Getting Started with Strum Voice

With Strum Voice, you’ll be able to easily send campaigns to your members, but there’s a few things we want to share to ensure you have the best experience!


Jump ahead:

  1. Subdomain Discussion
    1. Why use a subdomain?
    2. How to set up a subdomain
  2. Setting Up a Dedicated IP
    1. Getting Strum’s DNS info to add to your Domain DNS settings
  3. Warming an IP address

Let’s discuss subdomains

Now you might be wondering, what does a subdomain have to do with sending campaigns? Or perhaps you’re asking yourself, what’s a subdomain? Not to worry, let’s jump right i!

Subdomains are prefixes added to your domain to create a separate part of your domain. Think of your website and email setup like a big house. The main domain (like example.com) is the house address everyone knows. A subdomain (like mail.example.com) is like adding a guesthouse with its own entrance.


Why use a subdomain?

You probably already have a domain that you use for your website and sending emails from your inbox right? That’s great for doing daily business, but for sending campaigns, a subdomain is your best bet! In fact it’s pretty standard in the industry.

When you have a subdomain for your email address, emails are delivered from the subdomain rather than the main domain. This helps to keep your main domain safe. Say for instance, something bad happens with the subdomain (like emails get flagged as spam), your main domain (the house) stays clean. This protects your main website and other important stuff from being affected.

Without a subdomain, you run the risk of your domain’s reputation being tarnished which could lead to deliverability issues like getting blocked by other mail providers or landing in spam. Email systems (like Gmail) are picky about what lands in your inbox. They look at your “email reputation,” kind of like a credit score for emails. By using a subdomain, you build a separate reputation just for emails—good behavior on the subdomain won’t affect the main domain if there are hiccups.


How do I set up a subdomain?

Setting up a subdomain is easier than you might think! Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Log in to Your Domain Registrar or Hosting Provider
    • This is where you purchased your domain name, like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or your web hosting provider.
  2. Find the DNS Settings
    • Look for a section called DNS Management, Domain Settings, or something similar.
    • If you can’t find it, search the help guides from your provider on “managing DNS records.”
  3. Add a Subdomain Record
    • Look for the “Add Record” Option: You’ll be adding a CNAME Record.
    • Fill in the details:
      1. Subdomain Name: This is the name of the subdomain (e.g., mail for mail.example.com).
      2. Record Type: CNAME Record - Points the subdomain to another domain or hostname (e.g., if you’re using an email service like Google Workspace).
      3. Value: Enter the destination hostname (e.g., mail.google.com).
      4. TTL: Set it to the default (usually 1 hour or automatic).
  4. Save the Record
    • Once you’ve entered the details, save the record. It may take some time (usually a few minutes to a few hours) for changes to propagate across the internet.
  5. Test Your Subdomain
    • Try typing your subdomain into a browser (e.g., mail.example.com). If it’s set up for a website, it should load.
    • If it’s for email, test by sending and receiving emails once the configuration is complete.
  6. Connect Your Subdomain to Services (Optional)
    • If the subdomain is for email (e.g., mail.example.com), configure it with your email service provider like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
    • Follow their setup guides to update additional DNS records (like MX and SPF).

Setting up a dedicated IP for Strum Voice

Once you have successfully setup and tested a dedicated subdomain, you’re ready for the IP Warming process.  Before this can begin, Strum Voice will need to purchase a dedicated IP address through SendGrid, the email sending platform for use with the subdomain dedicated to the Strum Voice (as detailed above).  

This dedicated IP allows Strum Voice to have full control over the sending reputation, separate from other users, and ensures that emails sent from this IP are not mixed with emails from other users.


Configuring DNS Settings

You are now ready to link the purchased IP address with the subdomain previously created, with your specific IP details provided by Strum Voice.  These DNS settings include SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records, all of which must be correctly configured for proper email authentication.

Note: These DNS settings can typically be entered via your domain registrar or DNS provider (e.g., GoDaddy, Cloudflare, etc.). The exact steps may vary based on the platform, and the client should refer to their DNS provider’s documentation for guidance.


DNS Verification

Once your DNS settings have been entered, Strum Voice will verify that the subdomain is correctly connected to the IP address. When DNS propagation is complete, the subdomain will show as "verified" in the Strum Voice platform, and the IP address will be ready for the warming process to begin.


IP Warming Process

Strum Voice’s IP warming process is designed to establish a positive sender reputation for a newly purchased IP address. This is achieved by gradually increasing the volume of emails sent, ensuring that the IP is recognized as legitimate by Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The warming process involves a combination of technical setup, DNS configuration, and ongoing monitoring of email engagement.


Initial Warming Using Inboxy

Strum Voice utilizes Inboxy, a third-party service, to perform the initial warming process. This process will begin when you provide Strum Voice with the following details:

  • Anticipated Date for First Email Send: This is the planned start date for sending live emails to the client's audience from the Strum Voice system and assists in determining when IP warming should begin. 
  • Time Zone: This helps ensure the warming process occurs in the client's preferred time zone.
  • Email Sending Hours: This allows Strum Voice to schedule the warming emails to mimic the client's anticipated schedule for future campaigns.

The warming process determines a daily max threshold of e-mail sends, by using Total Member Count and dividing by 30. Inboxy’s process will slowly ramp up the daily email send throughout the warming process and continue with increasing volume over the warming period to ensure a gradual, controlled increase in sending volume, starting with a low number of emails per day.

Duration: The initial warming process can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on how quickly the email volume is increased.

Slower Warming: A slower warming pace is recommended, as it results in a better sender

reputation over time. Gradually increasing the volume minimizes the risk of the IP being flagged as

suspicious or spammy by ISPs.

By aligning the warming process with your preferred sending schedule, Strum Voice can ensure a smooth transition to actual email sending without any disruptions.


Post-Warming Responsibilities

After the initial warming process is complete, you are responsible for maintaining a healthy IP reputation. To do this, it is recommended that you continue sending emails at the warmed quantity and slowing increase to the desired max. If you increase the email volume beyond the daily warming amount, it is recommended to do so gradually, as abrupt increases may negatively impact the IP’s reputation. Should any issues arise, adjustments to the email volume or engagement strategies may be required.

Note: If you would prefer continued warming and IP health maintenance, please work directly with Inboxy, who provides advanced plans for continual email warming and IP health.