Setup checklist#
- ☐ Plan 3 to 5 steps over 2 to 3 weeks; diminishing returns set in after step 5.
- ☐ Give each step a distinct angle rather than 'just bumping this'.
- ☐ Stop the sequence automatically on reply, bounce, or unsubscribe.
- ☐ Thread follow-ups as replies for context, but vary subject lines when starting new angles.
- ☐ Review reply sentiment weekly and adjust.
Audit checklist#
- ☐ Confirm you are not: continuing after a negative reply.
- ☐ Confirm you are not: identical cadence for every contact regardless of engagement.
Ongoing monitoring#
- ☐ Weekly: review provider dashboards (Postmaster Tools, SNDS) and bounce logs
- ☐ Monthly: re-run the setup verification after any vendor or DNS change
- ☐ Quarterly: full audit against this checklist
Frequently asked questions#
How many follow-ups should a cold sequence have?
Three to five. Most positive replies come by step three; beyond five, complaints rise.