Summary
SparkPost link branding issues commonly arise from SSL/HSTS misconfigurations, incorrect CNAME records, and deliverability problems. Solutions include setting up a reverse proxy (using SparkPost's documentation, AWS CloudFront, or Cloudflare), ensuring complete SSL certificate chains, verifying HSTS settings, and properly configuring DNS records (SPF and DKIM). Maintaining a positive sender reputation by monitoring IP and domain health is also crucial.
Key findings
- SSL/HSTS Configuration: SSL being enabled, HSTS settings, and SSL certificate problems are frequent causes of link branding issues.
- Reverse Proxy Implementation: A reverse proxy can resolve SSL/HSTS issues, using SparkPost's documentation, AWS CloudFront, or Cloudflare.
- Importance of CNAME Records: Ensure that CNAME records are correctly configured and point to the appropriate SparkPost tracking domain.
- Deliverability Factors: SPF and DKIM records must be correctly configured to ensure proper deliverability and link branding.
- Sender Reputation Impact: A poor sender reputation can affect deliverability and link branding effectiveness.
Key considerations
- Check HSTS Settings: Use GF.dev to check for HSTS issues, especially if `includeSubDomains` is enabled.
- Complete SSL Certificate Chain: Ensure that the SSL certificate includes all intermediate certificates from the CA.
- Utilize CDN Providers: Consider using Cloudflare, Cloudfront, or Azure for SSL management and as reverse proxies.
- Verify DNS Records: Ensure that SPF records include SparkPost's sending IPs or domain, and check DKIM alignment settings.
- Monitor Sender Reputation: Implement continuous monitoring of sender reputation metrics and take proactive measures to maintain or improve it.
What email marketers say
9 marketer opinions
SparkPost link branding issues often stem from SSL/HSTS misconfigurations. Solutions involve setting up a reverse proxy (using SparkPost documentation, AWS CloudFront, or Cloudflare), ensuring complete SSL certificate chains, verifying HSTS settings (using GF.dev), and properly configuring DNS records. Deliverability factors like SPF records and DKIM alignment also play a role.
Key opinions
- SSL/HSTS Issues: SSL being turned on with the link, HSTS settings, and SSL certificate problems are common causes.
- Reverse Proxy Solution: Setting up a reverse proxy using SparkPost documentation, AWS CloudFront, or Cloudflare can resolve SSL/HSTS related problems.
- Importance of DNS records: Ensure SPF and DKIM records are set up correctly for deliverability and link branding.
Key considerations
- Check HSTS settings: Use GF.dev to check for HSTS issues, especially if `includeSubDomains` is enabled.
- Complete SSL Certificate Chain: Ensure your SSL certificate includes all intermediate certificates.
- Utilize CDN Providers: Consider using Cloudflare, Cloudfront, or Azure as CDN providers for SSL management.
- Monitor Reputation: Monitor your sender reputation to maintain deliverability.
Marketer view
Marketer from Email Geeks shares that an easy way to check HSTS is to toss your domain into GF.dev and see if it comes with it on. If it does and it says, “IncludeSubDomain” you would need to setup some sort of a Reverse Proxy to handle the SSL.
29 Jan 2022 - Email Geeks
Marketer view
Email marketer from Cloudflare suggests using Cloudflare to manage SSL certificates and act as a reverse proxy. Cloudflare can automatically handle SSL encryption and decryption, resolving issues related to SSL mismatches and HSTS. Point your branded link domain's DNS to Cloudflare and enable SSL.
3 Jan 2024 - Cloudflare
What the experts say
1 expert opinions
Maintaining a positive sender reputation is critical, as a poor reputation can negatively impact email deliverability and link branding effectiveness. Regularly monitoring your IP and domain reputation is essential.
Key opinions
- Sender Reputation Impact: Poor sender reputation affects deliverability and link branding.
- Importance of Monitoring: Regularly checking IP and domain reputation is crucial.
Key considerations
- Reputation Monitoring: Implement continuous monitoring of sender reputation metrics.
- Proactive Measures: Take proactive measures to maintain or improve sender reputation.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise emphasizes monitoring your sender reputation as a crucial aspect. A poor sender reputation can impact deliverability and, indirectly, link branding effectiveness. Regularly check your IP and domain reputation to ensure they remain positive.
12 Apr 2024 - Word to the Wise
What the documentation says
3 technical articles
SparkPost link branding issues can be resolved by setting up a reverse proxy to handle SSL for the tracking domain. Incorrect CNAME configurations also cause issues, so ensure they point to the correct SparkPost tracking domain. AWS CloudFront can be used as a CDN and reverse proxy, configured to serve branded links with SSL/TLS.
Key findings
- Reverse Proxy for SSL: Setting up a reverse proxy handles SSL for tracking domains to resolve link branding issues.
- CNAME Configuration: Incorrect CNAME configuration can lead to link branding problems; ensure it points to the correct SparkPost domain.
- CloudFront as CDN/Proxy: AWS CloudFront can serve as a CDN and reverse proxy, configured with SSL/TLS.
Key considerations
- Configure Reverse Proxy: Configure a proxy server to forward HTTPS requests to SparkPost while maintaining the SSL certificate.
- Verify CNAME Records: Double-check that the CNAME record for branded links points to the appropriate SparkPost tracking domain.
- Implement CloudFront Setup: Set up a CloudFront distribution that forwards requests to SparkPost's tracking domain and enables SSL/TLS.
Technical article
Documentation from SparkPost explains that to resolve SSL issues with link branding, setting up a reverse proxy to handle SSL for your tracking domain is required. This involves configuring a proxy server to forward HTTPS requests to SparkPost while maintaining the SSL certificate on your end.
25 Apr 2024 - SparkPost
Technical article
Documentation from Amazon Web Services suggests using CloudFront as a CDN and reverse proxy. Configuring CloudFront to serve your branded links with SSL/TLS can resolve issues related to HSTS and SSL mismatches. You need to set up a CloudFront distribution that forwards requests to SparkPost's tracking domain.
21 May 2023 - Amazon Web Services
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