How to configure a custom domain for a newsletter while maintaining high deliverability and passing SPF/DKIM checks?

Email & Newsletters

General Process (How it works)

  1. Define your sending domain strategy Decide which domain or subdomain will be used to send newsletters (e.g., newsletters.yourdomain.com) and align it with your brand.
  2. Publish SPF record Add an SPF TXT record in your DNS that authorizes your sending services.
  3. Publish DKIM key Create a DKIM selector and publish the DKIM public key in DNS.
  4. Set up DMARC policy Publish a DMARC policy to monitor authentication results and provide reporting.
  5. Configure DNS propagation Allow time for DNS changes to propagate and verify status with your DNS and ESP.
  6. Configure ESP settings In your ESP, verify the sending domain and authentication status, and enable DKIM signing.
  7. Test deliverability Send test messages to multiple providers and check SPF/DKIM alignment, DMARC reports, and inbox placement.

Common beginner mistakes

❌ Using the main domain for sending marketing and transactional emails
❌ Skipping DMARC policy setup
❌ Not publishing DKIM for the sending domain
❌ Neglecting to monitor DMARC reports
❌ Forgetting to update SPF when changing ESP
❌ Relying on a single DNS provider without redundancy
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