Summary
To set up Gmail Postmaster Tools for a domain with subdomains effectively, a multi-faceted approach is required. Firstly, add both the parent domain and all subdomains separately to Gmail Postmaster Tools by navigating to the platform, clicking the '+' sign, and verifying domain ownership using a DNS TXT record for each. While authenticating the sending domain (often the subdomain) via SPF or DKIM is crucial, prioritize setting up authentication for the registered domain in the 'd=' tag. This comprehensive approach offers visibility of all traffic under the parent domain and allows for clear separation of subdomains. This also ensures granular monitoring of each subdomain's reputation, enabling the isolation of deliverability issues specific to different email streams (e.g., transactional vs. marketing). Properly authenticating subdomains with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is vital for building trust with Gmail. Furthermore, gradually warm up new subdomains by starting with low sending volumes and gradually increasing over time. Regularly monitor both the domain and subdomain reputation within Postmaster Tools to identify and resolve problems efficiently. Lastly, adherence to Gmail’s bulk sender guidelines, including authentication and consistent monitoring, is essential for maintaining a positive sender reputation and preventing deliverability problems.
Key findings
- Comprehensive Adding: Both the parent domain and all subdomains must be added separately within Gmail Postmaster Tools for complete coverage.
- DNS Verification is Key: Verifying ownership using a DNS TXT record is critical for each domain and subdomain.
- Prioritize 'd=' Tag: Set authentication for the registered domain first within the 'd=' tag for comprehensive traffic overview.
- Granular Monitoring is Essential: Subdomains should be monitored separately to isolate specific deliverability issues.
- SPF, DKIM, and DMARC Authentication: Implementing strong authentication using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC on all subdomains builds trust with Gmail.
- Traffic Separation Benefit: Separating traffic streams (transactional vs. marketing) aids in identifying problem sources more quickly.
- Warming-Up Important: Gradual warm-up for new subdomains establishes a positive reputation.
- Regular Monitoring Vital: Consistent monitoring helps identify and fix deliverability problems proactively.
- Compliance: Adherence to Gmail’s bulk sender guidelines ensures a positive sending reputation.
Key considerations
- Complexity of Management: Managing multiple domains and subdomains increases complexity in setup and monitoring.
- Expertise Needed: Properly setting up and managing DNS records (TXT, SPF, DKIM, DMARC) requires technical expertise.
- Reputation Interdependence: Negative sending practices on one subdomain can impact the reputation of the parent domain.
- Traffic Monitoring Requirements: Understanding how to analyze and interpret data from Postmaster Tools is crucial for informed decision-making.
- GPT Assumptions: Recognize that GPT assumes authorisation of parent domains extends to subdomains.
What email marketers say
7 marketer opinions
To effectively set up Gmail Postmaster Tools for a domain with subdomains, the prevailing advice is to add both the parent domain and each subdomain separately for granular monitoring. This enables isolation of reputation issues related to specific email streams (e.g., transactional vs. marketing). Authenticating subdomains with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is crucial for building trust. Separating traffic types provides clearer insights. Gradual IP and volume warm-up for new subdomains is recommended, along with verifying subdomain ownership via DNS records. Monitoring both domain and subdomain reputation helps identify and resolve deliverability problems.
Key opinions
- Granular Monitoring: Adding both the parent domain and each subdomain separately allows for granular monitoring of reputation.
- Isolate Reputation Issues: Separate monitoring helps isolate reputation issues related to specific email streams.
- Authentication: Authenticating subdomains with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is crucial for building trust and improving deliverability.
- Traffic Separation: Separating traffic types (transactional vs. marketing) provides clearer insights into deliverability issues.
- Warm-up Process: Gradually warm up IP addresses and sending volumes for new subdomains to establish a positive reputation.
- Verification: Verify ownership of each subdomain in Postmaster Tools using DNS records.
- Reputation Monitoring: Monitor both domain and subdomain reputation to identify and resolve deliverability problems effectively.
Key considerations
- Complexity: Setting up and monitoring multiple subdomains increases complexity; ensure adequate resources and expertise are available.
- Authentication Records: Carefully manage and update SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records for each subdomain to avoid authentication failures.
