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Email Marketing Glossary.

Clear, no-fluff definitions of every email marketing term that matters—from open rates to double opt-in. 

 

Dedicated IP

A dedicated IP is a sending IP address used exclusively by one sender, so your email reputation is entirely your own — unlike a shared IP, where reputation is pooled across many senders.

Also known as: dedicated IP address, dedicated sending IP

On a shared IP, your deliverability is tied to the behavior of everyone else sending from it. A dedicated IP hands you full control — and full responsibility — for your sending reputation.

Dedicated vs. shared IP

Shared IPs pool reputation across many senders, which helps low-volume senders but exposes you to others' mistakes. A dedicated IP isolates your reputation entirely.

Who should use a dedicated IP?

High-volume, consistent senders benefit most. Low-volume senders often do better on a well-managed shared IP, since a dedicated IP needs steady volume to maintain reputation.

What to know before switching

A new dedicated IP must be warmed up, and it requires enough consistent volume to stay reputable. Below a certain volume, a shared IP is usually the better choice.

Related terms

Email Deliverability Sender Reputation SPF DKIM DMARC Hard Bounce

Related reading from Drip

Ecommerce Email Deliverability: 9 Ways to Reach the Inbox

Frequently asked questions

What is a dedicated IP?
A dedicated IP is a sending IP address used exclusively by one sender, so your email reputation depends entirely on your own sending behavior rather than being shared with others.
What's the difference between a dedicated and shared IP?
A shared IP pools sender reputation across many senders, while a dedicated IP isolates your reputation to only your mail. Shared IPs help low-volume senders; dedicated IPs give high-volume senders full control.
Who should use a dedicated IP?
High-volume, consistent senders benefit most because they can maintain a strong standalone reputation. Low-volume senders often do better on a well-managed shared IP, which needs less volume to stay reputable.
Do I need to warm up a dedicated IP?
Yes. A new dedicated IP starts with no reputation, so it must be warmed up by gradually increasing volume. It also needs steady ongoing volume to maintain a good reputation.
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