Your first campaign, step by step.
From connecting a mailbox to your first replies, without hurting your domain.
This is the whole journey, from a new account to your first replies, in the order that protects your domain.
1. Connect a mailbox
Open Mailboxes and click Connect mailbox. Use Microsoft sign-in for Microsoft 365, or an app password for Google Workspace and Zoho. We test the login before saving.
- Send from a separate domain if you can, for example
tryacme.cominstead ofacme.com. Your main domain stays safe. - Leave the slow start on. Your mailbox sends 10 a day in week one, 20 in week two and 30 from week three.
2. Fix your DNS
Look at the SPF, DKIM and DMARC badges on your mailbox. If any is red, open Domain details for the exact fix. See our guide to SPF, DKIM and DMARC.
3. Import a small, targeted list
Start with 100 to 300 people who really fit your offer. Upload a CSV, Excel file or Google Sheet. We leave out addresses that can't receive email, throwaway inboxes and team addresses like info@. Add a few of your own addresses too, on other domains, such as your personal Gmail and Outlook.
4. Write short, personal emails
- Keep the first email under 120 words. One idea, one question.
- Use variables like
{{first_name|there}}and{{company}}, and a line that shows you looked at them. - Plain text, few links, no images. Leave the subject of follow-ups empty so they stay in the same thread.
- Two or three steps, three to four days apart, is plenty.
5. Preview, test, launch
Click Review and launch. Read what a real lead will get for every step, then send yourself a test. Launch unlocks after the test. Your first campaign gets a short content review before it starts.
6. Engage with your own copies
When your own addresses receive the emails, open them, click a link and reply. If one is in spam, mark it "Not spam" and reply. This gives Google and Microsoft real, positive signals early.
7. Answer replies fast
Replies arrive in the Master Inbox, already labelled. Reply the same day if you can. A lead who replies is never sent another step.
8. Grow slowly
Watch your bounce rate (under 2% is healthy) and your reply rate. To send more, add mailboxes rather than raising one mailbox's limit. Most teams send 30 to 50 a day per mailbox.