Shared pools are warm and forgiving at low volume; dedicated IPs isolate you from others but demand consistent volume.
What dedicated IP addresses are#
A dedicated IP is used only by your mail; a shared IP pool is used by many senders on the same platform. Dedicated IPs give control over reputation but require volume and warm-up; shared pools borrow the platform's reputation.
Why it matters#
Choosing wrong either exposes you to neighbors' behavior or leaves an IP too cold to build reputation.
How shared IP pools differs#
shared IP pools solves an adjacent problem. Shared pools are warm and forgiving at low volume; dedicated IPs isolate you from others but demand consistent volume. In practice the two are deployed together and monitored with the same reporting.
Which to implement first#
Start with whichever your sending platform makes easiest, then add the other. Deployment order matters less than reaching a state where both pass and align with your From domain.
Frequently asked questions#
Do I need a dedicated IP for good deliverability?
No. Domain reputation dominates. Dedicated IPs are for high-volume senders who want isolation.