Summary
While technically feasible, using the same sending domain with multiple ESPs is generally discouraged due to potential deliverability and authentication complexities. Experts and documentation recommend using separate subdomains for each ESP to maintain a clean sending reputation and avoid conflicts with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records. Careful IP warming for each ESP, diligent monitoring of deliverability metrics, dedicated IPs, and unique DKIM selectors are also crucial for success. Some scenarios, like gradual migration, may justify temporary use of the same domain, but proper configuration is paramount to prevent deliverability issues.
Key findings
- Technical Possibility: Using the same domain is technically possible, especially during a migration period.
- Deliverability and Authentication Risks: Significant risks to email deliverability, domain reputation, and authentication complexity arise from sharing a sending domain across multiple ESPs.
- Subdomain as Mitigation: Utilizing separate subdomains for each ESP is the widely recommended best practice for minimizing risks.
- Need for Warming: Each ESP's IP addresses must be carefully warmed up independently to establish a positive sending reputation.
- Configuration Imperative: Proper configuration of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records is essential to avoid deliverability issues.
Key considerations
- Subdomain Strategy: Implement a clear subdomain strategy, assigning a unique subdomain to each ESP.
- Authentication Setup: Thoroughly configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records, ensuring each ESP is properly authenticated.
- Dedicated IP Addresses: Consider dedicating IP addresses to each ESP to isolate sending reputation.
- Monitor Performance: Consistently monitor deliverability metrics for each ESP to quickly identify and address any issues.
- DKIM Selectors: Implement distinct DKIM selectors for each ESP to facilitate email authentication.
- Bounce Handling: Ensure the 5321.From address (bounce address) subdomain aligns with domain used for ESP
What email marketers say
9 marketer opinions
While technically possible, using the same sending domain with multiple ESPs is generally discouraged due to potential deliverability issues and authentication complexities. Most experts recommend using separate subdomains for each ESP to maintain a clean sending reputation and avoid conflicts with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records. Careful IP warming for each ESP and diligent monitoring of deliverability metrics are also crucial. Some scenarios, like gradual migration, may justify temporary use of the same domain, but proper configuration is paramount.
Key opinions
- Technical Feasibility: Using the same sending domain with multiple ESPs is technically possible, especially during migration.
- Deliverability Risks: It poses significant risks to email deliverability and domain reputation.
- Authentication Conflicts: Potential conflicts with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records can arise.
- Subdomain Recommendation: Using separate subdomains for each ESP is the recommended best practice.
- IP Warming: Careful IP warming for each ESP is crucial.
- Monitoring: Diligent monitoring of deliverability metrics is necessary.
Key considerations
- Subdomain Setup: Properly configure subdomains for each ESP.
- Authentication Protocols: Ensure correct setup of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records for each ESP.
- IP Reputation: Monitor and maintain IP reputation for each ESP individually.
- Migration Strategy: If migrating, stagger the process and monitor deliverability closely.
- DKIM Selectors: Configure different DKIM selectors for each ESP.
- Email Authentication: Setup Email Authentication for each individual service and dedicated IP addresses.
Marketer view
Email marketer from ActiveCampaign says to configure different DKIM selectors for each sending source to uniquely identify emails sent from each platform to ensure proper domain reputation and avoid deliverability issues.
1 Jun 2022 - ActiveCampaign
Marketer view
Email marketer from GMass shares that it is technically possible to use the same domain, but to protect your sender reputation, it's better to utilize subdomains. Using the same domain will create complexity with authentication.
10 Feb 2022 - GMass
What the experts say
4 expert opinions
Experts generally agree that using the same sending domain with multiple ESPs is technically possible but requires careful configuration to avoid deliverability issues. A key recommendation is to use different subdomains for each ESP, ensuring that the 5321.from address is unique to each provider for bounce handling. Separate dedicated IPs, DKIM selectors, and proper configuration of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are also crucial to maintain a good sending reputation.
Key opinions
- Technical Feasibility: Using the same domain is technically possible but needs careful setup.
- Subdomain Importance: Each ESP requires its own subdomain.
- Bounce Handling: The 5321.from address (bounce address) must be specific to each ESP.
- DKIM Selectors: Unique DKIM selectors are essential for each ESP.
- Shared From Address: The same email address in the From: header can be used across ESPs.
Key considerations
- Dedicated IPs: Consider using dedicated IPs for each ESP.
- SPF, DKIM, DMARC Configuration: Properly configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records for each ESP.
- IP Warming: Warm up IPs associated with each ESP individually.
- 5321.From Address: Ensure the bounce address subdomain aligns with domain used for ESP
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource responds that utilizing the same sending domain across multiple ESPs can create deliverability problems. Each ESP needs to have its own dedicated subdomain and the IPs associated with each provider will also need to be carefully warmed up individually to build a positive sending reputation. SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records need to be correctly set up for each ESP.
30 Aug 2024 - Spam Resource
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks shares you can, and probably should, use the same email address in the From: header on both ESPs, while using different subdomains that align with the domain in the From: header for the bounce address at each ESP. ESPs are used to this, so mention it to their support folks.
29 Aug 2021 - Email Geeks
What the documentation says
5 technical articles
Technical documentation generally advises against using the same sending domain across multiple ESPs without careful configuration. While technically possible, it can lead to SPF conflicts, authentication complications, and deliverability issues. The common recommendation is to use separate subdomains for each ESP to segment traffic, maintain control over reputation, and avoid exceeding DNS lookup limits. Dedicated IP addresses and proper configuration of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are also crucial.
Key findings
- Authentication Risks: Using the same domain can complicate authentication processes.
- SPF Conflicts: SPF conflicts are a major concern when using the same domain.
- DNS Lookup Limits: Careful management of SPF records is needed to avoid exceeding DNS lookup limits.
- Subdomain Recommendation: Using separate subdomains for each ESP is strongly recommended.
- Reputation Control: Subdomains help maintain control over reputation for each ESP.
Key considerations
- Dedicated IPs: Consider using dedicated IP addresses for each ESP.
- SPF Configuration: Properly configure SPF records to include all authorized sending sources.
- DKIM Configuration: Create and add domain keys identified mail (DKIM) records for each different source.
- DMARC Configuration: Ensure proper configuration of DMARC records.
Technical article
Documentation from RFC advises using separate subdomains or domains for each ESP when sending emails to avoid SPF conflicts and improve email deliverability. The same domain is possible, it will cause errors with authentication.
29 Mar 2025 - RFC
Technical article
Documentation from Sendgrid recommends that if you are using the same domain across multiple ESPs, you should strongly consider dedicated IP addresses for each provider. This helps to isolate sender reputation and improve deliverability. Proper configuration of SPF, DKIM and DMARC is also crucial.
4 Jun 2024 - Sendgrid
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