What is “warming vs priming” inboxes?

Warming and priming are related but distinct concepts in cold email preparation.

Warming (sender-side):

Builds your domain and IP reputation

Focuses on sending infrastructure

Establishes history with mailbox providers

Measured by deliverability metrics and reputation scores

Happens before and during initial campaigns

Priming (recipient-side):

Creates familiarity before cold email arrives

Touches prospects through other channels first (LinkedIn views, content engagement)

Makes your name or company recognizable when email arrives

Increases likelihood of opens and engagement

Happens before specific outreach to specific prospects

How they work together:

Warming ensures your message can be delivered

Priming increases chances the delivered message gets positive response

Both contribute to overall campaign success

Priming tactics:

View LinkedIn profiles of upcoming prospects

Engage with their content on social platforms

Attend same events or webinars

Get introduced by mutual connections

One prepares the harbor, the other prepares the receiving party.