What is the best IP warmup strategy for small send volumes when switching ESPs and using shared IPs?

Summary

The best IP warm-up strategy for small send volumes when switching ESPs and using shared IPs involves focusing on consistent sending patterns aligned with your normal volume rather than total list size. Warm-up duration can be compressed to about a week for smaller volumes (around 5k/day), but gradual volume increases are essential, starting at 100-200 emails daily and doubling. Maintain a clean, engaged subscriber list and segment for migration. Prioritize proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and monitor deliverability metrics, using Google Postmaster Tools and Microsoft SNDS. With shared IPs, your reputation is intertwined with other senders, necessitating high-quality content and adherence to best practices. DMARC configuration requires attention, potentially starting with a relaxed policy and monitoring reports via services like dmarcian.com. Address external report issues, involving tech teams and hosting providers as needed. Transition smoothly by ceasing sends from the old ESP (HubSpot) before starting with the new ESP (SFMC). If you drastically change your volume after the warmup period, then it voids the effect of the warmup. Therefore, consistency is key.

Key findings

  • Volume Consistency: Warm-up should be based on your normal sending pattern to familiarize mailbox providers with the new IP and avoid drastic changes after warm up.
  • Warm-up Duration: For small volumes (around 5k/day), warm-up can be shorter, around a week, but requires careful monitoring.
  • Gradual Ramp-Up: Start IP warmup low (100-200 emails daily) and gradually increase volume, typically doubling each day.
  • List Hygiene: Maintaining a clean, engaged list is crucial for deliverability, particularly with shared IPs.
  • Email Authentication: Ensure proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is correctly configured before sending.
  • Shared IP Implications: Your sending reputation is tied to others on the shared IP, necessitating careful sending habits.
  • Deliverability Monitoring: Closely monitor deliverability metrics (bounce rates, spam complaints) using Google Postmaster Tools, Microsoft SNDS, and other services.
  • DMARC Configuration: Carefully configure DMARC records, potentially starting with a relaxed policy (p=none) for the subdomain and addressing report issues.

Key considerations

  • ESP Transition: Stop sending emails from the old ESP (e.g., HubSpot) before starting with the new ESP (e.g., SFMC).
  • Small Volume Justification: Consider whether a dedicated IP is truly necessary for low send volumes, as shared IPs might be more suitable.
  • Report Actions: Take quick, effective action on metrics and reports for best results.
  • Tech Involvement: Involve tech teams and hosting providers to resolve authentication or DMARC related issues.
  • Consistency is Key: Avoid volume spikes to maintain the benefit of your warm-up plan.
  • Impact of volume changes: If you drastically change your volume after the warmup period, then it voids the effect of the warmup

What email marketers say
15Marketer opinions

When warming up an IP address for small send volumes while switching ESPs and using shared IPs, the focus shifts from establishing a new IP reputation to maintaining a positive domain reputation and adhering to email marketing best practices. Consistent sending patterns aligned with your normal volume are crucial. Employ list hygiene practices, segment your audience, and gradually migrate subscribers. Ensure proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is in place *before* sending. Closely monitor deliverability metrics like bounce rates, complaints, and placement. For DMARC issues, involve your tech team and hosting provider if necessary. While a dedicated IP requires a well-defined warm-up process, sharing an IP address requires good sending practices to be more focused on protecting overall domain reputation, avoid volume spikes, and carefully monitor engagement.

Key opinions

  • Consistent Sending: Warm up based on your normal sending pattern, not total list size. Consistent sending builds a strong sender reputation.
  • Gradual Ramp-Up: Slowly ramp up sending volume. Avoid sudden increases.
  • List Hygiene: Maintain a clean and engaged subscriber list. Regularly remove unengaged subscribers.
  • Authentication: Ensure proper email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is in place before sending.
  • Monitor Deliverability: Track deliverability metrics like bounce rates, complaints, and placement.
  • Segment and Migrate: Segment your list and gradually migrate subscribers to the new ESP, starting with highly engaged segments.
  • DMARC Configuration: Correctly configure DMARC records, potentially setting a relaxed policy (p=none) initially and monitoring reports using a service like dmarcian.com.

Key considerations

  • Shared IP Impact: Your sending reputation is tied to other users on the shared IP, so best practices are crucial.
  • Authentication Timing: Confirm all DNS records are correctly configured in the new ESP *before* sending any email.
  • HubSpot Transition: Stop sending from the old ESP (HubSpot) before starting with the new ESP (SFMC) to avoid deliverability problems.
  • Small Volume Strategy: Even with a smaller volume, sudden spikes or changes may trigger filters. Maintain a steady and gradual increase.
  • Engagement Focus: Prioritize sending to your most engaged contacts during the migration.
  • Monitor Reports: Closely monitor Google Postmaster Tools and Microsoft SNDS, where possible, for early signs of deliverability problems.
  • Actioning Reports: If reports surface issues, immediately troubleshoot causes, resolve any identified problems before sending further emails.
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks suggests the given plan looks sound but advises monitoring reports closely, and emphasizes stopping sending from Hubspot before starting with SFMC to avoid problems.

