How do I fix high bounce rates and improve email deliverability for a new domain?

All answers to this question.

For a new domain, you must start with a very low volume—maybe 20 emails a day—and gradually increase it over 4 to 6 weeks. DMARC is essential because it tells receiving servers what to do if SPF or DKIM fails; start with a "p=none" policy to monitor reports before moving to "quarantine." Use tools like Postmaster Tools to track your reputation. Also, ensure your "From" name is consistent and that you aren't using "spammy" trigger words in your subject lines. If your bounce rate is 15%, you likely have "dirty" data, so run your list through a verification service like ZeroBounce before your next send.

   Answered 2025-05-15 by Heather Collins

Are you currently using a dedicated IP address for these sends, or are you on a shared pool where other users' bad habits might be tanking your sender reputation?

   Answered 2025-06-02 by Brandon Hayes

• We are on a shared IP through our ESP. I suspect that’s part of the issue, as our volume isn't high enough yet to justify the cost of a dedicated IP. However, I’ve noticed that our engagement is much higher on mid-week sends. Do you think shifting our "warmup" emails to only our most engaged subscribers first would help offset the "noisy neighbors" on a shared IP?

     Commented 2025-06-10 by Marcus Thorne

Make sure your "Unsubscribe" link is clearly visible. Hiding it only encourages users to hit the "Spam" button, which hurts your domain reputation much more.

   Answered 2025-06-25 by Steven Clark

• Steven is right. Kimberly, making it easy to leave actually protects your list quality. I’d rather have an unsubscribe than a spam complaint any day.

     Commented 2025-07-01 by Kimberly Vance