How to Send Your First Email Campaign
Why you need this:
Sending your first campaign correctly ensures good deliverability, avoids spam filters, and helps you build a positive sender reputation from the start.
Before You Start: Authenticate Your Sending Domain
You must authenticate your sending domain before sending any campaign. This verifies you own the domain and dramatically improves email deliverability.
If you haven't done this yet, follow our domain authentication guide first, then return here.
Step 1: Import Your Email List
Create a New List
Click the Audience drop-down in the navigation bar
Select Lists
Click the Create List button
Enter a name for your list (e.g., "Newsletter Subscribers")
Choose an opt-in type:
Single opt-in: Use this if you're migrating from another platform or your subscribers are already vetted
Double opt-in: Use this if you're collecting new subscribers and want them to confirm their email address first
Click Create List
Upload Your Contacts
Open your newly created list and click Import Contacts
Drag and drop your CSV file, or click to browse and select it
CSV file requirements:
Format: Comma-separated values with column headers in the first row
Example format:
email,first_name,last_namejohn@example.com,John,Smithjane@example.com,Jane,Doe
Click Continue after the file uploads
Map Your Fields
If your CSV column names don't match SendX's default fields (like "email," "Firstname"), you'll need to map them manually.
Example: If your CSV uses "Email Address" instead of "email," select "email" from the drop-down next to "Email Address."
You can create custom fields during this process if needed
Note: Invalid email addresses won't be imported, and you'll be notified
Duplicate contacts will be automatically merged
Click Complete to finish importing
Step 2: Create and Design Your Newsletter
Set Up Campaign Details
Click Campaigns in the navigation bar
Select Newsletters from the drop-down
Click Create Newsletter
Enter your campaign name (internal reference only; subscribers won't see this)
Write your email subject line
Tip: Personalize it by selecting First Name from the personalization drop-down (e.g., "Hi {{First Name}}, here's your weekly update")
Add preview text (the snippet shown in inbox previews before opening)
Select your sender profile (or create one on the fly if needed)
Click Next: Type
Design Your Email
Select the drag-and-drop editor option
Click Next: Design
Choose a template or start from scratch
Click Preview to view the template
Customize your content:
Edit text, add images, adjust layout
Keep your design simple and mobile-friendly
Test Before Sending
⚠️ Critical step: Always send yourself a test email before going live.
Click Send Test Email in the editor
Check your inbox (wait a few minutes if needed)
Review on both desktop and mobile if possible
Make any necessary corrections
If your test email lands in spam:
This indicates a serious domain authentication or content issue. Stop and contact SendX support before proceeding.
Once satisfied, click Continue in the top-right corner
Step 3: Choose Recipients and Send
Select Your Audience
In the Select from available lists, tags or segments drop-down, type your list name
Select the list you just imported
Click Next: Review and Confirm
Review and Schedule
Carefully verify:
Subject line
Sender name and email
Preview text
Recipient count
Click Next: Schedule
Send Your Campaign
Select Send Now to send immediately (or schedule for later if preferred)
Enable Simple Warm-up Mode (Recommended for first campaign):
What it does: Gradually sends your campaign to protect your sender reputation
Who needs it: Anyone sending to 500+ contacts for the first time
How it works: SendX automatically manages delivery pace based on your list size (not limited to 500 contacts)
Important: Once started, warm-up mode cannot be disabled for this campaign
Click Send
In the confirmation pop-up, click Submit
⚠️ Note: Once sent, you cannot edit or stop the campaign. Only scheduled campaigns (set for later) can be edited before their send time.
Step 4: Review Your Campaign Performance
When to Check Analytics
Wait at least 4 hours after sending before reviewing performance. Email clients take time to register opens and clicks.
If you see 0 opens after 24 hours, something is wrong. Contact SendX support immediately.
Access Your Campaign Analytics
Click Campaigns in the navigation bar
Select Newsletters
Open the campaign you want to review
Click the Performance tab
What to Review
Total opens and unique opens: How many people opened your email
Clicks and unique clicks: How many clicked your links
Geographic data: Where your subscribers are located
Device breakdown: What devices they're using (desktop, mobile, tablet)
Use these insights to optimize future campaigns. For example, if most opens happen on mobile, ensure your designs are mobile-first.
Important Notes & Limitations
Email sending is unlimited on all SendX plans
Contact limits depend on your subscription plan
Campaign editing: You can only edit campaigns scheduled for future sending. Sent campaigns cannot be modified
Domain authentication is mandatory before sending any campaign
CSV file size limit: 40 MB maximum per import
Common Questions
Q: What if some contacts didn't import?
A: Invalid email addresses are automatically excluded. You'll receive a notification showing which contacts failed and why.
Q: Can I send to my entire list on the first campaign?
A: Yes, but we recommend enabling Simple Warm-up Mode to protect your sender reputation, especially if you have 500+ contacts.
Q: What happens if my campaign fails to send?
A: You'll see an error message explaining the issue (e.g., "No contacts in recipient list" or "Account locked"). Follow the instructions or contact support.
Q: How long does warm-up mode take?
A: Delivery time depends on your list size. SendX automatically manages the pace. Larger lists take longer.
Q: Can I use the same list for multiple campaigns?
A: Yes! Once imported, you can reuse lists for any future campaign.
Need help? Contact SendX support if you encounter issues with domain authentication, test emails landing in spam, or zero opens after 24 hours.