Implementing a strict DMARC policy without blocking legitimate emails, particularly those from Google Workspace, involves a multi-faceted approach. The consensus is to begin with a relaxed `p=none` policy to monitor email traffic, identify sending sources, and resolve any authentication issues. Ensuring correct SPF and DKIM configuration for all senders, including Google Workspace and any third-party ESPs, is crucial, especially in light of Yahoo and Gmail's 2024 requirements. DKIM alignment, where the signing domain matches the 'From' address, is also important. Subdomains can be used to isolate marketing emails and apply stricter policies without affecting the primary domain. Regular monitoring of DMARC reports is essential for identifying and addressing authentication failures. Email forwarding can break DMARC, so using SRS may be necessary. Finally, using online DMARC checkers helps validate the policy setup. A gradual transition to `p=quarantine` and then `p=reject` is recommended once you're confident in your authentication setup.
9 marketer opinions
Implementing a strict DMARC policy requires careful planning to avoid blocking legitimate emails, especially those from Google Workspace. The recommended approach involves starting with a relaxed policy (p=none) to monitor email traffic and identify all sending sources. Ensuring proper SPF and DKIM configuration is crucial, particularly for third-party senders like SendGrid. DKIM alignment, where the signing domain matches the 'From' address domain, is also essential. Subdomains can be used to isolate marketing emails and apply stricter policies without affecting primary domain deliverability. Monitoring DMARC reports helps identify authentication issues and fine-tune the policy. Forwarding can break DMARC, so using SRS may be needed. Online DMARC checkers can validate your setup.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Proofpoint explains that when DMARC fails, the receiving mail server takes the action outlined in your DMARC policy (none, quarantine, or reject) based on the results of SPF and DKIM checks. Without a DMARC record, domains are vulnerable to impersonation.
24 Oct 2022 - Proofpoint
Marketer view
Email marketer from AuthSMTP answers that using online DMARC checkers is important as they validate whether or not your record is correctly setup. The advise to double check it matches your providers instructions.
2 Apr 2023 - AuthSMTP
4 expert opinions
Implementing a strict DMARC policy without blocking legitimate emails, such as those from Google Workspace, requires a phased approach. Experts recommend starting with `p=none` to identify and resolve authentication issues before moving to stricter policies like `quarantine` or `reject`. A key requirement, especially with the 2024 Yahoo and Gmail updates, is ensuring SPF and DKIM are properly configured for *every* sender, including Google Workspace itself and any ESP/CRM used in conjunction. Failing to do so is a primary cause of deliverability problems.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise shares that DMARC deployment should be done in phases. Starting with `p=none` to monitor, then moving to `p=quarantine` and finally `p=reject` once you are confident in your email authentication setup, to avoid blocking legitimate emails.
7 Jan 2025 - Word to the Wise
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks responds to a question on implementing a strict DMARC policy. He recommends starting with `p=none` to fix any authentication issues before moving to `quarantine` or `reject`.
28 Jun 2023 - Email Geeks
4 technical articles
Implementing a DMARC policy without disrupting Google Workspace emails, according to official documentation, involves a phased approach. Start with a relaxed `p=none` policy to monitor email traffic and identify all legitimate sending sources. Gradually increase the policy strictness to `p=quarantine` and then `p=reject` as you gain confidence in your authentication setup. Accurate SPF record configuration is crucial, particularly when using third-party senders, to prevent legitimate emails from failing DMARC checks. DMARC records themselves are TXT records published to your DNS zone under the `_dmarc` name.
Technical article
Documentation from Microsoft explains that when setting up DMARC, ensure SPF records are correctly configured to authenticate sending sources. Incorrectly configured SPF records can lead to legitimate emails failing DMARC checks, especially when using third-party senders.
12 Feb 2025 - Microsoft
Technical article
Documentation from Cloudflare explains that DMARC records are TXT records that must be published to your DNS zone using the `_dmarc` name.
14 Feb 2023 - Cloudflare
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