What should I do if Microsoft blocks my IP address during IP warming?
Summary
What email marketers say11Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Quora states that if Microsoft blocks you during IP warming, you should verify the block isn't due to list contamination. She suggests running your email list through a cleaning service to remove spam traps and invalid addresses before contacting Microsoft support.
Email marketer from Litmus shares that it's important to identify deliverability problems, which is to check blocklists and bounce logs for specific error codes. Knowing the exact reason for the block helps you tailor your remediation steps when contacting Microsoft.
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that Microsoft can be finicky during IP warmups, even with proactive communication. Recommends finding the full rejection response and contacting Microsoft directly for false-negatives. Also, advises reviewing Microsoft-specific spam complaints and recipient engagement history.
Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum says that the most common reason for being blocked by Hotmail is having low engagement and says its critical to clean your list of old emails.
Email marketer from StackExchange recommends to immediately stop all sending to Microsoft, investigate the cause by carefully reviewing your sending practices and then contact Microsoft's support channels with all relevant data
Email marketer from Reddit shares that sudden blocks during IP warming can happen. Check your list quality and review the bounce messages. If the block is due to reputation, contact Microsoft's support with details of your warming schedule and list acquisition practices.
Email marketer from Mailjet shares that if your IP is blocked due to a bad reputation, fix the root causes. Check for spam complaints and fix your sending practices.
Email marketer from EmailOnAcid explains that the best way to avoid blocks during IP warming is to proactively manage your IP reputation. This includes monitoring feedback loops, handling unsubscribes promptly, and segmenting your list based on engagement.
Email marketer from EmailGeeks shares that getting blocked by Microsoft during IP warming is common. He suggests the immediate action should be to stop sending to Microsoft domains and to fill out Microsoft's sender support form. He then recommends checking sender reputation via third party tools to see if there are any blacklistings. Then he goes on to recommend reviewing your list for spam traps, complainers and unengaged users.
Email marketer from Email Geeks shares common Microsoft bounce messages and suggests the owner of the IP (SFMC) will need to resolve it if a block of IPs got listed.
Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that before warming, you should submit a Microsoft support form for pre-emptive accommodation. If this wasn't done, stop sends and file a support ticket to resolve the issue. Include a ramp-up plan specific to Microsoft domains. Stresses the importance of getting the exact bounce response.
What the experts say4Expert opinions
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that if Microsoft blocks your IP address during warm-up, the first step is to stop sending mail immediately. Identify the cause by reviewing bounce messages, blocklist status, and sender reputation. Contact Microsoft support, providing detailed information about your sending practices, list acquisition, and compliance with their policies. Be prepared to adjust your sending practices based on their feedback.
Expert from Spam Resource explains that you should request preemptive accommodation for new IP addresses. Some mailbox providers, like Microsoft, offer a process to register new IPs and inform them of your warming plans. Doing so can help avoid blocks during the initial phases of your warm-up.
Expert from Email Geeks states that the next course of action is to find the bounces to make adjustments based on the errors. ESP should message Microsoft for mitigation help.
Expert from Email Geeks doesn't trust ESP bounce classification and suggests getting the real rejection message before planning next steps.
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from Google explains to monitor your IP's reputation and ensure it remains high. If you are suddenly blocked, check compliance with bulk sending guidelines. Google recommends using their Postmaster Tools to identify any deliverability issues.
Documentation from SparkPost answers that if you get blocked, immediately pause sending, investigate the cause, and contact the recipient domain's postmaster or support team. Be prepared to provide details about your sending practices and demonstrate that you are following best practices.
Documentation from ReturnPath explains that sender reputation is influenced by spam complaints, sending volume, and list quality. If your IP is blocked, analyze these factors and address any issues before resuming your warm-up plan.
Documentation from Microsoft explains that if your IP address is blocked, it's often due to reputation issues. Review your sending practices to ensure compliance with Microsoft's policies. Use the Sender Support form to request remediation, providing detailed information about your sending practices and confirming adherence to best practices.