Why Email Volume Balancing Matters for Deliverability
One in six emails never reaches the inbox. That’s a big deal for businesses relying on email campaigns. Email volume balancing - sending emails at a steady, predictable pace - helps maintain a strong sender reputation and ensures better inbox placement. Here's why it matters:
- Sender reputation is crucial: Providers like Gmail and Yahoo monitor sending patterns. Sudden spikes in email volume can harm your reputation, reducing deliverability.
- Stats to know: The global average deliverability rate is 83%-85%, but top senders hit 95%+. Spam complaints under 0.1% and bounce rates below 3% are benchmarks for success.
- Tools make it easier: Platforms like Primeforge, Mailforge, Mailpool, and Amplemarket offer solutions to manage volume, automate DNS setup, and track key metrics.
If your campaigns are struggling to land in inboxes, balancing your email volume and using the right tools can improve results significantly. Let’s dive into how these platforms compare.
1. Primeforge
Primeforge serves as an email infrastructure provider, focusing on the essential tools needed to manage email volume effectively while maintaining strong deliverability for campaigns targeting US audiences.
Supported Mailbox Types
Primeforge exclusively supports Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 mailboxes, a deliberate choice that enhances deliverability. These mailboxes are inherently more trusted by receiving servers compared to generic or free email services. For cold outreach campaigns aimed at US-based recipients, this distinction is crucial since major providers like Gmail and Outlook are more likely to accept emails originating from their own infrastructure.
With Primeforge, mailbox provisioning is streamlined and cost-efficient. The automated setup process takes about 30 minutes, enabling businesses to launch campaigns quickly without unnecessary delays.
DNS and Authentication Features
Authentication is a cornerstone of email deliverability, and Primeforge simplifies this process with automated DNS setup. This includes configuring SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records, along with a bulk DNS updates feature that ensures scalability and compliance.
The bulk updates tool is especially useful for managing authentication records across multiple domains simultaneously. For businesses expanding their outreach efforts, this eliminates the time-consuming task of manual DNS management. Primeforge’s automated approach ensures that senders distributing over 5,000 emails daily remain compliant with current standards, paving the way for smoother operations.
Volume Balancing Tools
Primeforge provides tools to evenly distribute email volume across multiple mailboxes and workspaces, helping users avoid spam filters through balanced sending patterns.
The platform supports growth by allowing users to add more mailboxes as their email volume increases. This aligns with best practices, as senders who gradually scale their volume often achieve deliverability rates exceeding 95%, compared to the global average of 83% to 85%. Additionally, Primeforge uses US-based IP addresses, reducing the risk of geographic filtering when targeting American audiences.
Integration with Deliverability Tools
As part of The Forge Stack ecosystem, Primeforge integrates seamlessly with tools designed to optimize email warm-up and reputation management. A key integration is with Warmforge, a tool for email warm-up and deliverability monitoring, included with a separate Salesforge subscription at no extra cost.
Primeforge also connects with Infraforge for private email infrastructure and Mailforge for shared infrastructure, enabling users to distribute email volume across different IP types. This diversification minimizes risks associated with over-reliance on a single infrastructure source, which could lead to issues if reputation problems arise.
The platform’s compatibility with "any sending software" adds flexibility, allowing businesses to continue using their preferred outreach tools while benefiting from Primeforge’s optimized infrastructure. This approach ensures improved deliverability through better mailbox provisioning and streamlined authentication management, all without disrupting existing workflows.
2. Mailforge
Mailforge offers a shared email infrastructure solution designed for reliable email deliverability. By utilizing shared resources, it provides businesses with a cost-effective and quick-to-implement alternative to private email infrastructure, all while maintaining robust authentication protocols.
Supported Mailbox Types
Mailforge supports Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 mailboxes, capitalizing on the strong reputations of these established platforms. This is especially beneficial in shared infrastructure setups where multiple users send emails through the same IP addresses.
One of Mailforge's standout features is its compatibility with virtually any sending software. Businesses can continue using their preferred outreach tools while upgrading their email infrastructure. For US-based companies targeting local audiences, this combination of trusted mailbox providers and seamless integration ensures emails meet the expectations of receiving servers. Additionally, Mailforge simplifies the often-complicated authentication process with its automated DNS configuration.
DNS and Authentication Features
Mailforge streamlines authentication by automating the setup of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records. This is particularly important in shared infrastructure environments, where high email volumes make proper authentication a critical factor in maintaining deliverability.
The shared IP setup offered by Mailforge is designed for quick deployment and reduced costs. While it may not provide the level of control available with private infrastructure, it’s an excellent option for businesses that prioritize affordability and speed over dedicated IP management.
Volume Balancing Tools
Mailforge employs a gradual scaling process over 30–60 days, following IP warming best practices to optimize deliverability. This step-by-step approach minimizes the risk of spam filters being triggered by sudden spikes in email volume.
The process begins with smaller email batches sent to highly engaged recipients, creating positive sending signals before increasing the volume. With consistent adherence to best practices, Mailforge aims to surpass the 83% to 85% global average deliverability rate, with top-tier performance reaching as high as 95%.
