How to set up a DNS record, SPF, DKIM and DMARC

DNS, SPF, DKIM, DMARC... it might just be enough to make your head spin! If you're staring at your screen wondering where to start, don't worry, we got you! Follow this guide to learn how to set up SPF, DKIM and DMARC for your email on your domain.

First, why do I need these records?

SPF, DKIM and DMARC work together on your domain to ensure you're a legitimate email sender and that your emails shouldn't automatically go to spam. Settings up these records on your domain will help you establish your sender reputation which is important if you want to land in the inbox.

💡 Pro Tip 💡 If you haven't chosen a domain host yet, we highly recommend that you choose Google Domains to buy your Domain and use Google Workspaces (formerly GSuite) as it's the easiest to setup and requires minimal tech experience to get things set up and running. Trust us, we know the headaches with DNS records and Google makes is super easy for you. Check out Google Workspaces (you only need the Business Starter plan)

⛔️ We do not recommend GoDaddy's Hosted Office 365 option as it can cause issues with connecting to other platforms like Mailshake.

Now, how do I set up these records?

Your DNS records are set up in your domain's DNS settings, not in Mailshake. In fact, Mailshake doesn't send from our own servers (we send through yours which is better for cold email) so you just want to set these up for your email server and domain.

Before you start, check to see if you have your DNS records set up already using this tool: MX Toolbox Email Health

✅ If you don't see any errors related to SPF or DNS you should be all set and you do not need to set up additional DNS records, though we highly recommend checking directly in your domain admin settings or checking with your IT person to confirm.
⚠️ If your SPF and DKIM aren't set up, you'll see errors like this and you'll want to set them up:

Here's what you'll need to set up your SPF, DKIM and DMARC

Login for your domain admin settings - this is usually GoDaddy, Google Domains, or wherever you host your domain. If you don't manage your own domain, you'll need to check with your domain's admin for help with this.
Login for your email admin settings - this is where you'll find the SPF and DKIM record information you will need to use in order to set up SPF and DKIM

Once you have this info, you're ready to get started.

Since all mail providers and domain hosts are different, we've sourced the step-by-guides for most common email providers and domain hosts to make these easier for you. Try searching the page (CTRL+ F for Windows, Command + F for Mac) to find your provider. 😀

⭐️ Google - We've put together a step-by-step guide for you

GoDaddy Webmail + GoDaddy hosting - Setup Steps

⭐️ Microsoft Office 365 - We've put together a step-by-step guide for you

Namecheap Private Email + Namecheap hosting

Namecheap Private Email + Bluehost hosting - Setup Steps

Namecheap Private Email + GoDaddy hosting - Setup Steps

Namecheap Private Email + Wix hosting - Setup Steps

Zoho Mail + GoDaddy hosting - Setup Steps

Don't see your provider? We recommend reaching out to your email provider directly to get your SPF, DKIM and DMARC information from them to setup your DNS records on your domain host. They should be able to point you in the right direction.

If you have trouble getting that information from them, feel free to email us and let us know your email provider and domain host and we'll try to find the right info for you or point you in the right direction to find that info.