When initiating any outreach, it is crucial to ensure that your domain is properly configured.
Below, we will elaborate on the significance of each setting and provide you with a comprehensive list of guidelines on how to configure your domain.
MX records
To receive emails, your domain must have MX records properly set up.
MX records specify mail server responsible for accepting emails.
Note: if you use spam filters like Proofpoint or Mimecast, your MX records will point to them.
While it is possible to send emails without MX records, the absence of these records will prevent you from receiving emails from others. Imagine MX records like Postcode you use in real life: without it, you won't be able to accept any incoming mails or newspapers.
MX records are typically provided by your email service provider and should be added to your DNS records at your hosting website.
Find the process challenging? We have curated a collection of articles that can guide you through the configuration:
Email authentication: SPF, DKIM and DMARC
It's critically important (especially with new Gmail and Yahoo updates 2024) to authenticate your emails before doing any outreach, even if you send emails directly from your mail box.
Why:
Deliverability: emails without authentication can be rejected or placed to spam. These are required settings by mail providers.
Protection: email authentication protects your emails from spoofing.
Explore our carefully curated selection of articles designed to assist you in navigating through the configuration steps:
A and rDNS records
Major mail providers like Google Workspace, Office 365, and others have their A and rDNS records configured, so there's no need to worry.
If you deploy your own mail server, please ask your IT person to double-check those records, as they are essential for proper functionality and deliverability