Understanding Dedicated IPs in Stack Email
What is a Dedicated IP?
A dedicated IP allows your emails to be sent from a unique, exclusive IP address. This can significantly impact your email deliverability as email service providers (ESPs) monitor the reputation of IP addresses to determine how emails are handled. With a dedicated IP, you have exclusive control over your email sender reputation and deliverability.
When Should You Consider a Dedicated IP?
If you're sending large volumes of emails, especially over 200,000 per month, a dedicated IP can help establish a strong reputation. It's also essential when setting up email authentication protocols like SPF, DMARC, DKIM, and SSL certificates, which protect against email spoofing. Shared IPs don't provide the same security level, making you vulnerable to other senders' actions on the same IP. A dedicated IP also protects against domain hijacking, ensuring the integrity of your communications.
Benefits of a Dedicated IP
- Enhanced Email Delivery: Dedicated IPs often result in faster email delivery. Major providers like Gmail and Yahoo prefer emails from dedicated IPs, ensuring quicker inbox placement.
- Control Over Sender Reputation: With a dedicated IP, you control your sending habits and IP reputation, allowing you to tailor your strategies without external interference.
- Efficient Problem Resolution: Being the sole user of your IP simplifies identifying and resolving IP-related issues, improving service reliability.
- Improved Cybersecurity: A dedicated IP adds a layer of protection against threats like domain hijacking and malware, enhancing your online security.
Tips for Sending Emails with Dedicated IPs
Managing your email volume and timing is crucial to maintaining a good reputation with ESPs. Gradually increase your email volume every 24 hours to avoid triggering spam filters. Consistent email dispatches are key; sporadic, high-volume sending can flag you as a spammer. If your email traffic is inconsistent, a shared IP might be more beneficial.
We've automated the dedicated IP warm-up process to ensure a robust sender reputation. During this period, emails may alternate between your dedicated IP and your previous shared IP until fully warmed up. This process is vital for optimal deliverability and reputation.
How to Purchase a Dedicated IP
Stack Email users can acquire a dedicated IP through the email service. Follow these steps:
- Navigate to the Email Services section.
- Click on Dedicated Domain and IP.
- Select Buy IP to proceed with the purchase.
Managing Your Dedicated IP
If you own a dedicated sending domain, you'll see a tag indicating whether it's associated with a Dedicated or Shared IP. You can assign one or more dedicated IPs to your domains, allowing emails to be sent through all linked IPs in a round-robin manner. This ensures balanced email traffic distribution.
Assigning a Dedicated IP to a Domain
- Click the three dots next to your domain.
- Select Assign IP.
- Use the IP Assignment modal to choose from your purchased IPs.
FAQ
How do I set up rDNS?
Follow the instructions provided in the Stack documentation to set up rDNS for your dedicated IP.
By understanding and utilizing dedicated IPs, you can significantly enhance your email deliverability and protect your online communications.