Why Domain Warmup is Critical
Email domain warmup is the process of gradually establishing a positive sending reputation for a new domain. This crucial step helps ensure your cold emails reach their intended recipients' inboxes rather than spam folders.
Pro Tip: Domain Selection
Before starting the warmup process, generate appropriate domain variations using our domain variation tool. This ensures you're warming up domains that align with your cold email strategy.
The Warmup Process
Phase 1: Initial Setup (Week 1)
- Configure proper DNS records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
- Set up professional email signatures
- Create email accounts with proper settings
- Start with 5-10 emails per day to trusted contacts
Phase 2: Gradual Increase (Weeks 2-3)
- Increase daily volume by 50% each week
- Mix personal and automated emails
- Ensure engagement from recipients
- Monitor spam placement rates
Phase 3: Scale Up (Weeks 4-6)
- Double sending volume weekly
- Introduce cold email templates
- Monitor deliverability metrics
- Adjust based on performance
Recommended Warmup Schedule
Week 1-2
- Day 1-3: 5-10 emails
- Day 4-7: 10-20 emails
- Day 8-14: 20-40 emails
- Focus on engagement
Week 3-4
- Day 15-21: 40-80 emails
- Day 22-28: 80-150 emails
- Mix content types
- Track metrics closely
Week 5-6
- Day 29-35: 150-300 emails
- Day 36-42: 300-500 emails
- Introduce cold emails
- Monitor performance
Warmup Best Practices
Content Quality
- Use varied email content
- Include proper formatting
- Avoid spam trigger words
- Maintain professional tone
Engagement Metrics
- Aim for 15-20% open rates
- Get replies to emails
- Avoid spam complaints
- Monitor bounce rates
Technical Setup
- Verify DNS records
- Set up reverse DNS
- Configure email authentication
- Use dedicated IPs
Monitoring and Optimization
Key Metrics to Track
- Inbox placement rates
- Spam folder placement
- Open rates and click rates
- Bounce rates and complaints
- Domain reputation scores