Domain Warmup: How the Fixed-Stage Model Works
What is Domain Warmup?
Domain warmup is a gradual process that helps build a positive sender reputation with email providers like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo. By slowly increasing your daily email volume, you reduce the risk of being flagged as spam, experiencing high bounce rates, or facing delivery delays. The CRM automates this process to improve your email deliverability safely.
How the Warmup Model Works
The CRM uses a fixed-stage warmup model with predefined daily sending limits. You progress to the next stage only when you reach the full daily limit for your current stage. If you don’t meet the limit, your domain stays in the same stage. There are no hourly sending limits—only daily totals matter.
Warmup Stages and Limits
- Stage 1: 1,000 emails/day
- Stage 2: 2,500 emails/day
- Stage 3: 5,000 emails/day
- Stage 4: 6,500 emails/day
- Stage 5: 8,000 emails/day
- Stage 6: 10,000 emails/day
- Stage 7: 14,000 emails/day
- Stage 8: 20,000 emails/day
- Stage 9: 25,000 emails/day
- Stage 10: 35,000 emails/day
- Stage 11: 50,000 emails/day
- Stage 12: 80,000 emails/day
- Stage 13: 125,000 emails/day
- Stage 14: 175,000 emails/day
- Stage 15: 250,000 emails/day
Tip: Reaching your daily limit doesn’t block email sending—it simply triggers progression to the next stage.
When Does Warmup Start?
For new domains, warmup begins automatically once the domain is created and verified. For existing domains, you must enable warmup manually. When you enable it, the CRM analyzes past email activity and Google Postmaster data (if available) to recommend a suitable starting stage.
Enabling Email Warmup
Email warmup is available for both agency and sub-account dedicated domains.
Agency Domain
Navigate to Agency Settings, select Email Services, then SMTP Service. Go to the Dedicated Domain and IP tab, choose your domain, and click Start Warmup.
Sub-Account Domain
Go to Sub-Account Settings, select Email Services, then SMTP Service. Open the Dedicated Domain and IP tab, choose your domain, and click Start Warmup.
Google Postmaster Integration
Connecting your domain to Google Postmaster Tools provides valuable deliverability insights, including domain reputation, spam complaint rates, authentication status, and delivery metrics. If not integrated, the domain dashboard will guide you through setup.
Best Practices for Warmup
- Send emails consistently every day.
- Use verified, opt-in contact lists.
- Avoid sudden volume spikes.
- Don’t switch sender domains mid-campaign.
- Respect daily limits to prevent future blocks.
When Is Warmup Complete?
Warmup finishes when your domain reaches Stage 15, allowing up to 250,000 emails per day. The domain dashboard will display a Warmup Complete label, indicating full-scale sending is supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is domain warmup required?
It’s automatic for new domains and highly recommended for existing ones. Skipping warmup increases the risk of spam flags and delivery issues.
What if I miss a day?
Your stage remains unchanged. Progress resumes once you meet the daily limit again.
Can I skip stages manually?
No. Progression is automatic based on daily volume, though existing domains may start at a higher stage based on past activity.
Does warmup apply to shared domains?
No. Warmup is only for dedicated domains. Shared domains use an established reputation.
What if I connect Google Postmaster later?
Data will be available going forward but won’t change your current stage.
Will contacts notice anything?
No. Warmup only affects daily sending limits—not email appearance or delivery to recipients.