Key metrics monitored during this process include spam complaint rates kept below 0.1% and bounce rates maintained under 3%. Considering that email lists naturally degrade by about 22.5% annually, Mailforge’s tools help businesses sustain high deliverability rates over time.
Integration with Deliverability Tools
Mailforge is part of The Forge Stack ecosystem, which includes tools designed to enhance email performance in shared infrastructure environments. For businesses requiring private IP setups, Mailforge integrates seamlessly with Infraforge, offering a clear upgrade path as email programs grow more advanced.
This integration allows teams to monitor critical metrics like sender reputation, engagement rates, and compliance with deliverability standards. The shared infrastructure model serves as a great starting point for businesses building their email strategies, with options to scale up as needs evolve.
Because Mailforge works with existing sending software, businesses can implement volume balancing and other deliverability improvements without disrupting their current workflows. This makes it an ideal choice for companies looking for immediate enhancements in email performance while maintaining operational efficiency.
3. Mailpool
Mailpool is designed to improve email deliverability for cold outreach and large-scale campaigns. Its standout feature is the ability to distribute email volume across multiple mailboxes and IP addresses, avoiding sudden spikes that could trigger spam filters and harm your sender reputation.
Supported Mailbox Types
Mailpool works seamlessly with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 mailboxes. This integration is especially beneficial for U.S.-based businesses targeting local audiences, as both Google and Microsoft are known for their strong sender reputations, which can boost inbox placement rates.
DNS and Authentication Features
Mailpool simplifies DNS management by automating the setup for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records. This automation reduces the chances of configuration errors that might otherwise lead to emails being marked as spam or outright rejected. Combined with its volume balancing tools, Mailpool ensures that your sender reputation remains intact.
Volume Balancing Tools
One of Mailpool's key features is its volume balancing system, which evenly distributes outgoing emails across multiple mailboxes and IP addresses. This system gradually scales over a period of 30 to 60 days, ensuring proper IP warming and helping to build a strong sender reputation.
With this approach, organizations can achieve deliverability rates of 95% or higher - far exceeding the global average of 83% to 85%. Mailpool also keeps a close watch on critical metrics, maintaining spam complaint rates below 0.1% and bounce rates under 3%. These tools work hand in hand with real-time monitoring systems, ensuring smooth and effective email management.
Integration with Deliverability Tools
Mailpool integrates with various deliverability monitoring and warm-up tools, providing real-time insights into inbox placement, spam complaints, and bounce rates. These integrations allow users to proactively manage their sender reputation, making adjustments as needed based on live data.
As Evaldas Mockus, VP of Marketing at Omnisend, explains:
"Timing your emails to coincide with your subscribers' peak activity periods is the key to increasing engagement and sending positive signals to ISPs."
4. Amplemarket
Amplemarket takes a unique approach by blending behavioral insights with technical tools to optimize email campaigns. By monitoring user behavior alongside traditional technical methods, the platform ensures email volume is managed effectively. It emphasizes a key point: poor email deliverability can seriously undermine the success of outbound campaigns.
Supported Mailbox Types
Amplemarket works seamlessly with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, allowing users to operate within familiar systems while following best practices to maintain email deliverability.
DNS and Authentication Features
The platform simplifies the setup of essential email authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. These measures are crucial for verifying the sender's identity and minimizing the chances of emails being flagged as spam - especially when sending large volumes of emails.
Volume Balancing Tools
Amplemarket keeps a close eye on email-sending patterns, issuing alerts for sudden spikes in activity. It also guides users to scale email volumes gradually and in segments over several weeks. This approach helps maintain deliverability rates above 90% while keeping spam complaints below 0.1%.
The platform's team highlights that abrupt increases in email activity are a frequent cause of poor inbox placement. To counter this, real-time alerts allow users to make quick adjustments.
Integration with Deliverability Tools
Amplemarket integrates tools for monitoring key metrics like inbox placement, bounce rates, and spam complaints. It also supports third-party tools for IP warming and reputation management. These features provide actionable insights, helping users refine their email-sending strategies and benchmark their performance effectively.
Platform Strengths and Weaknesses
Each email platform brings its own mix of advantages and challenges, especially when it comes to balancing email volume and managing deliverability. Here's a closer look at how these platforms stack up, building on earlier discussions about delivery methods to help you identify the best fit for your outreach needs.
Primeforge shines in automated infrastructure management, particularly with its automated DNS setup for DMARC, SPF, and DKIM. Its US-based IP addresses and compatibility with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 help establish a strong sender reputation. Designed with cold outreach in mind, it offers bulk DNS updates and supports multiple workspaces, making it ideal for scaling operations efficiently while keeping spam complaint rates within acceptable limits. However, its modular pricing structure - requiring separate subscriptions for each tool in The Forge Stack - can drive up costs for businesses needing full functionality. Additionally, its focus on cold outreach may not suit high-volume transactional or marketing campaigns.
