Leading email providers are intensifying their efforts to ensure email security, with a heavy focus on email authentication. These industry-wide changes are set to be enforced by February 2024. Adhering to these rules is crucial for maintaining effective campaign deliverability.
Key changes
These new rules from providers like Google, Yahoo, and others are designed to create a more trusted email ecosystem, reducing spam and enhancing the overall user experience. Here’s what you need to do:
Acquire a custom domain: Emails sent from public domains (like Gmail, Hotmail, etc.) are more likely to be flagged as untrustworthy. Register a domain that reflects your brand. A unique domain enhances your professional image and sets the stage for successful email authentication.
Authenticate your domain: Implement authentication by adding 2 records to your domain management system (it’s actually pretty easy). This crucial step ensures email providers recognize and trust your emails, improving deliverability.
Implement DMARC (for larger senders): Accounts that send around 5,000 emails at a time also need to set up a DMARC policy to further protect your domain from unauthorized use. This helps prevent email spoofing and ensures that only authorized senders can use your domain.
Why domain authentication is a must
Domain authentication is a straightforward process that aligns with the new guidelines, marking your emails as trusted and verified. This vital step in account setup will prevent your emails from getting flagged as suspicious and bouncing under the new industry standard.
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How to switch to a custom domain
If you're using a public domain such as Gmail, Outlook, or Hotmail to send emails, you’ll need to switch to a custom domain. Emails sent from free domains can’t be authenticated, which can significantly affect your email deliverability and sender reputation.
To switch to a custom sending domain:
Choose your domain name: Brainstorm a list of potential domain names that reflect your brand and are easy to remember. Keep it short, simple, and relevant to your business.
Select a domain provider: Choose a reputable domain registrar. Companies like Namecheap, GoDaddy and Squarespace Domains are popular options. Compare prices, renewal rates, and any additional services they offer.
Check domain availability: Use the domain provider’s search tool to check if your desired domain name is available. If it's taken, the tool will often suggest alternative names or variations.
Complete the transaction: Follow the prompts to complete the transaction. You’re now the proud owner of a custom domain. Congrats!
Within your domain dashboard, you should be able to create an email address for your new custom domain. Check your domain provider’s knowledge base for step-by-step instructions. If you encounter any issues or have questions, most registrars offer customer support to assist you throughout the process.
Important: Sender address is different from the username email address that you would use to log into your account. It is still possible to create a user login with a Gmail address or other public domain.
How to authenticate your custom domain in MailerLite
Authenticating your domain in MailerLite is more than a compliance step; it's a strategic move. Not only will you align with new policy changes but you’ll also improve your overall email deliverability.
Log in to MailerLite: Once logged in, find the Domains section in your Account settings.
Add your domain: Under Sending domains, click Add domain and enter your custom sending domain.
Access DNS records: Click the Authenticate button to access the records that you'll need to add to your domain's DNS settings. These records are crucial for authentication and verifying that MailerLite is allowed to send emails on your behalf.
Update DNS settings: Log in to your domain provider dashboard (where you purchased your domain). Find the section for managing DNS settings. Add each record provided by MailerLite into your domain's DNS settings.
This process might differ slightly depending on your provider, we have multiple step-by-step guides for email authentication through various domain providers. If your chosen registrar is not on the list, simply refer to their help resources or contact their support if you need help.
How to set up a DMARC policy
For larger email senders, especially those dispatching around 5,000 or more emails at a time, implementing a DMARC policy is a must. This advanced level of authentication is essential for enhancing email security and protecting your domain from unauthorized use.
Here's a simplified guide to understanding and approaching DMARC:
Understand the importance of DMARC for larger senders: As a bulk sender, your domain's reputation and email deliverability are paramount. DMARC provides an additional layer of protection by using SPF and DKIM records to ensure that emails sent from your domain are authorized and instructing receiving servers on how to handle those that aren't.
Consult with a professional: Setting up DMARC incorrectly can lead to legitimate emails being blocked or sent to spam. Therefore, it's highly recommended to enlist a DMARC consultant or service that specializes in email security. They can help you understand your email sources, configure your SPF and DKIM, and set up the DMARC policy correctly.
Implementing a DMARC policy is a proactive step towards safeguarding your large-scale email operations and maintaining the trust and reliability of your communications.