Summary
Setting up a subdomain for email in GoDaddy involves creating the subdomain in GoDaddy's DNS settings, and then configuring the necessary DNS records, including MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. The specific settings for these records are typically provided by your Email Service Provider (ESP). DKIM should be set up as a CNAME record. Using a subdomain isolates your marketing email reputation from your main domain, and you must understand that the subdomain will have its own reputation that needs to be monitored. If using a new IP address, implement a proper IP warming schedule. Proper authentication and consistent sending practices are crucial for deliverability.
Key findings
- DNS Records are Essential: Setting up MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records is essential for email functionality on the subdomain.
- ESP Provides Settings: Your Email Service Provider (ESP) provides the specific settings for the DNS records.
- DKIM as CNAME: DKIM should be configured as a CNAME record.
- Reputation Isolation: Subdomains allow for isolating email sending reputation from the main domain.
- Independent Reputation: The subdomain has its own independent reputation.
Key considerations
- IP Warming: Consider IP warming if using a new IP address for the subdomain.
- Reputation Monitoring: Monitor the subdomain's reputation to ensure deliverability.
- Authentication: Proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is critical for deliverability and sender reputation.
- Consistent Sending: Maintain consistent sending practices after setting up the subdomain.
What email marketers say
13 marketer opinions
To set up a subdomain for email in GoDaddy, first, create the subdomain in your GoDaddy DNS settings. Then, configure DNS records like MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, using settings provided by your ESP. Ensure DKIM is set up as a CNAME record. Using a separate subdomain isolates your marketing email reputation. Remember to warm up your IP address if it's new, and understand the subdomain's reputation will be distinct from the main domain.
Key opinions
- DNS Records: Setting up a subdomain requires configuring MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records in your DNS settings.
- DKIM as CNAME: DKIM should be set up as a CNAME record, not a TXT record, according to SocketLabs documentation.
- Reputation Isolation: Using a subdomain for email helps isolate your marketing email reputation from your main domain.
- ESP Settings: Your Email Service Provider (ESP) will provide the necessary settings for DNS records.
Key considerations
- IP Warming: If you are using a new IP address for the subdomain, follow a proper IP warming schedule to build a positive sender reputation.
- Reputation Monitoring: Monitor the subdomain's reputation separately from the main domain to ensure deliverability.
- Authentication Importance: Proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is critical for deliverability and maintaining a positive sender reputation.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that the ESP provides the settings for what is expected for the records, and GoDaddy provides the 'how'. SPF is a TXT record, DKIM could be a TXT record or a CNAME. An A record would be for tracking, but could be a CNAME on a subdomain.
11 Jan 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks refers to SocketLabs documentation and states that DKIM should be a CNAME record, not a TXT record.
19 Sep 2021 - Email Geeks
What the experts say
2 expert opinions
Setting up a subdomain for email involves understanding its independent reputation and implementing proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC). Consistent sending practices and monitoring the subdomain's reputation are essential for maintaining deliverability and a positive sender reputation.
Key opinions
- Independent Reputation: A subdomain has its own reputation, separate from the main domain.
- Authentication is Key: Proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is crucial for deliverability.
Key considerations
- Consistent Sending: Maintain consistent sending practices after subdomain setup.
- Reputation Monitoring: Monitor the subdomain's reputation to avoid deliverability issues.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise emphasizes the importance of setting up proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) when creating a subdomain for email. Correct authentication is crucial for deliverability and sender reputation. She also stresses the importance of consistent sending practices after configuration to maintain a positive reputation.
12 Aug 2024 - Word to the Wise
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource responds that when setting up a subdomain, it's important to understand it will have its own reputation distinct from the main domain. Therefore, follow best practices for email sending and monitor the subdomain's reputation to avoid deliverability issues.
11 Mar 2024 - Spam Resource
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
Setting up a subdomain involves creating it in GoDaddy's DNS Management, then adding specific DNS records: CNAME for DKIM (as per SocketLabs), MX for mail servers, and TXT for SPF and DMARC. The SPF record helps prevent email spoofing by authorizing sending mail servers.
Key findings
- GoDaddy Subdomain Creation: Create the subdomain via GoDaddy's DNS Management page.
- DKIM Setup: Set up DKIM using a CNAME record pointing to the ESP's DKIM record.
- DNS Record Types: Use MX records for mail servers, and TXT records for SPF and DMARC.
- SPF Authentication: SPF records authorize mail servers to send email from your domain, preventing spoofing.
Key considerations
- ESP Details: Obtain the specific DNS record details from your Email Service Provider (ESP).
Technical article
Documentation from GoDaddy explains how to add a subdomain. Log into your GoDaddy account, go to the DNS Management page for your domain, find the Records section and select 'Add'. Choose the record type, enter the subdomain name in the 'Host' field, specify the record value, and set the TTL (Time To Live). Then save the changes.
11 Aug 2022 - GoDaddy
Technical article
Documentation from SocketLabs explains that setting up DKIM involves generating a DKIM key pair and adding a CNAME record to your DNS settings that points to SocketLabs' DKIM record. This verifies that your sending server is authorized to send emails on behalf of your domain. You'll add the details provided by your ESP (SocketLabs) into the DNS settings for the subdomain.
22 May 2024 - SocketLabs
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