> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.satisfilabs.com/resource-center/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.satisfilabs.com/resource-center/marketing-engine/campaigns/email-campaigns/best-practices/foundational-email-best-practices.md).

# Foundational Email Best Practices

Building a strong sender reputation isn’t a one-time activity—it’s a strategic investment. By combining **technical hygiene**, **thoughtful segmentation**, and **engagement-driven automation**, you can maximize your reach and impact using Marketing Engine.

#### 1. **Warm Up the Domain/IP Gradually** <a href="#id-1.-warm-up-the-domain-ip-gradually" id="id-1.-warm-up-the-domain-ip-gradually"></a>

To build a strong sender reputation and avoid spam filters, especially with new sending domains or IPs:

* **Start Small**: Send emails to only 500–1000 recipients per day.
* **Diversify Recipients**: Choose a broad and varied audience (across regions/devices) to demonstrate healthy engagement.
* **Ramp Over Time**: Increase volume linearly over **2–3 weeks**.
* **Monitor Deliverability**: Use inbox placement tools to detect spam issues early.

{% hint style="success" %}
*Why it matters*: ISPs like Gmail and Yahoo track sudden spikes in email activity. A warm-up phase builds trust and reduces the chances of early blocking or throttling.
{% endhint %}

#### 2. **Use Drip Campaigns to Drive Initial Engagement** <a href="#id-2.-use-drip-campaigns-to-drive-initial-engagement" id="id-2.-use-drip-campaigns-to-drive-initial-engagement"></a>

Set up **automated welcome or confirmation sequences** when users submit forms (e.g., ticket signups, newsletter opt-ins, event interest).

* **Immediate Welcome Email** (within 5 minutes): Reinforces intent and boosts engagement signals.
* **Follow-Up Sequence** (2–3 touches): Include event reminders, highlight benefits, or share fan experiences.

{% hint style="success" %}
&#x20;*Why it matters*: These early touches help establish positive open/click behavior and improve domain/IP reputation with inbox providers.
{% endhint %}

#### 3. **Segment and Target High-Engagement Lists First** <a href="#id-3.-segment-and-target-high-engagement-lists-first" id="id-3.-segment-and-target-high-engagement-lists-first"></a>

Start your campaigns by emailing your **most engaged users**—those who:

* Opened or clicked in the last 30–90 days.
* Purchased tickets or signed up recently.
* Attended recent events.

{% hint style="success" %}
*Why it matters*: ISPs reward high engagement with better inbox placement. It also helps buffer reputation when you expand to colder lists later.
{% endhint %}

### Audience-Specific Tips <a href="#audience-specific-tips" id="audience-specific-tips"></a>

#### Sports Teams <a href="#sports-teams" id="sports-teams"></a>

* **Use Game-Day Triggers**: Post-purchase email + pre-event reminder + game recap.
* **Cross-Promote Merchandise**: Trigger based on attendance or recent activity.

#### DMOs (Tourism Boards) <a href="#dmos-tourism-boards" id="dmos-tourism-boards"></a>

* **Highlight Local Experiences**: Personalize by user geography or previous interests.
* **Seasonal Drip Sequences**: Align content with upcoming travel periods.

#### Experience Providers <a href="#experience-providers" id="experience-providers"></a>

* **Booking Confirmation Series**: Confirm, upsell, and follow up with reviews.
* **Engage After Visit**: Collect feedback or suggest future events.

#### Entertainment Venues & Festivals <a href="#entertainment-venues-and-festivals" id="entertainment-venues-and-festivals"></a>

* **Countdown Campaigns**: Build anticipation through email sequences leading to event day.
* **Segmentation by Genre/Performer**: Align subject lines and CTAs with audience interests.

### Additional Deliverability Best Practices  <a href="#additional-deliverability-best-practices" id="additional-deliverability-best-practices"></a>

#### List Hygiene <a href="#list-hygiene" id="list-hygiene"></a>

* Remove unengaged addresses.
* Hard bounces and Unsubscribes are automatically suppressed from our end

#### Consistent Sending Cadence <a href="#consistent-sending-cadence" id="consistent-sending-cadence"></a>

* Avoid irregular spikes. Send consistently (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly).

#### Monitor Metrics <a href="#monitor-metrics" id="monitor-metrics"></a>

* Track open rates, clicks, bounces, and spam complaints.