How do SPF, DKIM, and DMARC affect email deliverability with Cvent?

Key findings

• Authentication issues: Problems with sending test emails via Cvent, where the only suggested solution is IP whitelisting, often point to underlying SPF, DKIM, or DMARC authentication failures. These are common deliverability issues when using third-party email service providers.
• DMARC policies impact: Strict DMARC policies (like 'quarantine' or 'reject') can prevent emails from reaching their destination if the sending platform, such as Cvent, isn't properly authenticated. Understanding DMARC's impact on email delivery is essential.
• DKIM support: Cvent can support DKIM authentication, but explicit setup might be required through their support team. This enables cryptographic signing of emails, improving trust with receiving servers.
• Internal email blocking: Some corporate IT settings might block emails claiming to be from your domain if they don't originate from your designated corporate mail servers, even if other authentication passes.

Key considerations

• Review DMARC policy: Examine your current DMARC policy. If set to 'quarantine' or 'reject', it's highly likely to be the cause of Cvent emails not being delivered without proper authentication. Consider a 'p=none' policy initially for monitoring.
• Implement DKIM: Work with Cvent support to configure DKIM for your domain. This will help authenticate emails sent through their platform and improve deliverability. You can learn how to set up DKIM for Cvent.
• Test thoroughly: After any authentication changes, send test emails to various domains (including personal ones like Gmail) and monitor their arrival in the inbox or spam folder.
• Consult IT department: Check with your internal IT team for any specific email receiving policies or configurations that might be affecting incoming Cvent test emails.

Key opinions

• Authentication is key: Many marketers acknowledge that SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are often the root cause of deliverability issues when sending via external platforms. Ignoring these can lead to emails going to junk folders.
• DMARC's role: DMARC's policy (quarantine or reject) is a frequently cited reason for emails not being delivered, especially when third-party senders are involved and not properly aligned. DMARC alignment failures are critical.
• Direct communication with ESP: Marketers find that direct engagement with the ESP's support (like Cvent's) for authentication setup is often necessary to resolve complex deliverability problems.
• Whitelisting limitations: While whitelisting IPs might be suggested, marketers find this is a recipient-side solution and doesn't fix the sender's underlying authentication problems for broad deliverability.

Key considerations

• Verify SPF records: Ensure your SPF record includes the sending IPs or domains for Cvent. Incorrect or broken SPF records can cause delivery failures.
• Monitor DMARC reports: Use a DMARC monitoring service to gain visibility into which systems are sending email on behalf of your domain. This can quickly diagnose authentication failures for Cvent.
• Check spam folder: Always check both the inbox and spam folders when sending test emails, as non-receipt might mean it's filtered, not completely blocked.
• Understand Cvent email delivery issues: Be aware of common reasons Cvent emails might go to junk, and focus on resolving authentication flaws.

Key opinions

• DMARC policy impact: Experts agree that if DMARC is set to 'quarantine' or 'reject', improper authentication by a third-party sender like Cvent will directly cause deliverability issues. This highlights the sensitivity of DMARC settings.
• DMARC monitoring necessity: A DMARC monitoring tool is crucial for gaining visibility into sending systems and diagnosing authentication failures. This allows senders to see which providers are trying to send from their domain and whether they pass authentication.
• DKIM for Cvent: Cvent supports DKIM authentication, and configuring it can significantly help with deliverability, especially when DMARC policies are in place. Users may need to explicitly request this from Cvent support.
• Corporate email filters: Some businesses have strict internal email settings that only accept mail from their own corporate mail exchange servers. This can block legitimate emails from third-party senders, regardless of SPF/DKIM/DMARC.

Key considerations

• Proactive DMARC review: Before sending through new third-party platforms, review your DMARC policy to anticipate potential issues. A p=none policy for monitoring is often a good starting point.
• Leverage Cvent support: Directly engage Cvent support for DKIM setup or to investigate deliverability issues, as they can provide specific account-level assistance.
• Test external accounts: Send test emails to personal accounts, like Gmail, to rule out internal network or corporate email system issues. If emails fail to reach personal inboxes, the problem is likely with the sender's authentication.
• Check email authentication basics: Ensure a solid understanding of how SPF, DKIM, and DMARC work to effectively troubleshoot. Spam traps can also affect delivery. A proactive approach is key to avoid getting on a blocklist or blacklist.

Key findings

• Sender policy framework (SPF): SPF allows domain owners to specify which IP addresses are authorized to send mail on their behalf. Receiving servers check the SPF record to verify the sender's legitimacy, rejecting emails from unauthorized sources. Understanding the full form of SPF is key.
• Domainkeys identified mail (DKIM): DKIM provides a cryptographic signature that verifies the email's integrity and sender's identity. This helps detect email spoofing and tampering. For ESPs like Cvent, setting up a unique DKIM key is crucial.
• Domain-based message authentication, reporting, and conformance (DMARC): DMARC builds upon SPF and DKIM, allowing domain owners to instruct receiving mail servers on how to handle emails that fail authentication. It also provides reporting capabilities, enabling senders to monitor their email streams and identify issues.
• Alignment requirement: For DMARC to pass, the domain in the 'From' header must align with the domain authenticated by SPF or DKIM. If Cvent sends emails, its sending domain or subdomain must be authorized and aligned with your primary domain.

Key considerations

• Verify SPF inclusion: Ensure Cvent's sending infrastructure (IPs or include statements) is properly added to your domain's SPF record to authorize them as legitimate senders.
• Implement Cvent DKIM: Configure DKIM through Cvent, which typically involves adding a CNAME record to your DNS that points to Cvent's DKIM keys. This is crucial for emails to pass DMARC.
• Monitor DMARC reports: Regularly review DMARC aggregate reports to identify authentication failures and gain insights into how receiving mail servers are handling emails sent via Cvent. Understanding DMARC reports is vital.
• Review DMARC policy progression: Start with a 'p=none' DMARC policy to monitor. Once confident in authentication with Cvent, you can gradually progress to 'quarantine' or 'reject' policies. DMARC.org provides policy options.