Reputation Builder
Inbox Boost (warmup)
Gradually increase sending volume to seed inboxes so new or cold domains build reputation safely: after DNS is verified and pre-flight checks pass.
What Inbox Boost does
Inbox Boost (domain priming) sends small, paced volumes of real mail from your verified domain to a network of seed mailboxes. Opens and engagement signals help establish positive reputation before you move to full campaign volume. Volume follows a plan-based daily ramp, not a sudden spike.
Prerequisites
- Complete DNS setup: SPF, DKIM, and return-path verified
- Configure From email and warmup template (AI-generated, uploaded HTML, or plain text) on the domain's Inbox Boost page
- Resolve any pre-flight blockers shown in the UI (DNS failures, missing template, reputation warnings)
- Your plan must include Inbox Boost / email warmup module access
Pre-flight checks
Before warmup starts, SenderSignal runs pre-flight validation:
- DNS records still verified at public resolvers
- From address configured
- Active warmup template selected
- Blockers from blacklist or reputation state (when applicable)
Blockers must be fixed before Start is available. Warnings may require acknowledgement: you can proceed after reviewing them.
Starting warmup
- Open Reputation Builder → Inbox Boost and select your domain
- Review daily limit, ramp schedule, and sending window timezone
- Click Start warmup (or Start tracking when DNS is verified but you want reputation tracking before full send volume)
- Status changes to Warming: sends queue automatically on the platform schedule
How sending works
- Daily limit: maximum messages per calendar day in your chosen timezone; increases over the ramp plan
- Pacing: sends spread across the day rather than burst at once
- Seed recipients: warmup mail goes to engaged seed inboxes, not your customer list
- Template rotation: content from your selected warmup template (AI, upload, or text mode)
- Weekdays-only option: restrict sends to business days when enabled
Warmup statuses
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Not started | DNS or setup incomplete |
| Ready | Pre-flight passed; can start |
| Warming | Active daily sends in progress |
| Paused | Temporarily stopped: resume when ready |
| Stopped | Manually halted: restart or reset |
| Completed | Ramp finished; domain ready for production volume |
Controls during warmup
- Pause / Resume: halt sends without losing progress
- Stop: end current warmup run
- Complete: mark ramp finished early when you are ready for production
- Reset: clear progress and start fresh (use carefully)
- Restart: begin again after stop or completion
- Bounce rate auto-pause: optional guard that pauses warmup when bounces exceed a percentage you set — see Bounce rate auto-pause for thresholds, scenarios, and recovery steps
A test send option lets you send a single message to verify content and headers before full ramp.
Monitoring progress
The Inbox Boost dashboard shows:
- Current warmup day and ramp plan
- Sent today vs daily limit (progress bar)
- Engagement signals where available
- Activity log (start, pause, complete events)
- Pause reason when sends are held (limit reached, DNS regression, bounce rate, etc.)
Pair with History, blacklists, and sender reputation so reputation gains are not undermined by listings or auth drift.
After warmup completes
Mark the domain ready for your ESP or production SMTP at higher volume. SenderSignal does not replace your campaign tool: it prepares the domain. Continue monitoring blacklists and deliverability as volume increases.
Inbox Intelligence vs Inbox Boost
- Inbox Intelligence: you send one test; we report placement folders
- Inbox Boost: SenderSignal sends paced warmup mail on your behalf after DNS setup
Use placement tests to validate results mid-warmup or after completion.