Editing ActiveCampaign's deliverability guide to Gmail (section)

== Step-by-Step Instructions ==
1. **Understand Bulk Sender Guidelines**: Familiarize yourself with Google's guide titled "Prevent mail to Gmail users from being blocked or sent to spam," which offers fundamental practices for optimizing deliverability to Gmail users.
   
2. **Prioritize Domain Reputation**: Your '''domain reputation''' is more critical than your IP reputation when it comes to Gmail deliverability. Limit the number of domains used to maintain a strong and consistent reputation. Avoid using new domains, as they typically have sub-par deliverability until they build positive recognition.

3. **Focus on Engagement**: Send emails only to users who have opted-in and shown positive engagement patterns with your content. Engagement metrics, such as opening, forwarding, replying, or marking an email as "not spam," significantly influence delivery success.

4. **Monitor Spam Rates**: Keep your Google Spam Rate below 0.1% to avoid deliverability issues. Consider using '''Google Postmaster Tools''' for insights into your spam rate and overall sender reputation.

5. **Email Authentication**: As of February 2024, both '''DKIM''' and '''DMARC''' authentication will be required for Gmail delivery. Set up these authentication protocols to improve security and avoid spam filters.

6. **Send at a Consistent Volume**: Gradually increase your sending volume to establish a strong reputation rather than attempting to send large quantities of emails at once. Consistency in sending rates is crucial for maintainability.