Summary
Setting up SPF without ESP documentation requires a multi-faceted approach. Start by contacting the ESP's support for assistance and check for existing SPF records using tools like MXToolbox. Utilize DMARC reports to identify sending IPs and monitor email streams. Understand SPF syntax using resources like dmarcian, RFC 7208, and Microsoft documentation. Be aware that some ESPs support SPF without explicitly stating it. If all else fails, analyze bounce messages to identify sending IPs and exercise caution when using trial and error methods. Finally, be mindful of the 10 include limit and consider using 'spf1 -all' to identify unauthorized mail sources if necessary.
Key findings
- ESP Support Contact: Contacting ESP support is a primary recommendation for obtaining SPF records and instructions.
- DMARC and IP Identification: DMARC reports and bounce message analysis are crucial for identifying sending IPs.
- SPF Syntax Knowledge: Understanding SPF syntax and record structure is essential.
- Existing Record Checks: Using tools like MXToolbox helps identify existing SPF records and potential errors.
Key considerations
- 10 Include Limit: The 10 include limit in SPF records should be considered, potentially requiring consolidation of services.
- Trial and Error Risks: Using trial and error methods carries risks and should be approached cautiously.
- spf1 -all implications: Using 'spf1 -all' is restrictive, causing all messages to fail initially but aiding in identifying unauthorized sources.
- Hidden SPF Support: Some ESPs may support SPF without explicitly advertising it.
- Webhosting provider setup: Webhosting providers SPF setup may be incorrect requiring manual configuration.
What email marketers say
8 marketer opinions
When ESP documentation is lacking, several strategies can help set up SPF. Contacting the ESP's support for direct assistance is a primary recommendation. Analyzing DMARC reports and monitoring outgoing email streams helps identify sending IPs. Checking for existing SPF records prevents conflicts. Caution is advised when resorting to trial and error by sending test emails and inspecting headers. The 10 include limit in SPF records should be a consideration, and services should be merged where possible. Utilizing tools like MXToolbox aids in identifying existing SPF records and errors.
Key opinions
- ESP Support: Contacting the ESP's support team can provide necessary SPF records and instructions when documentation is missing.
- DMARC Reports: Analyzing DMARC reports and monitoring outgoing email streams helps identify sending IPs and incorrect setups.
- Existing Records: Checking for existing SPF records prevents conflicts and ensures proper configuration.
- MXToolbox: Tools like MXToolbox can help identify existing SPF records and potential errors in configuration.
Key considerations
- Trial and Error Caution: Using trial and error methods, such as sending test emails, should be approached with caution due to potential impacts on deliverability.
- SPF Include Limit: Be mindful of the 10 include limit in SPF records and consider merging services to stay within this limit.
- Webhosting providers: Webhosting providers may have incorrect SPF setup processes. You may need to set this up manually.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Mailhardener recommends using DMARC reports to identify sending IPs. DMARC reports aggregate data about email authentication results, allowing you to discover IPs sending email on your behalf that may not be explicitly documented.
3 Jan 2022 - Mailhardener
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit shares to use MXToolbox to lookup your domain's SPF record. This helps to discover any current records or see if there are SPF related errors that can prevent setup.
24 Feb 2022 - Reddit
What the experts say
4 expert opinions
When ESP documentation is unavailable, setting up SPF requires alternative approaches. Some ESPs might support SPF without explicitly mentioning it. A core strategy involves identifying the sending IPs and adding them to the SPF record; analyzing bounce messages can help in this process. If determining all authorized senders is impossible, declaring this explicitly with 'spf1 -all' is a viable, though restrictive, option for identifying unauthorized mail.
Key opinions
- Hidden SPF Support: Some ESPs might support SPF without explicitly using the term, requiring investigation beyond the documentation.
- IP Identification: Identifying sending IPs is crucial for accurate SPF setup.
- Bounce Message Analysis: Analyzing bounce messages can help discover sending IPs not documented by the ESP.
Key considerations
- spf1 -all Impact: Using 'spf1 -all' will cause all messages to fail but may be necessary for identifying unauthorized mail sources.
- Lack of Documentation: The absence of explicit SPF documentation from an ESP does not necessarily mean SPF is unsupported; alternative methods of verification are needed.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks shares that she typically grabs the docs from the ESP, adds in the specific values, and passes that off to the client when setting up SPF. She notes a client's current ESP returns nothing for SPF when searched, and they don't seem to provide anything about what needs to be published for sender authentication.
29 Oct 2022 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks explains that some ESPs do support SPF but don't use the words "SPF" or anything related to describe it.
28 Jul 2024 - Email Geeks
What the documentation says
3 technical articles
Setting up SPF effectively requires a solid understanding of its syntax, mechanisms, and qualifiers. Resources like dmarcian, RFC 7208, and Microsoft's documentation provide in-depth explanations of SPF records, including mechanisms like 'a', 'mx', 'ip4', and 'include', as well as qualifiers. These resources outline the role each component plays in defining authorized sending sources, with Microsoft's documentation further detailing the 'include:' statement and its proper implementation.
Key findings
- SPF Syntax Knowledge: Understanding SPF syntax, including mechanisms and qualifiers, is essential for proper setup.
- Official Standards: RFC 7208 provides the official standard for SPF records, detailing syntax, mechanisms, qualifiers, and processing rules.
- Microsoft Documentation: Microsoft's mail flow documentation explains SPF record syntax and options, with a focus on the 'include:' statement.
Key considerations
- Applying Technical Details: The technical details from documentation must be applied practically to identify authorized sending sources accurately.
- Complexity of Syntax: The complexity of SPF syntax requires careful attention to avoid misconfigurations that can impact deliverability.
Technical article
Documentation from Microsoft explains the SPF record syntax and options in their mail flow documentation. The include: statement is explained in further detail and how it should be implemented.
26 May 2024 - Microsoft
Technical article
Documentation from RFC 7208 specifies the official standard for SPF records, including the syntax, mechanisms, qualifiers, and processing rules. Useful for understanding the underlying technical aspects of SPF.
9 Oct 2024 - RFC Editor
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