How to Authenticate Your Domain for Better Email Deliverability
How to Authenticate Your Domain for Better Email Deliverability: A Fun Guide for Handmade Sellers Using Shopify, GoDaddy + Wix
Email authentication is like getting your email a passport—it’s your way of proving that your messages are legit and not some sneaky spam. For handmade sellers, this is especially important. After all, you’ve put so much love and effort into your products, and you want your emails to reach those who care about them most.
Authenticating your domain involves setting up three key protocols: SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance). These protocols help ISPs (Internet Service Providers) recognize your emails as trustworthy, keeping them out of the dreaded spam folder.
Here’s a fun and detailed guide to authenticating your domain on popular platforms like Shopify, GoDaddy & Wix. Let’s get your emails the VIP treatment they deserve!
Don’t let your emails get lost in spam! Authenticate your domain today and ensure your handmade creations reach your customers’ inboxes.
Why Domain Authentication Matters for Handmade Sellers
Think of email authentication as your email’s way of proving its identity. When you authenticate your domain, you’re telling ISPs, “Hey, it’s really me sending this email, not some imposter!” This helps:
Improve Deliverability: Authenticated emails are more likely to land in your customers’ inboxes rather than their spam folders.
Boost Sender Reputation: A good sender reputation means ISPs trust your emails and continue to deliver them.
Prevent Spoofing: Without authentication, anyone could pretend to be you. Email authentication keeps your brand safe. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Authenticating Your Domain
1. How to Set Up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC in Shopify
Shopify makes it easy to manage your domain settings. Here’s how to set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC:
Step 1: Access Your DNS Settings
Go to your Shopify Admin panel.
Click on Settings > Domains.
Select your domain and click Manage.
Step 2: Add SPF Record
Look for TXT Records in your DNS settings.
Add a new TXT Record with the following details:
Name: @
Type: TXT
Value: v=spf1 include:shops.shopify.com ~all
Step 3: Set Up DKIM
Shopify manages DKIM automatically for Shopify-managed domains. If you’re using a third-party domain, check with your domain provider’s support for specific instructions.
Step 4: Add DMARC Record
Add another TXT Record for DMARC:
Name: _dmarc
Type: TXT
Value: v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:your-email@example.com; ruf=mailto:your-email@example.com; sp=none; aspf=r;
Step 5: Save Your Changes
Save the changes and allow 24-48 hours for the records to propagate. You’re now authenticated!
2. How to Set Up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC in GoDaddy
GoDaddy is a popular domain provider, and setting up authentication is straightforward:
Step 1: Log In to Your GoDaddy Account
Navigate to My Products > Domains.
Click DNS next to the domain you want to manage.
Step 2: Add SPF Record
Scroll to the Records section and click Add.
Select TXT from the type dropdown.
Name: @
Value: v=spf1 include:secureserver.net ~all
Step 3: Set Up DKIM
For DKIM, you may need to generate a DKIM key in your email service provider (e.g., Klaviyo) and then add it to your GoDaddy DNS settings as a TXT record.
Step 4: Add DMARC Record
Click Add again and choose TXT.
Name: _dmarc
Value: v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:your-email@example.com
Step 5: Verify and Save
Save all records and wait for them to propagate. Use tools like MXToolbox to verify that your records are set up correctly.
3. How to Set Up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC in Wix
Wix also allows for easy DNS management to set up email authentication:
Step 1: Access Your Wix Account
Log in to Wix and go to your Domains page.
Step 2: Add SPF Record
Under DNS Records, click + Add Record and select TXT.
Host Name: @
TXT Value: v=spf1 include:spf.protection.wix.com ~all
Step 3: Set Up DKIM
For DKIM, check with your email service provider (like Klaviyo) to generate a DKIM record. Once generated, add it as a TXT record in Wix.
Step 4: Add DMARC Record
Add another TXT record:
Host Name: _dmarc
TXT Value: v=DMARC1; p=reject; rua=mailto:your-email@example.com
Step 5: Save Changes
Save and give it some time to propagate. Use an email testing tool to ensure your authentication is properly set up.
Tips for Authenticating Your Domain:
Patience is Key: It can take 24-48 hours for DNS changes to propagate, so don’t panic if you don’t see immediate results.
Verify Your Records: Use tools like MXToolbox or DMARC Analyzer to verify that your SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are correctly configured.
Consult Support: If you’re stuck, reach out to your domain provider or email platform’s support team. They’re there to help.
Authenticating Your Domain is a Must for Email Success
For handmade sellers, every email matters. By setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, you’re taking essential steps to protect your brand, improve email deliverability, and build trust with your audience. It’s a little technical, but worth the effort to keep your emails out of spam and into the hands of your fans.
Question for You:
Have you set up email authentication for your handmade business? Share your experience or ask any questions in the comments below. Now that you've mastered domain authentication, it's time to tackle one of the most powerful email strategies: crafting the perfect win-back email. Discover how to re-engage your lapsed subscribers and reignite their interest.
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