April 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks suggests that while 30 days is a good general guide for warming up, it can be compressed into 14 days for smaller send volumes like 5k/day, but cautions against rushing the process and to monitor bounces and complaints.

April 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks recommends dmarcian.com for DMARC monitoring and explains that the subdomain's adkim and aspf values don't need to be changed when switching the policy to none.

September 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Litmus recommends to segment your email list and send your most engaging content to the most engaging contacts.

November 2021 - Litmus Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailtrap Blog recommends to slowly ramp up sending and increase your email volume gradually. With a consistent approach, you build a strong sender reputation and stay within the daily sending limits imposed by ESPs and ISPs.

August 2024 - Mailtrap Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackOverflow thread suggests that when migrating ESPs, ensure all DNS records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) are correctly configured in the new system *before* sending any email. Verifying these settings minimizes deliverability issues from the start.

November 2022 - StackOverflow
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks advises to change the organizational domain to p=none, and addresses the issue of external domains not giving permission for reports, recommending a service like dmarcian.com for monitoring.

May 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks advises to warm up based on the normal sending pattern, not the total list size, to familiarize mailbox providers with the new IP.

November 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks advises to work with the tech team and Fastly to address DMARC issues for the organizational domain, emphasizing the need for Fastly to resolve the external validation problem and consider taking control of the DMARC record.

April 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from GlockApps Blog emphasizes the importance of list hygiene when using shared IPs, suggesting regularly cleaning email lists and focusing on engaged subscribers can protect sender reputation. Even with a shared IP, sudden spikes in volume can negatively impact deliverability.

December 2023 - GlockApps Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email on Acid recommends tracking deliverability metrics such as bounce rates, complaint rates, and placement rates to monitor email program's success. Use this information to adjust your strategy as needed.

July 2024 - Email on Acid Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit shares a strategy focused on segmenting their list and gradually migrating subscribers to the new ESP over a few weeks, monitoring open rates and bounces closely. They also recommend starting with high-engagement segments first.

March 2025 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from Mailjet Blog emphasizes that with shared IPs, focusing on consistent sending practices is paramount. Adhering to best practices ensures a high reputation, including low bounce rates and avoiding spam complaints. Volume increases should still be gradual to avoid triggering filters, even on shared IPs.

November 2021 - Mailjet Blog
Marketer view

Email marketer from Webmaster Sun Forum recommends that with a small list and a shared IP, the best approach is to start with very small, consistent sends and carefully monitor deliverability. Avoiding sudden large sends and maintaining a clean list is crucial.

March 2022 - Webmaster Sun Forum
Marketer view

Marketer from Email Geeks details that for the subdomain, since the techs can edit directly, a proper DMARC record such as host: `_<http://dmarc.e1.commentsold.com|dmarc.e1.commentsold.com>` value: `v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:<mailto:9r1xysvg@ag.dmarcian.com|9r1xysvg@ag.dmarcian.com>;` should be implemented, then monitor, test and switch back to p=reject once its passing consistently.

July 2023 - Email Geeks

What the experts say
6Expert opinions

When warming up with small volumes and shared IPs after an ESP switch, prioritize maintaining a good sending reputation and adhering to best practices. For volumes around 5K per day, a warm-up period of a week or less might suffice, and a dedicated IP might not be necessary unless sending significantly larger volumes (100K+). Avoid drastic volume changes. If you send a large amount during warm-up then drop the volume significantly, the warm up has no effect. Start the IP warmup at 100-200 and double each day. Closely monitor your sending reputation and deliverability metrics, ensure proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is in place, and address DMARC reporting issues. Given the nature of shared IPs, understand your reputation is tied to other senders on the IP, further emphasizing the need for excellent list hygiene and engagement.

