Should I switch to a dedicated IP address for Hubspot emails to avoid Outlook quarantine issues?

Summary

Switching to a dedicated IP address for HubSpot emails to avoid Outlook quarantine issues is a complex decision dependent on various factors. While a dedicated IP grants more control over sender reputation, it's not a guaranteed fix for deliverability problems. Experts recommend a minimum sending volume (ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 emails per month) to justify a dedicated IP. Maintaining high-quality content, proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and a clean email list are crucial, irrespective of IP type. Regular monitoring of IP reputation through tools like Google Postmaster Tools is also essential. It's also advised that new senders with good practices should start with shared IPs, and dedicated IPs should not be used as a substitute for addressing underlying deliverability issues. The cost of a dedicated IP and the effort required for warm-up and reputation management should also be considered.

Key findings

  • Sufficient Volume: Dedicated IPs are most effective for senders with a high email volume (50K-100K+ per month).
  • Reputation Management: Dedicated IPs require active management and protection of sender reputation.
  • Content Matters: High-quality email content is crucial for deliverability, regardless of IP type.
  • Authentication is Key: Proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is vital for deliverability.
  • Clean Lists Essential: Maintaining a clean email list improves deliverability.
  • Not a Quick Fix: Dedicated IPs aren't a substitute for addressing underlying deliverability issues.

Key considerations

  • Assess Sending Volume: Determine if your email volume meets the minimum requirements for a dedicated IP.
  • Evaluate Current Reputation: Understand your current sender reputation and potential for improvement.
  • Address Existing Issues: Identify and resolve any underlying deliverability problems.
  • Implement Authentication: Ensure proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is configured.
  • Maintain List Hygiene: Regularly clean your email list to remove inactive subscribers and bounces.
  • Monitor Performance: Track IP reputation and deliverability metrics using tools like Google Postmaster Tools.
  • Consider Cost: Evaluate the financial implications of a dedicated IP, including setup, maintenance, and any associated service fees.
  • Plan Warm-Up Strategy: Develop a warm-up strategy for gradually increasing sending volume.

What email marketers say
10Marketer opinions

Switching to a dedicated IP for HubSpot emails to address Outlook quarantine issues involves several factors. While a dedicated IP offers more control over sender reputation and potentially better deliverability, it's not a guaranteed solution. Content quality, email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and list hygiene are crucial. A dedicated IP requires a warm-up period and consistent sending practices. It is only beneficial for senders with significant email volume (around 50,000 emails per month or more), and the cost should be justified by the potential deliverability improvements. Monitoring IP reputation and addressing issues promptly is essential.

Key opinions

  • Volume Matters: Dedicated IPs are best suited for high-volume senders (50,000+ emails/month).
  • Content is King: Email content significantly impacts deliverability, regardless of IP type.
  • Authentication is Key: Proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is crucial for deliverability.
  • Reputation Management: Dedicated IPs require active reputation management and monitoring.
  • Quarantine Causes: Outlook quarantines can be caused by new domains in email content, regardless of IP.

Key considerations

  • Sending Volume: Assess if your email volume meets the requirements for a dedicated IP.
  • Content Quality: Ensure your email content is high-quality and avoids spam triggers.
  • List Hygiene: Maintain a clean email list by removing inactive subscribers and addressing bounces.
  • Cost: Evaluate the cost of a dedicated IP and whether the potential benefits justify the expense.
  • Warm-up Period: Plan for a warm-up period to gradually increase sending volume on a dedicated IP.
  • Monitoring: Implement a system for regularly monitoring your IP's reputation.
Marketer view

Email marketer from NeilPatel.com shares that using a dedicated IP address can provide more control over sender reputation, leading to better email deliverability. This is particularly beneficial for senders who maintain consistent sending practices and high engagement rates.

January 2023 - NeilPatel.com
Marketer view

Email marketer from Litmus explains that maintaining a clean email list is crucial for deliverability, especially with a dedicated IP. Regularly remove inactive subscribers and address bounces or complaints promptly.

