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Improve Email Deliverability: The Importance of Domain Authentication

Learn how to set up domain authentication to enhance your email deliverability and protect your sender reputation.

 

Why This Feature Matters

As of February 2024, Gmail and Yahoo require enhanced authentication for high-volume senders. Not following these guidelines can lead to issues such as:

  • Your emails may get caught in spam filters or bounce back.
  • Your domain could be at risk of spoofing and abuse.
  • You may not comply with updated email sender requirements.
  • Your sender reputation could suffer, leading to lower open rates.

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Email platforms like Gmail now require domain email authentication for senders sending more than 5,000 messages daily. Key requirements include:

  • DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)

    • Authenticates your domain as the true sender.
    • Prevents spoofing and improves trust.
    • Required for Gmail and Yahoo compliance.

  • SPF (Sender Policy Framework)

    • Identifies which servers are allowed to send email on your behalf.
    • Required for senders exceeding 5,000 messages per day.

  • DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance)

    • Protects against spoofing by enforcing DKIM and SPF rules.
    • Required for compliance with Gmail and Yahoo.

 

Authenticating Google Domain Email Addresses

If you use Google Workspace (Gmail/GSuite):

 

Authenticating via Mandrill or SendGrid

If you’re using Mandrill or SendGrid for sending emails:

Authenticating Office365 Domain Email Addresses

If you use Office365:

  • Microsoft automatically manages SPF unless your account is with a 3rd party like GoDaddy.

  • If you use GoDaddy, generate a DKIM record manually:

     

If you’re unsure about your current setup, contact our Support Team at Support@SierraInteractive.com for help verifying your records.

 

Best Practices

  • Enable Easy Unsubscription: Make opt-out options clear and accessible.

  • Send Only Wanted Emails: Keep spam complaint rates below 0.1%.

  • Monitor Marketing Lists: Remove or suppress leads who don’t open/click emails.

  • Optimize Open Rates: Reduce frequency for low-engagement contacts and focus on active leads.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Spam complaints? Check SPF/DKIM/DMARC setup and reduce email frequency to disengaged contacts.

  • Low open rates? Use segmentation and avoid over-emailing.

  • Bouncebacks? Confirm DNS records are properly published for your domain.

FAQs

  • Is this required even if I don’t send 5,000 emails a day?
    • Technically no, but email authentication is still recommended for all senders to improve deliverability.
  • What if I use a third-party sender like SendGrid?
    • You must authenticate your domain with that provider using DKIM/SPF/DMARC.
  • Can Sierra help with configuration?
    • Yes! Our support team is happy to walk you through the process.