pin this page. reference it every time you set up new infrastructure or audit an existing setup.
DNS configuration (per domain)
| Record |
Type |
Status |
| SPF |
TXT |
[ ] configured |
| DKIM |
TXT (2048-bit) |
[ ] configured |
| DMARC |
TXT |
[ ] configured |
| No duplicate SPF records |
- |
[ ] verified |
provider strategy
| Configuration |
Google |
Outlook |
Best For |
| 70/30 |
70% volume |
30% volume |
Gmail-heavy ICP |
| 50/50 |
50% volume |
50% volume |
Enterprise/mixed ICP |
warmup timeline
| Phase |
Days |
Warmup/Day |
Cold Sends/Day |
| Foundation |
1-7 |
10-25 |
0 |
| Introduction |
8-14 |
20-25 |
5-20 |
| Scaling |
15-21 |
10-20 |
20-50 |
| Maintenance |
22+ |
10-15 |
full volume |
the 4 pre-send checkpoints
- Authentication: SPF + DKIM + DMARC all passing
- Trust scoring: gradual volume increase, positive engagement history
- Behavioural analysis: your sending patterns show steady volume with low bounce rates and minimal complaints
- Identity validation: real-looking domains, live websites, aged 2-4 weeks minimum
domain rules
- lookalike domains only (never your primary business domain)
- natural naming conventions (not disposable-looking)
- minimum 2-4 weeks old before first sends
- each domain has a live website or landing page
red flags to watch
- spam placement on fresh domains = DNS misconfiguration (check SPF/DKIM/DMARC)
- domains burning every 2-3 weeks = warmup skipped or volume too aggressive