Key opinions

  • Short Warm-up: If your normal volume is around 5K per day, a warm-up should be a week or less.
  • Dedicated IP Threshold: A dedicated IP is likely unnecessary unless sending large volumes (100K+ at least 3x a week).
  • Avoid Volume Spikes: Drastic changes in sending volume can negatively impact deliverability, negating any warm-up benefits.
  • Gradual Increase: A good IP warmup plan involves starting at 100-200 emails per day and doubling the volume each day.
  • Shared IP Impact: Sending reputation is intertwined with other users on the shared IP.
  • Domain Reputation: Focus on protecting and maintaining your domain reputation, not just the IP's.
  • Authentication Priority: Ensure proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is configured before sending.
  • DMARC Reporting: The external reports comment means you won’t get reports on DMARC failures and that Fastly needs to indicate they will accept DMARC reports to see the reports

Key considerations

  • Consistent Sending: Focus on consistent sending practices aligned with your typical volume.
  • List Quality: Maintain excellent list hygiene and only send to engaged subscribers.
  • Deliverability Monitoring: Carefully monitor sending reputation and deliverability metrics using tools like seed lists and feedback loops.
  • DMARC Settings: Address any DMARC configuration issues to ensure deliverability reports are received.
Expert view

Expert from Spam Resource explains that when using shared IPs, it's crucial to be aware that your sending reputation is intertwined with other users on that IP. Therefore, focusing on high-quality content, list hygiene, and adhering to best practices becomes even more important to avoid negative impacts from others' behavior. A warmup is less about the IP itself and more about maintaining a good sending reputation.

August 2023 - Spam Resource
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks explains the external reports comment means you won’t get reports on DMARC failures and that Fastly needs to indicate they will accept DMARC reports to see the reports.

August 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks recommends starting at 100-200 per day and then doubling every day for IP warmup.

September 2021 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Word to the Wise responds that IP warm-up strategy for small send volumes when switching ESPs and using shared IPs requires careful monitoring of your sending reputation. While the IP is shared, your domain reputation is still key. Ensure proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is in place before sending any emails from a new domain. Monitor your deliverability with seed lists and feedback loops to identify any issues early.

August 2024 - Word to the Wise
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks explains that drastic changes in volume will cause filters to look harder at the mail and warming up to a high volume then reverting to a lower volume loses the benefit of the warmup.

July 2022 - Email Geeks
Expert view

Expert from Email Geeks says that if normal volume is around 5K per day, then warmup should be a week, tops, and suggests dedicated IP might not be necessary for such low volumes, recommending it for send volumes of at least 100K sending at least 3x a week.

March 2024 - Email Geeks

What the documentation says
5Technical articles

When switching ESPs and using shared IPs with small send volumes, the recommended IP warm-up strategy involves gradually increasing email volume to establish a positive sending reputation. Even though the IP is shared, maintaining a healthy list, following best practices, and ensuring proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records) for the domain are essential. Also, monitoring sender reputation, spam rates, and other metrics using tools such as Google Postmaster Tools and Microsoft SNDS is crucial for early identification and resolution of deliverability issues.

Key findings

  • Gradual Increase: IP warm-up involves gradually increasing the volume of email sent from a new IP address.
  • Responsibility for Sending Behavior: Even with shared IPs, senders are responsible for their sending behavior and list quality.
  • Authentication is key: Use DMARC, DKIM, and SPF records for the domain to show ISPs that a sender is legitimate.
  • Monitoring is Key: Using Google Postmaster Tools and Microsoft SNDS is crucial for early identification and resolution of deliverability issues.

Key considerations

  • Positive Sending Reputation: Focus on establishing a positive sending reputation with ISPs.
  • Best Practices: Maintaining a healthy list and following best practices are crucial for deliverability.
  • Proactive action: Identify and address deliverability problems as soon as possible.
Technical article

Documentation from Amazon Web Services explains that IP warm-up is the process of gradually increasing the volume of email sent from a new IP address to establish a positive sending reputation with ISPs. This involves starting with a small number of emails and slowly increasing the volume over time, while closely monitoring deliverability metrics such as bounce rates and spam complaints.

December 2022 - Amazon Web Services
Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft provides Microsoft's Smart Network Data Services (SNDS) helps monitors IP reputation with Microsoft domains such as Hotmail, Live, and Outlook, even when using shared IPs.

April 2023 - Microsoft
Technical article

Documentation from SparkPost recommends to use DMARC, DKIM, and SPF records for the domain to show ISPs that a sender is legitimate.

July 2021 - SparkPost
Technical article

Documentation from Google provides Google Postmaster Tools which helps monitor sender reputation, spam rates, and other metrics, even when using shared IPs. This data is valuable for identifying and addressing deliverability problems early on.

February 2024 - Google
Technical article

Documentation from SendGrid on shared IP pools clarifies that while SendGrid manages the overall reputation of shared IPs, senders are still responsible for their own sending behavior. Warm-up isn't typically required in the same way as with dedicated IPs, but maintaining a healthy list and following best practices is crucial.

February 2022 - SendGrid