- Sender Reputation: Negative sending behavior on one subdomain can potentially impact the reputation of the parent domain, so careful monitoring and mitigation are necessary.
- Resources: Make sure that all subdomains have their own IPs and email marketing platforms.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Email Geeks suggests adding both the parent domain and subdomain to Postmaster.
14 Feb 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit shares that when using subdomains, it's useful to separate transactional email traffic from marketing email traffic. This can provide data on where issues are arising.
30 Aug 2021 - Reddit
What the experts say
7 expert opinions
Setting up Gmail Postmaster Tools for domains with subdomains involves authenticating the sending domain via SPF or DKIM, often the subdomain. Prioritize authentication for the registered domain in the 'd=' tag before adding subdomains. This allows viewing all traffic under the parent domain and separating subdomains. Adding each subdomain individually to Postmaster Tools is crucial for granular monitoring of reputation and identifying deliverability issues. GPT assumes authorization for the parent domain extends to subdomains. Verify and monitor each subdomain separately, especially when using different email streams, for precise tracking of reputation metrics.
Key opinions
- Authentication Focus: Authenticate the sending domain (likely the subdomain) using SPF or DKIM.
- Prioritize Registered Domain: Set up authentication for the registered domain (d= tag) before adding subdomains for comprehensive visibility.
- Granular Monitoring: Add each subdomain individually to Postmaster Tools for accurate reputation tracking and issue identification.
- GPT Authorization Assumption: Gmail Postmaster Tools assumes authorization for the parent domain extends to its subdomains.
- Stream Separation: Verify and monitor subdomains separately for distinct email streams (marketing, transactional) to track reputation metrics.
Key considerations
- Authentication Complexity: Managing SPF, DKIM records across multiple subdomains can be complex and requires careful attention.
- Reputation Impact: Negative sending practices on one subdomain could potentially affect the reputation of the parent domain; diligent monitoring is necessary.
- D Parameter: Understanding the impact of the d= parameter and how GPT reads this is key to seeing all subdomains.
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource emphasizes the importance of adding each subdomain individually to Gmail Postmaster Tools to accurately monitor the reputation of each sending domain and identify specific issues affecting deliverability. This provides a granular view essential for troubleshooting.
17 Sep 2022 - Spam Resource
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks believes it should be the domain you authenticate with via SPF or DKIM, likely the m. domain.
28 Sep 2021 - Email Geeks
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
Setting up Gmail Postmaster Tools for domains with subdomains involves adding each domain/subdomain separately by navigating to Postmaster Tools, clicking the plus sign, entering the domain name, and verifying ownership using a DNS TXT record. Postmaster Tools provides key insights into sending reputation, spam rates, and other metrics crucial for identifying and resolving deliverability issues. Following Gmail's bulk sender guidelines, including setting up authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) and diligently monitoring Postmaster Tools, is essential for maintaining a positive sender reputation and preventing deliverability problems.
Key findings
- Adding Domains: Add each domain/subdomain separately in Gmail Postmaster Tools.
- DNS Verification: Verify domain ownership using a DNS TXT record.
- Key Metrics: Postmaster Tools provides insights into sending reputation, spam rate, and other metrics.
- Separate Monitoring: Subdomains should be added separately to allow monitoring of subdomain reputation.
- Bulk Sender Guidelines: Adhere to Gmail's bulk sender guidelines.
- Authentication: Proper authentication is important to reduce deliverability issues.
Key considerations
- DNS Management: Correct DNS record setup and propagation is crucial for successful domain verification.
- Continuous Monitoring: Regularly monitor Postmaster Tools to identify and address deliverability issues proactively.
- Compliance: Ensuring compliance with Gmail's bulk sender guidelines is ongoing and requires consistent effort.
- Expertise: Implementing and maintaining email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) requires expertise to avoid configuration errors that could negatively impact deliverability.
Technical article
Documentation from EasyDMARC explains that the subdomain should be added to the Postmaster Tools separately to allow for monitoring of subdomain reputation.
9 Sep 2021 - EasyDMARC
Technical article
Documentation from Google Support explains that to add a domain, go to Gmail Postmaster Tools, click the plus sign, enter your domain name, and then verify domain ownership using DNS TXT record.
3 Apr 2025 - Google Support
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