - 10000 the first day, as google doesn’t care how many are sent to Hotmail, and Hotmail doesn’t care how many are sent to VMG.

December 2023 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise responds that sender reputation is earned through consistent practices, and it is more important to maintain consistency in your email practices.

April 2024 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from SpamResource explains that building a good sender reputation involves demonstrating responsible sending behavior over time, which includes consistent volume and engagement, but doesn't specify IP warming is needed on shared IPs

October 2022 - SpamResource
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks suggests starting as you mean to go on, using intended segments from the very first mailing.

November 2022 - Email Geeks

What the documentation says
4Technical articles

Official documentation emphasizes gradually increasing sending volume when moving to a new dedicated IP or ESP to establish a sending reputation. Maintaining consistent sending volume and avoiding sudden spikes are crucial for deliverability, particularly with Gmail and Microsoft. Sender reputation is determined by metrics like bounce rates, spam complaints, and engagement rates, influencing filtering decisions.

Key findings

  • Gradual Ramp-Up: Gradually increasing sending volume is crucial for establishing a sender reputation when moving to a new dedicated IP or ESP.
  • Consistent Volume: Maintaining consistent sending volumes is essential to avoid being flagged as spam.
  • Positive Reputation: Consistently sending email is key to building a positive sender reputation with mailbox providers.
  • Key Metrics: Sender reputation systems track metrics like bounce rates, spam complaints, and engagement rates.

Key considerations

  • Incremental Increase: Ramp-up volume should be increased incrementally over several weeks to allow mailbox providers to learn your sending patterns.
  • Avoid Spikes: Avoid sudden spikes in email volume, as they can negatively impact deliverability and trigger spam filters.
  • Best Practices: Follow email best practices for sending to Gmail, Microsoft, and other mailbox providers to improve deliverability.
  • Monitor Metrics: Regularly monitor key metrics like bounce rates, spam complaints, and engagement rates to identify and address any deliverability issues.
Technical article

Documentation from SparkPost explains when moving to a new dedicated IP or ESP, gradually increasing sending volume is important. This helps establish a sending reputation with mailbox providers. Ramp-up volume should be increased incrementally over several weeks.

July 2022 - SparkPost Documentation
Technical article

Documentation from Google explains that consistently sending email is key to building a positive reputation. Sudden spikes in email volume can negatively impact deliverability. Follow the email best practices for sending to Gmail users.

November 2021 - Google Postmaster Tools Help
Technical article

Documentation from RFC explains the basic reputation systems involve tracking metrics like bounce rates, spam complaints, and engagement rates. These metrics determine sender trustworthiness and influence filtering decisions.

March 2024 - RFC
Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft explains to ensure your emails are delivered to the inbox, maintain consistent sending volumes. Avoid sudden increases that could flag your mail as spam. Gradually ramp up sending over time.

January 2025 - Microsoft Docs