Getting your cold email settings right is critical. Even the best copy won't work if your emails go to spam. Here's what you need to set up:

Domain Setup

• Never use your main business domain for cold email

• Purchase separate domains that sound similar to your main domain

• Example: If your main domain is "agencyname.com", buy "agencynamegrowth.com", "agencynamehelp.com", etc.

• Set up website redirects so these domains point to your main site

SPF, DKIM & DMARC Records

• Set up proper authentication records for each domain

• SPF record tells servers which IPs can send email from your domain

• DKIM adds a digital signature to verify emails aren't forged

• DMARC tells receiving servers what to do with emails that fail authentication

• Most cold email platforms provide exact records to add in your DNS

Warm-Up Process

• New domains need to be "warmed up" before sending at volume

• Start with 5-10 emails per day for the first week

• Gradually increase by 10-15 emails per day

• Target 50 emails per domain per day maximum

• Use email warm-up services like Warmbox or Lemwarm

Sending Limits

• Never exceed 50 emails per domain per day

• If you need more volume, add more domains

• Space out sends throughout the day (not all at once)

• Avoid sending on weekends

Email Content Settings

• Turn off open tracking pixels (they trigger spam filters)

• Use plain text emails (no HTML)

• Avoid spam trigger words like "free", "guarantee", "limited time"

• Keep emails short (3-4 lines maximum)

• Don't include links in initial emails

• Use a professional signature with physical address

Reply Management

• Set up a system to respond to replies within 5 minutes

• Use a shared inbox tool like Front or Helpscout

• Create templates for common responses

• Never automate responses to real humans

Following these technical settings will dramatically improve your deliverability and ensure your emails actually reach the inbox.