Summary
Setting up a subdomain for email sending in GoDaddy involves specific DNS record configurations. Many users find this process confusing, particularly when distinguishing between record types like A, TXT, and CNAME. The key is understanding that your Email Service Provider (ESP) dictates the exact records needed, while GoDaddy is where you implement those instructions.
Key findings
- ESP guidance is crucial: Your Email Service Provider will provide the specific DNS records you need to set up for your subdomain, including SPF, DKIM, and possibly DMARC.
- DNS records types: For email authentication and tracking, you'll primarily work with TXT records (for SPF and DMARC) and CNAME records (often for DKIM and bounce/tracking domains). A records are generally for pointing a domain or subdomain to an IP address, which is typically not what's needed for email sending subdomains.
- GoDaddy's role: GoDaddy (as your DNS provider) is simply the platform where you input the DNS record details provided by your ESP. Their interface allows you to add, edit, and manage these records.
- Subdomain creation: Creating a subdomain within GoDaddy's DNS management involves adding a new record (often a CNAME or TXT) with the subdomain prefix (e.g., 'mail' for mail.yourdomain.com) to point to your ESP's required value.
- DNS propagation: After adding or modifying DNS records, allow time for changes to propagate across the internet. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
Key considerations
- Clarify records with your ESP: Always refer to your ESP's specific documentation or support for the exact record types, hosts/names, and values required. Do not guess these values.
- Understand DNS record types: Familiarize yourself with the common DNS record types used for email, such as TXT, CNAME, and MX. Misconfiguring these can lead to deliverability issues.
- Subdomain purpose: Ensure you are creating the subdomain for the correct purpose (e.g., email sending, bounce handling, tracking) as this influences the necessary DNS records.
- Testing and verification: After setup, use DNS lookup tools or your ESP's verification system to confirm that the records are correctly configured and propagated. Tools can help you check your DMARC, SPF, and DKIM records.
- Error handling: If a DNS record is set up incorrectly, it typically will not break anything but simply prevent the email functionality from working as intended. This means you can often correct it without severe repercussions.
What email marketers say
Email marketers often face challenges when setting up subdomains in DNS providers like GoDaddy, especially if they are not deeply technical. The core confusion often revolves around which DNS record types are needed and how to correctly input them into the GoDaddy interface. They typically rely on their ESPs for the specific record values but sometimes find the ESP's instructions lacking in the 'how-to' for specific DNS providers.
Key opinions
- Reliance on ESPs: Many marketers expect their ESP to provide clear, step-by-step instructions for DNS setup, including the specific records required for authentication (like DKIM) and tracking.
- GoDaddy interface confusion: The GoDaddy interface itself can be a point of confusion for marketers, particularly when it comes to understanding where to input subdomain-specific information versus main domain settings.
- Distinguishing record types: There's often uncertainty about whether to use A records, TXT records, or CNAME records for different aspects of email subdomain setup, such as bounce domains or DKIM.
- Overthinking the process: Marketers frequently admit to overthinking the subdomain setup, making it seem more complex than it might be, due to unfamiliarity with DNS concepts.
- Minimal risk of misconfiguration: A common sentiment is that setting up a record incorrectly will simply prevent email functionality from working, rather than breaking the entire domain, which reduces the fear of experimenting.
Key considerations
- Specific ESP instructions: Marketers should always push their ESP for precise, GoDaddy-specific instructions if generic ones are not clear. This ensures correct implementation.
- Understand the 'what' vs 'how': Recognize that the ESP provides the 'what' (the specific DNS records) and GoDaddy provides the 'how' (the interface to add them). This distinction helps clarify roles.
- Common DNS records for email: Focus on understanding TXT records for SPF and DMARC, and CNAME records for DKIM or tracking. Avoid using A records unless explicitly instructed by the ESP for a very specific purpose.
- Dedicated sending domains: Setting up a subdomain is a key step in configuring a dedicated sending domain, which is crucial for maintaining email deliverability and sender reputation.
Marketer view
An email marketer from Email Geeks asked for a step-by-step process for setting up a subdomain, admitting they forgot the exact steps after not doing it for a long time. They specifically sought details on the records needed and how to configure each.
Marketer view
A marketer on HostAdvice emphasizes that email subdomains are beneficial for separating email traffic, improving deliverability, and protecting the main domain's reputation. They provide a general guide for setting one up with GoDaddy.
