Setting up domain authentication when your email and website domains differ primarily involves configuring SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records within your email domain's DNS settings. Focus on the email domain; the website domain is typically irrelevant. Your DKIM 'd=' tag must match the domain used in the 'From' address. Inbound mail handling must be enabled for the 'From' address domain. Properly configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to improve deliverability and prevent spoofing. For Mailchimp, domain verification is necessary. Implement DMARC with a gradual approach, starting with a 'p=none' policy. The goal is to establish trust and ensure emails reach the inbox, preventing them from being marked as spam. Future requirements, such as those from Google and Yahoo, may necessitate CNAME records in the same domain space as the 'From' address. Also, ensuring you have a live email account on the email domain to aid successful domain authentication implementation.
10 marketer opinions
Setting up domain authentication with different email and website domains involves configuring SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records primarily on the email domain's DNS settings. These records verify your email's authenticity, improve deliverability, and protect your brand's reputation. It is also recommended to start with a 'p=none' DMARC policy and progressively increase the restriction. Mailchimp requires you to verify your domain before sending. The key is to ensure that receiving mail servers trust that emails are sent from authorized sources, which is particularly important when the email and website domains are different.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Postmark answers that SPF records prevent spammers from using your email address. Postmark advise adding them to the top of the DNS zone file and including the records of any email providers you are using.
14 May 2025 - Postmark
Marketer view
Email marketer from SparkPost answers that SPF (Sender Policy Framework) records specify which mail servers are authorized to send email on behalf of your domain. Make sure your SPF record includes all the servers you use to send email, including SparkPost's.
5 Jan 2024 - SparkPost
10 expert opinions
When setting up domain authentication with different email and website domains, it's crucial to configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records within the DNS settings of the email domain. The website domain is typically not relevant. Ensure the 'd=' in your DKIM record matches the domain in the 'From' address. If using DKIM CNAMEs, these should be set up in the DNS of the domain used for sending bulk mail. Handling inbound mail for the 'From' address domain is necessary for replies and deliverability. Google and Yahoo will require CNAME records in the same domain space as the 'From' address to avoid blocks. An active email account on the domain used for authentication is also required. SPF records specify authorized mail servers, while DKIM uses signatures to verify email authenticity, and both enhance deliverability. Domain authentication is essential for establishing trust and ensuring email reaches the inbox.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks explains that starting in February, Google and Yahoo will require CNAME records in the same domain space as the From: address to avoid being blocked. If using a domain in the From address, a mailbox and published CNAME records in that domain space will be necessary.
28 Oct 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Spamresource.com explains that DKIM authentication requires the publication of a DKIM TXT record, also known as a DKIM DNS record. Mail servers use this record to verify the authenticity of incoming messages.
3 Jan 2025 - Spamresource.com
4 technical articles
Domain authentication, using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records, is crucial for preventing spammers from sending unauthorized emails appearing to originate from your domain. SPF records, published in your DNS settings, authorize specific mail servers to send emails on your domain's behalf. DMARC builds upon SPF and DKIM, providing a policy for how receiving servers should handle emails that fail authentication checks. Proper configuration of these records ensures email deliverability and prevents spoofing.
Technical article
Documentation from RFC Editor specifies how to construct the SPF record and what terms are available for use. These terms specify the authentication mechanisms available in the domain.
13 Aug 2021 - RFC Editor
Technical article
Documentation from DMARC.org explains that DMARC builds upon SPF and DKIM to provide a policy for handling emails that fail authentication checks. It allows domain owners to specify how receiving servers should handle unauthenticated mail.
14 Apr 2022 - DMARC.org
Are SPF, DKIM, and DMARC as important in B2B as in B2C email marketing?
Do all email service providers support DMARC, and what does 'support' mean in this context?
Do I need domain host access to update DMARC records?
Does DMARC improve email deliverability and should ESPs push senders to set it up?
How can I ensure email compliance with Yahoo/Google rules including DMARC, SPF, and FcrDNS?
How can I implement a strict DMARC policy without blocking Google Workspace emails?
How do I properly set up DMARC records and reporting for email authentication?
How do I properly set up SPF and DKIM records for email marketing, including handling multiple SPF records, IP ranges, bounce capturing, and Google Postmaster Tools verification?
How do SPF, DKIM, and DMARC email authentication standards work?
What are SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, and when are they needed?