Blog
IP Warm-Up for New Sending IPs — The Right Way
Cold IPs have no history — receivers assume worst. Volume spikes look like botnets. Warm-up is proving you are boring and legitimate.
Pattern
Day 1-3: seed inboxes + real engaged users. Ramp slowly. If metrics wobble, hold steady — do not “catch up” with a blast.
Related: email deliverability and blacklisted IP.
FAQ
How long does warm-up take?
Often 2-4 weeks to stable reputation — varies by volume and list quality.
What volume day one?
Start tiny — tens to low hundreds — double only when bounces and complaints stay low.
Does dedicated IP matter for ESPs?
ESP shared pools already have reputation — dedicated IPs start cold.
What metrics watch?
Bounce rate, spam complaints, deferrals — stop ramping if they spike.
PTR required?
Yes for SMTP IPs — align with <a href="/blog/ptr-record-email-delivery/">PTR guidance</a>.