How do non-branded domains and shared SFMC hostnames impact email deliverability and what configurations are best?

Using non-branded domains and shared SFMC hostnames can negatively impact email deliverability, especially if those domains develop a poor reputation at Gmail. Sharing IP addresses or hostnames with other senders, particularly within SFMC/ExactTarget, can lead to deliverability issues due to shared reputation. While domain mismatch isn't a critical problem, controlling your hostnames offers a better sending experience. Authenticating your sending domain using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is essential to prove your legitimacy to ISPs and prevent spoofing. DMARC builds on SPF and DKIM, allowing you to set policies for handling unauthenticated emails. While SPF alignment is helpful, DKIM alignment is more crucial. Implementing SAP (Sender Authentication Package) with branded DKIM, SPF, and custom domains for images/clicks/views is recommended to improve deliverability and brand consistency. Utilize subdomains for email to isolate your email sending reputation. A secure email gateway also aids in safeguarding against attacks. Multi-bounce domains can provide SPF alignment for both domains when sending. Follow best practices and avoid unwanted email to ensure reliable delivery to Gmail and other providers. Maintaining a positive sender reputation is critical; poor reputations can lead to emails being filtered as spam or blocked. It's important to implement strong security measures to protect against attacks and maintain a positive sending reputation.

Using non-branded domains and shared SFMC hostnames can negatively impact email deliverability due to shared IP and domain reputation. When sending from shared IPs, your reputation is linked to other senders, making you vulnerable to their sending practices. Authenticating your sending domain with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is crucial for proving your legitimacy to ISPs. DMARC builds upon SPF and DKIM by allowing you to set policies for handling unauthenticated emails. Switching to a dedicated IP or using a subdomain for email can provide more control over your sending reputation, isolating it from other senders. Maintaining a positive sender reputation is critical, as poor reputations can lead to emails being filtered as spam or blocked. Proper authentication also prevents spoofing and builds trust with recipient servers.

Using non-branded domains and shared SFMC hostnames can negatively impact email deliverability, particularly if those domains acquire a poor reputation, especially at Gmail. Sharing hostnames with SFMC/ExactTarget customers can also lead to deliverability issues due to shared reputation. Domain mismatch isn't a major problem, but controlling your hostnames provides a better experience. DMARC can pass with DKIM or SPF alignment; however, relying solely on DKIM with shared bounce domains is less ideal. While SPF alignment is beneficial, DKIM alignment is more crucial. Implementing SAP (Sender Authentication Package) with branded DKIM, SPF, and custom domains for images/clicks is recommended. Ensure an A record exists for the bounce subdomain. Utilizing a multi-bounce domain allows for SPF alignment for multiple domains. SFMC authentication can be complex, with shared hostnames potentially impacting deliverability.

To ensure email deliverability, authentication mechanisms like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are crucial. SPF records specify authorized mail servers, preventing domain spoofing. DKIM uses digital signatures to verify email authenticity and integrity. DMARC builds upon SPF and DKIM, defining policies for handling unauthenticated emails. Salesforce's SAP (Sender Authentication Package) provides tools for email authentication, branding, and dedicated IPs. Employing a secure email gateway is also vital to protect against attacks and maintain a positive sending reputation. Following email best practices and avoiding unwanted email enhances deliverability.