What is a realistic warm-up timeline?

Warmup requires patience. Rushing guarantees problems.

Typical timelines:

Weeks 1 to 2: 10 to 30 emails daily to engaged recipients

Weeks 3 to 4: 30 to 75 emails daily, introducing some prospects

Weeks 5 to 6: 75 to 150 emails daily if metrics remain healthy

Weeks 7 to 8: Approach target volumes gradually

Factors affecting timeline:

Domain age: Newly registered domains need longer warmup. Register domains weeks before you need them.

Engagement quality: Better engagement accelerates reputation building

Sending infrastructure: New IPs need warmup alongside domains

Target volume: Higher intended volumes require more gradual ramp

Warning signs during warmup:

Increasing bounce rates

Messages landing in spam

Gmail Postmaster Tools showing reputation decline

Rate limiting or deferral messages from providers

When problems appear, reduce volume and stabilize before continuing. Better to extend the journey than sink the ship.