Mailforge is known for its flexibility and smooth integration with existing sending software. Its shared infrastructure model offers a budget-friendly option for smaller teams or businesses just starting out. This setup allows for scaling as needs grow, though it may not be the best choice for high-volume senders. Shared infrastructure users could face reputation issues due to the actions of others on the platform, and the lack of dedicated IP control limits scalability.
Mailpool caters to large-scale email operations, emphasizing monitoring and analytics. It tracks key metrics like spam complaints, bounce rates, and engagement, all of which are crucial for maintaining a strong sender reputation. However, it requires more manual setup, adding complexity to operations, which might be a hurdle for teams without technical expertise.
Amplemarket takes a unique approach by blending technical tools with behavioral insights. It excels in offering educational resources and actionable guidance, including real-time alerts for sudden activity spikes. These insights help teams fine-tune their sending practices to maintain deliverability above 90%. While this focus on education and guidance is valuable, businesses often need to implement its recommendations using other tools, as the platform lacks direct technical infrastructure.
Here’s a quick comparison of the platforms:
| Platform | Mailbox Types | DNS Setup | Volume Management | Deliverability Integration | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primeforge | Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 | Automated bulk updates | Multiple workspaces, scaling | Warmforge, Infraforge, Mailforge | US-based IPs, automated setup, ESP matching | Requires separate subscriptions |
| Mailforge | Works with any sending software | Seamless integration | IP warming, scaling | Third-party tool compatibility | Workflow flexibility, cost-effective | Shared infrastructure limitations |
| Mailpool | Not specified | Manual setup required | High-volume monitoring | Spam/bounce rate tracking | Analytics | Requires more manual intervention |
| Amplemarket | Not specified | Guidance on SPF, DKIM, DMARC | Real-time spike alerts | Behavioral monitoring tools | Educational focus, practical insights | Limited direct infrastructure features |
The right platform for your business depends on your email volume and technical expertise. If you’re sending over 5,000 emails daily, solutions with automated DNS management and dedicated infrastructure are the way to go. On the other hand, smaller teams or those with limited technical resources might prefer shared infrastructure platforms, even if it means giving up some control over sender reputation.
Conclusion
Balancing email volume is a key factor in ensuring strong email deliverability. The numbers speak for themselves: scaling gradually over 30 to 60 days, keeping spam complaint rates below 0.1%, and maintaining bounce rates under 3% are critical steps toward hitting deliverability rates above 95%.
When it comes to choosing the right platform, your email volume and technical needs should guide the decision. For businesses sending more than 5,000 emails daily, platforms like Primeforge stand out. They offer features like automated DNS setup, US-based IP addresses, and seamless integration with The Forge Stack tools (Salesforge, Mailforge, Warmforge, Infraforge, and Leadsforge), creating a streamlined system for managing volume and deliverability. On the other hand, smaller teams or those just starting out might lean toward Mailforge. Its shared infrastructure model is more affordable but comes with some trade-offs in reputation management.
The choice of infrastructure can significantly amplify results. For example, improving inbox placement has been shown to increase email ROI by as much as 20%. Whether you opt for an all-in-one platform like Primeforge or a specialized tool, investing in proper volume balancing leads to better deliverability, higher engagement, and stronger business outcomes. With global email volumes having doubled since the pandemic, laying a solid foundation for email success is more important than ever.
FAQs
Why is balancing email volume important for sender reputation and deliverability?
Balancing how many emails you send is key to protecting your sender reputation and keeping your deliverability rates high. If you send too many emails too quickly, spam filters might flag your messages. On the other hand, sudden spikes in email volume can alert email providers, which could harm your reputation.
A steady, gradual approach to sending emails builds trust with email service providers. This trust reduces the chances of your messages landing in spam folders. Tools like Primeforge simplify this process by providing customized email infrastructure solutions. These include automated DNS setup and US-based IP addresses, helping ensure your email campaigns stay efficient and within compliance.
What’s the difference between shared and private email infrastructure, and how does it impact email deliverability?
Shared email infrastructure, like what Mailforge offers, lets multiple users access the same resources, making it a budget-friendly choice for smaller campaigns. The downside? Deliverability can take a hit if other users on the network engage in spammy or poor email practices.
On the other hand, private email infrastructure, such as Infraforge, provides dedicated resources and more control. Features like multi-IP provisioning make it a great fit for larger campaigns or businesses that demand advanced customization and better deliverability rates. Ultimately, the choice boils down to the scale of your email efforts and the level of control you need.
How can I scale email volume effectively to maintain high deliverability rates?
Gradually increasing the number of emails you send is crucial for keeping your deliverability rates high. Begin by sending emails in smaller, manageable batches. This approach helps you build a solid sender reputation with email service providers. As you gain traction, you can slowly raise your email volume, keeping a close eye on key metrics like open rates, bounce rates, and spam complaints to ensure everything stays on track.
Consistency is critical here - sudden spikes in email volume can raise red flags and trigger spam filters. Tools like Primeforge can simplify the process by offering features such as automated DNS setup and US-based IP addresses, helping you maintain compliance and optimize deliverability. By scaling your efforts carefully and keeping a watchful eye on performance, you’ll strengthen your sender reputation and boost the success of your email campaigns.