What the experts say
Experts emphasize that the setup of email subdomains hinges entirely on the specific requirements of the Email Service Provider (ESP). They stress that while GoDaddy serves as the interface for DNS management, the 'what' (i.e., the exact DNS records and values) must come directly from the ESP's documentation or support. Without this precise guidance, successful configuration, especially for authentication protocols like DKIM, is largely impossible.
Key opinions
- ESP as the source of truth: The ESP must provide the specific settings required, as users cannot simply guess the necessary configurations, such as a DKIM key pair.
- Distinguishing 'what' from 'how': The ESP dictates 'what' records are needed, while the DNS provider (GoDaddy) handles 'how' those records are implemented.
- Common record types: SPF is typically a TXT record, and DKIM can be a TXT or CNAME record. Tracking might also involve a CNAME on a subdomain. A records are generally not for email sending.
- Low risk of incorrect setup: Setting up a record incorrectly will usually just prevent the email functionality from working, without breaking other parts of the domain.
Key considerations
- Verify ESP documentation: Always ensure the ESP's documentation is specific and clear about the type and value of each DNS record required. If not, request clarification.
- Prioritize CNAME and TXT records: For email authentication and tracking on subdomains, focus on setting up CNAME and TXT records as guided by your ESP, rather than A records.
- Subdomain for DKIM: DKIM records for subdomains commonly use a CNAME that points to the ESP's DKIM infrastructure, ensuring proper authentication. See our guide on setting up DKIM on a subdomain.
- Leverage GoDaddy's help: While experts may not be familiar with every DNS provider's UI, GoDaddy typically offers guides on how to add or edit DNS records for subdomains, which can fill the 'how-to' gap.
- Strategic subdomain use: Using separate subdomains for different email types (e.g., transactional, marketing) is a best practice for improving deliverability and isolating reputation.
Expert view
An expert from Email Geeks clarified that the ESP needs to communicate what settings are expected, emphasizing that one cannot simply guess these values. They explained that ESP documentation is crucial for understanding the necessary configurations.
Expert view
An expert from Spam Resource advises that robust DMARC implementation is a critical step for email authentication. They highlight that subdomains should inherit DMARC policies unless specifically overridden, contributing to a stronger sender reputation.
What the documentation says
Official documentation from domain registrars like GoDaddy and Email Service Providers provides the precise instructions for configuring subdomains for email. This typically involves navigating to the DNS management section of your domain, adding new records, and inputting specific values for SPF, DKIM, and possibly DMARC. The documentation clarifies the types of records (TXT, CNAME) and their purpose in ensuring email deliverability and authentication.
Key findings
- DNS management console: Subdomain setup starts in your domain registrar's DNS management area (e.g., GoDaddy's DNS settings or Domain Control Center).
- Adding new records: The process involves adding new DNS records, typically of type TXT or CNAME, for the specific subdomain.
- Record details from ESP: Each record requires a 'Host' or 'Name' (the subdomain prefix or selector), a 'Type' (TXT, CNAME, etc.), and a 'Value' or 'Points to' (the specific data provided by your ESP for SPF, DKIM, or bounce/tracking).
- Authentication standards: Documentation frequently covers the setup for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, which are essential for email authentication and improving deliverability from a subdomain.
- Bounce and tracking domains: Many ESPs require specific CNAME records for custom bounce and click tracking domains on subdomains to white-label your email sending.
Key considerations
- Follow ESP-specific guides: Always prioritize the documentation provided by your specific ESP for setting up DNS records, as configurations can vary significantly between providers.
- Exact values: Pay close attention to the exact 'Host' and 'Value' strings provided by your ESP. Even minor typos can lead to failed authentication.
- Understanding subdomain delegation: When setting up an email subdomain, you're essentially delegating its email-related DNS authority to your ESP. Our guide on how to set up email subdomains covers this in detail.
- Monitoring DMARC reports: After configuring, use DMARC reports to monitor authentication results and identify any issues. This is covered in our guide to understanding and troubleshooting DMARC reports.
Technical article
GoDaddy documentation outlines the process to edit a subdomain using an A record, which allows changing a domain prefix to point to a new IP address. While this method is for basic web redirection, the general steps for editing DNS records apply to other types like CNAME or TXT for email.
Technical article
SocketLabs' documentation on custom bounce domains details the creation of a CNAME record. This record ensures that bounce messages are directed back to SocketLabs, which is crucial for accurate email deliverability reporting and list hygiene.
Related resources
14 resources
Related pages
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When setting up a subdomain, what A record should I use, and when should I use a CNAME?
Can DKIM be set up on a subdomain, and which domain should be used for signing?
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