Why does Gmail IP warming reputation fluctuate with new IPs and domains?
Summary
What email marketers say8Marketer opinions
Email marketer from SendGrid shares that Gmail reputation fluctuates because of inconsistent sending patterns, poor list hygiene (high bounce rates), and negative engagement (spam complaints). Consistent volume, clean lists, and positive engagement are crucial for a stable reputation.
Marketer from Email Geeks notes that even with improved inboxing at Gmail during warming, the GPT reputation might not immediately reflect these changes until recalculated based on new engagement trends.
Email marketer from Gmass shares that the reputation has swings because you didn't give it enough time to warm up. If you warm gradually then the swings are less likely to occur as it understands your sending patterns.
Email marketer from Reddit explains that Gmail reputation fluctuates during IP warming because low sending volumes can be easily impacted by even a small number of spam complaints or bounces, causing disproportionate swings in reputation metrics.
Email marketer from Stackoverflow explains that Gmail reputation can fluctuate as feedback loops from users marking emails as spam immediately impact your sender score and deliverability. Consistent monitoring and addressing of user feedback are critical.
Email marketer from Neil Patel's Blog explains that during IP warming, reputation fluctuates because Gmail closely monitors new IPs and domains for spam-like behavior. Initial low volume sends establish a positive sending history, but sudden increases can trigger filters, impacting deliverability and perceived reputation.
Email marketer from Mailjet answers that Gmail reputation varies because establishing trust takes time. Early fluctuations are common as Gmail learns your sending patterns. Consistent volume and positive recipient interaction help stabilize reputation over time.
Email marketer from Email Geeks notes that even with improved inboxing at Gmail during warming, the GPT reputation might not immediately reflect these changes until recalculated based on new engagement trends.
What the experts say6Expert opinions
Expert from Email Geeks suggests that the initial drop in open rates on day 2 indicates mail going to bulk, affecting reputation, but it starts to recover on day 3.
Expert from Email Geeks advises against ramping up send volume while mail is still going to bulk, based on open rate data.
Expert from Email Geeks explains that warming a new domain on a new IP takes longer than moving a warm domain to a new IP and advises maintaining the current send volume for a few days to allow Google's ML filters to adjust.
Expert from Spam Resource states that domain reputation can affect the IP reputation. Ensure the domain you are warming with is also in good standing.
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that a poorly set up IP impacts the fluctuation. Correctly configuring SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is critical for stable reputation and deliverability, especially with new IPs and domains.
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that during IP warming, inconsistent sending volume is a major cause of reputation fluctuations. Predictable volume helps establish a reliable sender profile with Gmail, whereas erratic sending can be interpreted as spam-like behavior.
What the documentation says3Technical articles
Documentation from Google explains that Gmail reputation fluctuates due to factors like spam rate, sending volume, and authentication. Changes in any of these factors can cause short-term fluctuations, especially during the initial warming phase.
Documentation from Microsoft shares that Microsofts SmartScreen filter affects sender reputation. The initial fluctuation is caused by filtering of previously unknown senders using a complex algorithm.
Documentation from RFC explains that authentication failures like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC can significantly impact your reputation with Gmail. Correctly configuring these is critical for stable reputation and deliverability, especially with new IPs and domains.