What is Email Authentication?
TL;DR
Technical protocols proving you're authorized to send email from your domain, essential for Email Deliverability. Without authentication, anyone could send emails pretending to be you, so email providers are increasingly suspicious of unauthenticated messages. The three main protocols are SPF, DKIM, and DMARC: SPF specifies which servers can send your email, DKIM adds a digital signature verifying message integrity, and DMARC tells receivers what to do with failed checks. Your email platform (Mailchimp, etc.) will provide the DNS records to add. Implementation requires accessing your domain's DNS settings. Once set up, monitor DMARC reports for failed authentications. In 2024, Google and Yahoo began requiring authentication for bulk senders, it's no longer optional for serious Email Marketing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Email Authentication
What is email authentication?
Technical protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) proving you're authorized to send from your domain. Without authentication, anyone could impersonate you. Email providers increasingly require it, unauthenticated emails often go to spam.
Is email authentication required?
In 2024, Google and Yahoo began requiring authentication for bulk senders. Even before that mandate, unauthenticated emails had poor deliverability. It's essential for any serious email marketing.
How do I set up email authentication?
Your email platform (Mailchimp, etc.) provides the DNS records to add. You'll add TXT records to your domain's DNS settings for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. If you're not technical, your IT person or domain registrar can help.
How do I know if authentication is working?
Check email headers for 'pass' results on SPF, DKIM, DMARC. Use tools like MXToolbox or Google's Check MX. Your email platform may also show authentication status. Test by sending to yourself and checking headers.
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