NOTE: This article is written for NamasteLight CLASSIC users only. If you are using the NEW NamasteLight, please refer to THIS ARTICLE.
Heading into February 2024, it's important to be aware of the significant changes in domain authentication that will be enforced by Google and Yahoo. To ensure your emails continue to reach their intended recipients without any deliverability issues, it's crucial to set up authentication for your sender address domains before these new privacy protections come into effect.
Understanding DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM)
DKIM is an email authentication that verifies the legitimacy of an email's sender address. It's a way to ensure that the email is not being spoofed by a third party. Emails signed with DKIM are generally regarded as more trustworthy by inboxes, which can reduce bounces and improve deliverability. DKIM adds a digital signature to your emails. This signature verifies that the email genuinely came from you.
IMPORTANT: Domain Authentication
Each NamasteLight account can only have one authenticated domain at a time. You cannot authenticate more than one domain per account.
Avoid using free email domains like @gmail.com for sending your emails. For enhanced credibility and effectiveness, we strongly advise transitioning to a dedicated business domain email address. Using a free domain as your sender email can significantly undermine the professionalism and authenticity of your communications.
SETTING UP DKIM
To set up DKIM, you'll need to create a DNS record for your domain.
Step One: Default Sender Email
Ensure your default sender email matches the domain you're planning to authenticate. Update it in the 'Sender info' tab if necessary.
Step Two: DKIM Record
Add a CNAME record to the DNS for the DKIM authentication. We provide three
different ways to do so - use the one that works best with your DNS
provider.
Finding Your Domain Setup Instructions
Access your email domain setup by navigating to the settings 'gear icon' and clicking on 'Email domain setup'.
Enter your domain into the field and click 'Validate' to generate your domain setup instructions.
Click 'Download these instructions' and send the TXT file to your system administrator.
SPF AND DMARC RECORDS
Beyond DKIM, it is equally critical to establish SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) records. These additional layers of email authentication play a vital role in ensuring the security and reliability of your email communications.
Step Three: SPF Record
SPF records tell the email world which mail servers are allowed to send emails from your domain.
Type | Host Name | Value |
TXT | @ | v=spf1 include:md02.com -all (see note below about having multiple SPF records) |
Important Note: If you have an existing SPF record in your DNS, see this article to merge multiple SPF records together. SEE YOUR DOMAIN SETUP INSTRUCTIONS TO CONFIGURE YOUR SPF RECORD PROPERLY. A domain must not have multiple SPF records as both will be declined by the recipient server, making the authentication impossible. As a result, your emails might end up going to your recipient's spam boxes.
Step Four: DMARC Record
Instructs email providers like Yahoo and Google on what to do if an email doesn't pass SPF or DKIM checks. It also sends reports about email delivery issues.
Type | Host Name | Value |
TXT | _dmarc | v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[your email goes here] |
Step Four: Final Validation
Complete the process by typing your domain in the domain box in your account settings. Click 'Validate' to finalize.
Summary of Steps to Set Up Your NamasteLight CLASSIC DNS Records
Access DNS Settings: Log into your domain's control panel. Look for the DNS settings or DNS management page.
Add DKIM Records: See your domain setup instructions for the proper record.
Add SPF Record: Use the SPF record from the table above as a reference.
Add DMARC Record: Copy the DMARC record from the table above. Change the email in the 'rua' part to your email. This is where you’ll receive reports.
Save Changes: After adding these records, save your changes. It might take a few hours for these changes to take effect.
By following these steps, you'll align with the new requirements of Google and Yahoo, ensuring your emails are delivered securely and efficiently. Remember, each step is important for maintaining the integrity and deliverability of your emails.
If you have questions or encounter any difficulties, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team at support@namastelight.com