# Your first campaign, step by step | GTM and Outreach

Source: https://exntra.in/guides/first-campaign

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# Your first campaign, step by step

From connecting a mailbox to your first replies, without hurting your domain.

Updated 2 November 2026, 5 minute read

This is the whole journey, from a new account to your first replies, in the order that protects your domain.

## 1\. Connect a mailbox

Open Mailboxes and click Connect mailbox. Use Microsoft sign-in for Microsoft 365, or an app password for Google Workspace and Zoho. We test the login before saving.

-   Send from a separate domain if you can, for example `tryacme.com` instead of `acme.com`. Your main domain stays safe.
-   Leave the slow start on. Your mailbox sends 10 a day in week one, 20 in week two and 30 from week three.

## 2\. Fix your DNS

Look at the SPF, DKIM and DMARC badges on your mailbox. If any is red, open Domain details for the exact fix. See our guide to [SPF, DKIM and DMARC](/guides/spf-dkim-dmarc).

## 3\. Import a small, targeted list

Start with 100 to 300 people who really fit your offer. Upload a CSV, Excel file or Google Sheet. We leave out addresses that can't receive email, throwaway inboxes and team addresses like info@. Add a few of your own addresses too, on other domains, such as your personal Gmail and Outlook.

## 4\. Write short, personal emails

-   Keep the first email under 120 words. One idea, one question.
-   Use variables like `{{first_name|there}}` and `{{company}}`, and a line that shows you looked at them.
-   Plain text, few links, no images. Leave the subject of follow-ups empty so they stay in the same thread.
-   Two or three steps, three to four days apart, is plenty.

## 5\. Preview, test, launch

Click Review and launch. Read what a real lead will get for every step, then send yourself a test. Launch unlocks after the test. Your first campaign gets a short content review before it starts.

## 6\. Engage with your own copies

When your own addresses receive the emails, open them, click a link and reply. If one is in spam, mark it "Not spam" and reply. This gives Google and Microsoft real, positive signals early.

## 7\. Answer replies fast

Replies arrive in the Master Inbox, already labelled. Reply the same day if you can. A lead who replies is never sent another step.

## 8\. Grow slowly

Watch your bounce rate (under 2% is healthy) and your reply rate. To send more, add mailboxes rather than raising one mailbox's limit. Most teams send 30 to 50 a day per mailbox.

## Start sending this week

Your first month is free and needs no card. Connect a mailbox, import a list and send your first test in about ten minutes.

[Start your free month](https://app.example.com/#/signup)[Talk to us](/contact)