February 2022 - Litmus

What the experts say
4Expert opinions

The decision to switch to a dedicated IP for HubSpot emails to avoid Outlook quarantine issues hinges on several expert opinions. A key factor is email volume; one expert recommends a minimum of 100k emails per month for a dedicated IP to be worthwhile. Switching to a dedicated IP allows for control over sender reputation, starting with a clean slate if the IP is new. However, another expert suggests that new senders with good practices should initially use shared IPs. If deliverability problems persist without identifying the root cause, a dedicated IP might be considered, but fixing the underlying issues is generally preferred.

Key opinions

  • Volume Threshold: A high email volume (100k+/month) is generally recommended for dedicated IPs.
  • Reputation Control: Dedicated IPs provide direct control over sender reputation.
  • New Sender Recommendation: New senders with good practices are often advised to start with shared IPs.
  • Problem Resolution: Dedicated IPs shouldn't be a substitute for addressing underlying deliverability issues.

Key considerations

  • Email Volume: Assess if your current email volume justifies a dedicated IP.
  • Sender Reputation: Consider your current sender reputation and whether you can effectively manage a dedicated IP's reputation.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Identify and fix any underlying deliverability issues before switching to a dedicated IP.
  • Alternative Solutions: Explore alternative solutions, such as improving email content or authentication, before committing to a dedicated IP.
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks explains switching to a dedicated IP may be a good idea given the volume. He suggests considering whether to wait for Outlook to improve its handling of shared senders or to manage your own reputation with a dedicated IP. He forecasts success on dedicated IP with solid opt-in and proper authentication.

November 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise answers the question of if you need a dedicated IP address, saying that new programs or senders with good programs and practices, should use a shared IP address. Senders who are having deliverability problems but don't want to find the root causes can choose a dedicated IP address.

July 2024 - Word to the Wise

What the documentation says
5Technical articles

Switching to a dedicated IP for HubSpot emails to improve deliverability, particularly to avoid Outlook quarantine issues, requires careful consideration of sender reputation and adherence to best practices. Documentation across multiple platforms emphasizes that a dedicated IP allows establishing a specific reputation for mail traffic, but this reputation must be actively managed through consistent sending habits and avoidance of harmful practices. Key to this is proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC). HubSpot necessitates meeting specific volume requirements and maintaining a good reputation before using a dedicated IP. Monitoring IP reputation, especially via tools like Google Postmaster Tools, is crucial for identifying and addressing deliverability issues.

Key findings

  • Reputation Control: Dedicated IPs enable senders to establish and manage their own reputation.
  • Best Practices: Following email sending best practices is essential for maintaining a good IP reputation.
  • Volume Requirements: HubSpot and other platforms have volume requirements for using dedicated IPs.
  • Authentication is Critical: Proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is vital for deliverability.
  • Monitoring Needed: Regular monitoring of IP reputation is necessary to identify and resolve issues.

Key considerations

  • Establish Reputation: Be prepared to actively build and maintain a positive sender reputation.
  • Meet Requirements: Ensure your sending volume meets the minimum requirements for a dedicated IP on your platform.
  • Authenticate Email: Implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to authenticate your email.
  • Monitor Performance: Use tools like Google Postmaster Tools to monitor your IP's reputation and deliverability.
  • Adhere to Best Practices: Comply with email sending best practices to avoid damaging your reputation.
Technical article

Documentation from SparkPost explains that a dedicated IP provides a clean slate for sender reputation, but also requires the sender to actively manage and protect that reputation through consistent sending practices and adherence to email best practices.

November 2023 - SparkPost
Technical article

Documentation from Validity advises ensuring proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is configured, regardless of whether you're using a shared or dedicated IP. Authentication helps verify your identity and improves deliverability.

February 2024 - Validity (formerly ReturnPath)