When initiating email campaigns from Fishbowl, it is essential to establish a solid foundation. Failure to follow this process may result in emails being flagged as spam or not delivered, which can negatively impact your email marketing performance.
1. What Is Domain Warming and Why Do You Need It?
Domain warming is a strategic process that gradually builds your sender reputation with ISPs, increasing the likelihood that your emails reach inboxes. By starting with low volumes and slowly increasing send rates, you allow ISPs to evaluate your content and recipients' engagement.
Without warming:
- Sudden volume spikes raise red flags
- Higher chance of being marked as spam
- Poor inbox placement
With warming:
- Smooth introduction to ISPs
- Positive sender reputation
- Higher open and click rates
2. How Long Does Domain Warming Take?
Domain warming can vary depending on database size; the larger your mailable audience, the longer it takes. During this period, avoid sending time-sensitive emails and carefully plan your content calendar. Maintaining a consistent send schedule and including journeys like welcome and birthday emails helps ensure steady, meaningful engagement—both are key to a successful warm-up.
3. Understanding the Phases of Domain Warming
Domain warming progresses through 15 automated phases, starting with low send limits and gradually increasing to full volume. Fishbowl manages these phases for you after your first email is sent—no manual action needed.
Important: To progress to the next phase of domain warming, you must send campaigns consistently and reach the daily maximum hourly sending limit. If no emails are sent, the domain warming process will not advance.
Important: To progress to the next phase of domain warming, you must send campaigns consistently and reach the daily maximum hourly sending limit. If no emails are sent, the domain warming process will not advance.
To track your current phase, go to Marketing > Campaigns in the GRM platform.
Conclusion
Domain warming is a crucial strategy for ensuring the success of email campaigns by gradually increasing email volume to establish trust with ISPs and mailbox providers. This process improves inbox placement, deliverability, and engagement metrics while preventing emails from being marked as spam. By following these steps, you’ll set the stage for more effective and impactful email campaigns.
Key Benefits of Domain Warming
- Better Inbox Placement
- Higher Deliverability
- Improved Engagement Metrics
- Strong Sender Reputation
- More effective email campaigns