When it comes to your company’s email marketing efforts, an IP address can be both a benefit and a drawback. As all emails are sent from a certain IP address, that address’s reputation influences whether or not your message gets delivered to the recipient’s inbox, spam folder, or is simply ignored. Herein lies the significance of Internet Protocol addresses (whether shared or dedicated).
If you’re trying to decide between Shared IP Addresses and Dedicated IP Addresses for your email marketing, this guide will help you make the right decision.
What is an IP Address?
Every computer, smartphone, tablet, etc., on the internet has its own unique number called an IP address (Internet Protocol address). Internet protocol, also known as Transmission Control Protocol, is used for communication between these network gadgets. Some gadgets have numerical labels like “216.58.217.206” for their IP addresses.
Domain Name System (DNS) is like a phone book for the Internet, keeping track of which IP addresses go with which domain names. When you type a website’s domain name (like google.com) into your browser’s address bar, your ISP sends a DNS query to the nameservers for that domain.
Two Types of IP Addresses
Based on their allotted time, the two most common IP addresses are:
- Permanent or static
In most cases, it doesn’t change or is permanent until the gadget is turned off. This IP address can also change as the underlying infrastructure of the network evolves. But, whether or not a permanent IP address is assigned is ultimately up to the ISP.
- Temporary or dynamic
Here, the IP address is dynamic. When necessary, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) servers can also hand out IP addresses on the fly.
What is the Function of an IP Address?
There are two primary roles that IP addresses play:
- Host/Network interface identification
It helps computers and mobile phones to interact with websites and other streaming services by assigning each one a unique identifier.
- Location addressing
The host’s Internet Protocol address (IP address) is revealed. The means of transportation to get there are also detailed.
Importance of IP Address in Email Marketing
In order to send and receive messages, an IP address is required. ISPs rate a sender’s IP address based on a number of factors, including the content of messages transmitted, their size, how often they are delivered, and how their recipients respond to them. The name for this aspect is “sender repute.”
The reputation of your IP address is a factor in whether or not email clients will send your message to the inboxes of your subscribers. Hence, it is imperative that you, as an email marketer, recognize the need of maintaining a high level of trustworthiness for your IP address.
Email companies like Google and Yahoo maintain blacklists to filter out spam messages. These databases contain potentially harmful IP addresses. We may now conclude that the IP address reveals whether or not your emails can be trusted.
There are two categories of IP addresses based on their intended function: Shared IP Addresses and dedicated IP addresses.
Let’s take a look at both of them to find out what makes them tick, how they’re put to use, and cost associated with them.
What are Shared IP Addresses?
When many senders utilize the same Internet Protocol (IP) address, we say that they are sharing the address. It’s quite similar to sharing an office building with other businesses, or a “co-working space.” As the reputation of an IP or Sender is tied to all emails sent from that IP, the actions of other senders can have both a positive and negative effect on your reputation.
How to get Shared IP Addresses?
Shared hosting services are offered by many different websites. You may learn more about them by visiting their websites.
Cost of Shared IP Addresses
The least expensive choice is shared hosting. Traffic, storage space, extra features, membership terms, etc. all play a role in the various pricing structures offered by hosting websites. Monthly fees are typically between $2.49 and $15.
What is a Dedicated IP Address?
In a dedicated IP adddress, only one sender at a time can utilize a given IP address. This means that only one user or company can use the IP address to send emails. Your IP reputation is entirely under your control with a dedicated IP address. Your email sender reputation is independent of the IP address you use, unlike in the case of shared IP addresses. While using a virtual private network (VPN), having a dedicated IP address (static) can help you avoid having to fill out CAPTCHAs again. It also makes it simple to view the webpage and make any necessary modifications.
How to get a Dedicated IP Address?
You can visit LeaseIPx to get your dedicated IP address instantly. You can easily purchase a dedicated IP from here.
Shared IP Addresses or Dedicated IP Addresses: which one should you use?
At last, we reach the crux of the matter: which of the two IP addresses presented here should you actually use?
The benefits and drawbacks of both shared and dedicated IP networks are comparable. Let’s do some more digging to figure out where each one shines.
A marketer’s email deliverability can be improved by piggybacking on the good names of other senders (since many users share the IP address). But, if a spammer or other participant with poor email practices uses the same IP address and has a bad domain reputation with the ISPs, the marketers may also be penalized.
Nonetheless, the sender retains complete command over their online credibility thanks to the dedicated IP address. Nonetheless, the data quality must be enough for implementation and ongoing upkeep. The entire reputation might be tarnished by only one slip-up. Websites that ask customers for sensitive information or take payments should use SSL encryption. However, only (static) dedicated IP addresses can receive SSL certificates.
The following is a convenient comparison of shared and dedicated IP addresses and their features and benefits:
Conclusion
If you’re doing an email marketing campaign, you have the option of using either shared IP addresses or dedicated IP addresses.
If you send more than 100,000 emails per year and care deeply about your online reputation, you should use a dedicated IP address. Then, you can get the most long-term benefits while minimizing any downsides. You would still need to watch out for the brand’s consistency and reputation, though. At the beginning, you can go with shared IP addresses if the price is a big concern. And eventually give up on shared IP addresses in favor of dedicated IP addresses.
FAQs
How do I find out whether I have Shared IP Addresses?
You can check your network settings or contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or hosting provider to see whether you have shared IP addresses. They can tell you what kind of IP address is assigned to your device or website.
Is there a cost difference between dedicated and shared IP addresses?
Yes, there is usually a cost difference between shared and dedicated IP addresses. Shared IP Addresses are often included as part of the standard service package provided by ISPs or hosting providers. On the other hand, dedicated IP addresses may involve additional fees or require you to upgrade to a premium hosting plan.
