Set up SPF/DKIM records, warm up new accounts gradually (start with 20-50 emails/day), space out sends, and avoid spam content. Verify with test emails before launching campaigns.
When to Use This Guide
Use this if you're experiencing:
Account suspended or multiple restriction warnings
Several emails bouncing across different campaigns
New Google Workspace account that needs proper setup
Repeated blocks even after fixing individual emails
If only one email was blocked: See Fix: Google has blocked an outgoing email for a quick content fix.
Technical Setup (Do This Once)
Use Google Workspace (not @gmail.com)
Personal Gmail accounts can't handle cold email volume. You need a paid Google Workspace account.
Configure SPF and DKIM
Go to your domain registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.) → DNS Settings → Add: SPF Record:
- Type: TXT
- Name: @
- Value:v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all
DKIM Record:
- [Google Admin] → [Apps] → [Gmail] → [Authenticate email] → [Generate new record]
- Copy the key and add it to DNS (Type: TXT, Name: google._domainkey)
✅ Verify: Use MXToolbox to check both records pass. Wait 24-48 hours for DNS propagation.
💡 lemlist tells Google to send emails—it doesn't send directly. Your DNS must be configured correctly.
3. Set up custom tracking domain
[lemlist Settings] → [Email Settings] → [Custom Domain] → Add subdomain (e.g., track.yourdomain.com)
Add the provided CNAME to your DNS. This separates tracking from sending, improving deliverability.
Sending Behavior (Do This Always)
4. Warm up new accounts
Don't send full volume immediately. Gradually increase over 2-3 weeks:
Week 1: 20-50 emails/day
Week 2: 75-100 emails/day
Week 3+: 150-200 emails/day
Set limits in lemlist: [Campaign Settings] → [Sending Schedule] → Set daily cap
⚠️ Never send from accounts in free trial period.
5. Space out your sends
Send throughout working hours, not all at once.
[Campaign Settings] → [Schedule] → Set 9 AM - 5 PM with 1-2 minute gaps
Bursts of 100 emails in 10 minutes look like spam. Gradual sending looks human.
Content Guidelines (Every Email)
6. Avoid spam triggers
Remove:
ALL CAPS or excessive punctuation (!!!)
Words: "free," "guarantee," "urgent," "limited time"
Too many links (keep to 2-3 max)
Large images or heavy formatting
7. Turn off open tracking for short emails
[Campaign Settings] → [Tracking] → Disable [Track Opens] for emails under 50 words
Short emails with tracking pixels trigger filters.
8. Include required elements
Every email needs:
Your physical address in signature
Unsubscribe option: "Reply 'unsubscribe' to opt out" or {{unsubscribe}} variable
Test Before Launching
9. Send test batch
Before going live:
Send to 5-10 personal emails (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo)
Check inbox vs spam placement
View email source—confirm "spf=pass" and "dkim=pass" in headers
10. Monitor bounces
Check [Email Activity] for bounce messages. Common errors:
"Unauthenticated email" → Fix SPF/DKIM (Step 2)
"Temporary System Problem" → Reduce send speed (Step 5)
"Policy rejection" → Fix content (Step 6-8)
Success Checklist
✅ SPF and DKIM pass validation
✅ Test emails land in inbox (not spam)
✅ Bounce rate under 5%
✅ No warnings in Google Workspace Admin
✅ Campaigns run successfully for 3+ days