We take deliverability very seriously around here at PostageApp. It’s what keeps us up at night.
To give your emails the best possible chance of making it into the inbox, we have released support for DKIM, as well as the DKIM and SPF record validator. Check out our documentation on how to implement it.
What are DKIM and SPF?
DKIM and SPF are vital pieces in the pursuit of guaranteed email delivery.
DomainKeys Identified Mail, or DKIM, is a method for your domain to authorize PostageApp to send outgoing messages on your behalf by cryptographically adding a signature to the emails. It gives senders complete accountability over the messages sent through the domain and gives email providers (like Yahoo! and Gmail) reassurance that the message is legitimate. DKIM for emails is as important as SSL certificates for websites.
Sender Policy Framework, or SPF, is a method to prevent email spam by ensuring that the server that delivered your email was given consent by your domain. In effect, your domain provides the email providers with a list of places that email has been allowed to come from. SPF for emails is your domain’s whitelist for email servers.
Why is it important?
Email delivery is not an exact science. Email providers (like Yahoo! and Gmail) give you a vague idea of how to get the best chance to get inside their inboxes, but email standards will vary depending on the provider.
However, DKIM and SPF are both ubiquitous standards for email providers. Together, you get the highest possible chance for successful delivery. Without proper DKIM and SPF records, you run the risk of lower email delivery rates or emails landing in the Spam folder.
How do I use DKIM and SPF with PostageApp?
We have created a very handy-dandy guide on implementing DKIM and SPF with your domain using PostageApp. The only pre-requisite of the DKIM and SPF record setup process is that you need to have access to the DNS records of your domain.
Once you have created the appropriate TXT records, PostageApp will give you the green light and you should be good to go.
Contact us if you have any questions about implementing DKIM and SPF with PostageApp.
Happy sending!
Tags: DKIM, guaranteed email delivery, SPF