What Do Dedicated IP and Shared IP Mean in Email Marketing?

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What Do Dedicated IP and Shared IP Mean in Email Marketing?

An IP is like a road. A shared IP is akin to a public road that anyone can use, while a dedicated IP is a private path reserved for specific users. The benefits of a dedicated IP include not only faster email “delivery” but also avoiding potential “accidents” caused by others along the way.

Simply put, users with a dedicated IP don’t have to share a sending channel with others, nor do they need to worry about being affected by other users’ sending volumes or performance. For example, if someone on a shared IP sends spam, emails from other users on that same IP might also be flagged as spam—a problem that dedicated IP users don’t face.

You’re probably aware that major ISPs (such as Gmail, Yahoo, and Hotmail) maintain IP blacklists containing addresses known for sending spam. If you send emails from a blacklisted IP, your messages are likely to be marked as spam.

Additionally, many third-party anti-spam organizations—such asSpmahuas,Trend Micro, andSpacop.net—provide blacklisting services for reporting spam-sending IPs.

Of course, even if you use a dedicated IP, failing to follow email sending best practices could still land you on a blacklist. Therefore, it’s crucial to minimize spam complaints, as more complaints lead to a worse sender reputation.

Advantages of a Dedicated IP:

  • During major promotional events or holidays, you won’t have to worry about email delays. It helps improve deliverability, ensuring recipients open your emails at the optimal time.

  • If your sending volume is high, consider purchasing multiple dedicated IPs to increase email delivery speed. You can also assign different IPs to different customer segments or business types.

If your sending volume is low, make sure to prepare properly before using a dedicated IP and continuously monitor your IP’s sender reputation.

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