Why is my dedicated IP blocked by Hotmail/Outlook and how can I resolve it?

Email marketer from StackOverflow explains that IP reputation plays a crucial role in deliverability. If your IP is new, it may not have an established reputation, leading to blocks. Implementing SPF and DKIM is essential for authentication and improving trust.

Email marketer from Validity stresses implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for email authentication. These protocols verify that your emails are sent from authorized sources and reduce the likelihood of being flagged as spam.

Email marketer from Litmus shares the importance of sending emails that subscribers want and are engaged with. Make sure that you run re-engagement campaigns, ensure content is relevant, and always make unsubscribing easy.

Marketer from Email Geeks suggests that Mailchimp has most of the control over spam issues and should stop sending spam from their IP space, rather than passing the buck. They also noted that the mechanism for catching spammers who sign up for free accounts before they have a chance to actually send spam has somehow changed, because we are seeing far more spam complaints for that part of your business.

Email marketer from Reddit explains to check SNDS and JMRP programs, these can give some insight on reasons why. Also engage with Hotmail support to get your IPs removed from the blocklist.

Email marketer from Sender Score shares that your sender score impacts deliverability. Sender Score recommends that you make sure that you have a score above 80 and that you manage complaints and monitor any blacklists you might be on.

Email marketer from Mailchimp explains that IP reputation is a critical factor for deliverability. Sending high-quality content to engaged subscribers improves reputation, while sending unwanted email or having high bounce rates damages it. Mailchimp recommends using authentication methods (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and list hygiene practices.

Marketer from Email Geeks suggests the user may have gotten a support rep who misunderstood the situation. If you write back in to the ticket and let them know that Mailchimp needs to request delisting of the IP, you should be able to get some further momentum. Microsoft's filters can be unpredictable, but Mailchimp has a well-established workflow for responding to blocked IPs with them.

Email marketer from Email Marketing Forum shares to make sure you follow the steps for delisting your IP. Usually, it involves filling out a form and providing information about your sending practices and compliance efforts.

Email marketer from GMass suggests that it's important to minimize the bounce rate. GMass also recommends to always clean your lists and remove unengaged users.

Email marketer from Email on Acid explains that regularly monitoring your IP reputation through tools and feedback loops helps identify potential issues early. Addressing problems like spam complaints or blacklist listings promptly can prevent blocks.

Expert from Word to the Wise, Laura Atkins, shares that you should avoid sending email to addresses you aren’t sure are valid and monitor bounce rates.

Expert from Email Geeks shares to cut the active engaged segment to 30 days at Outlook domains and gradually build the reputation back.

Expert from Spam Resource explains that you should register for Microsoft's SNDS program (Smart Network Data Services) and JMRP (Junk Mail Reporting Program). These tools give you insight into your IP's reputation with Microsoft and what users are reporting as spam.

Expert from Email Geeks shares their past experience contacting them. They respond, tell me to join JMRP/SNDS, I respond saying that my ESP is already signed up. Then I detail my problem, I explain the methods of how people end up on our list, when we contact them, how we remove people, within a few hours the problem clears up and then later I get an email saying they can’t find a problem

Expert from Word to the Wise explains the importance of list hygiene. It's important to make sure you have permission, only send to people who want your mail, and remove people when they don't want your mail.

Expert from Email Geeks explains that the ESP's dedicated IP has likely been added to Hotmail's block list and that complaints, invalid users, and long unengaged users need to be reviewed to resolve this issue.

Documentation from Microsoft SNDS explains that the Smart Network Data Services (SNDS) program allows you to monitor the health and status of your sending IP addresses. This includes data on spam complaints, traffic volume, and filter results.

Documentation from Google explains that maintaining a good sender reputation is critical. High spam rates, sending unwanted email, or having a large number of inactive users can negatively affect your reputation and lead to blocks.

Documentation from RFC stresses the importance of having a valid Reverse DNS, or rDNS record. This validates the IP address is associated with your domain.

Documentation from Microsoft Docs explains that IP addresses can be blocked due to spam complaints, sending to nonexistent email addresses (high bounce rate), or being identified as open relays or compromised systems. Maintaining good sending practices is crucial to avoid being blocked.

Documentation from SparkPost explains that warming up a dedicated IP address gradually is important to build a positive sending reputation with mailbox providers like Hotmail/Outlook. Start with small volumes of email to engaged users and slowly increase the volume over time.