Introduction
Purpose: This article outlines the available email setup options in SocialLadder.
Context:
SocialLadder uses automated emails to communicate with ambassadors—for onboarding, application acceptance, direct invites, reward redemptions, and more. Learn More.
The recommended setup is Option 1 – using your own domain with DNS authentication. This ensures the best deliverability, maintains a fully branded ambassador experience, and unlocks advanced features like the Email Center.
The Email Center feature allows sending emails to ambassadors about news, events, or any other topic. Emails can be sent immediately or scheduled for a future date.
Option 1: Send Emails Using Your Domain via DNS Authentication
You can configure your DNS to allow SocialLadder to send emails on your behalf using your domain.
Best for: Brands that want all system-generated emails to come from a branded email address.
Key Benefits:
Branded sender email improves trust
Improves deliverability and reduces the risk of emails going to spam
Consistent identity across all ambassador communications
Enables SocialLadder’s Email Center Feature for ambassador communication
How to Set It Up:
You will need to identify the person within your company who manages the DNS provider so they can setup the DNS records to your domain. Read More: Setting Up Domain Authentication for Email Sending
Please Reach out to the Implementation Specialist to set up this option.
Option 2: Integrate with Klaviyo for Marketing Emails
Integrating Klaviyo with SocialLadder lets you sync ambassador data and send emails directly from Klaviyo, using its segmentation and automation features.
Best for: Brands already using Klaviyo and looking to centralize marketing and ambassador emails in one system.
Key Benefits:
Use your existing marketing platform and branding
Leverage Klaviyo’s flows, campaigns, and analytics
More control over design
How to Set It Up:
A Klaviyo admin must integrate Klaviyo to SocialLadder. Read More: How to Connect and Authenticate SocialLadder with Klaviyo
A Klaviyo user must create and manage emails within Klaviyo following these instructions:
Option 3: Send Emails Using SocialLadder’s Default Domain
By default, SocialLadder sends automated platform emails using the domain socialladder@rkiapps.com. The "From Name" shown in the ambassador’s inbox will match your ambassador program’s name, helping maintain brand recognition.
Display Example:
Inbox view: Ambassador Program Name
Opened email view: Ambassador Program Name <socialladder@rkiapps.com>
Best for: Fast setup and clients who don’t need branded email addresses.
Key Benefits:
No configuration needed
Emails automatically sent from the platform triggers
Reliable deliverability managed by SocialLadder
Limitations:
Emails don’t come from your brand’s domain
Limited to automated triggers
No Access to Email Center Feature
How to Setup:
No setup required - It is ready to use
Summary Comparison
Option | Best For | Setup Level | Branded Domain? |
Option 1: Custom Domain Auth (Recommended) | Branded system emails, best deliverability, and Email Center access | Advanced | ✅ |
Option 2: SocialLadder Domain | Fast start, no IT support | None | ❌ |
Option 3: Klaviyo Integration | Marketing automation, data sync | Moderate | ✅ |