This article covers the SPF and DKIM authentication processes for Ambassador and how they are managed in Valimail. Because this service leverages Sendgrid's email infrastructure, it requires additions to your DNS records outside of the Valimail platform. Adding Ambassador as an authorized sender in the Valimail platform usually requires a dedicated subdomain to be pointed to the Sendgrid infrastructure and typically the DKIM keys will be added in the Valimail platform.

Before walking through the steps below to set up your email sending domain, you'll need the ability to add new DNS records to your DNS provider (ex. GoDaddy, CloudFlare, etc.). Please note, if you do not have access, you will be provided the option to email the DNS records to a co-worker.
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​ Step 1: In the navigation menu on the left, click "Settings."

Step 2: Once in the "Account" settings, scroll down the page until you get to the “Email Setup” section.

Step 3: Click “Add Domain" and enter the domain or subdomain you would like to use into the modal pop-up.

Please note, if you have an existing entry at your m1._domainkey, you will need to use a subdomain. Depending on the DNS provider, you may be able to simply add the entries rather than allocating the subdomain. We recommend creating a subdomain such as referrals.yourcompanyname.com, but it can be anything that is not already in use. Do not use '"mail" or "email."

Click the blue "Add" button to save and view the DNS records for this domain or subdomain.

Step 4: A few seconds after you submit, you’ll receive 3 DNS records: TXT (SPF), MX and TXT (DKIM). Keep this window open. The records shown here will need to be added within your DNS provider.

Step 5: For each DNS record type provided in Ambassador, you will need to create a corresponding entry on your DNS that includes the Host/Name and Value. You can copy these records directly by clicking the “Copy” button next to the record.

NOTE: If you manage your domain in Valimail, you must add the DKIM key on your domain's Configuration page in the Valimail platform.

The MX and SPF records need to be added in your DNS.

Step 6: Once complete, navigate back to Ambassador to verify the status of your email sending domain.

In the modal containing your DNS records, use the blue "Verify" button at the bottom to check the status. If there is an error, it will be displayed at the top of this modal. Please note, it can take up to 24 hours before the changes to your DNS have propagated.

Step 7: Next, scroll down to the "Outgoing Email" section and click to "Edit." The outgoing email name and address should look something like this:

Please note, your outgoing email address must be an email address that can receive mail. Any responses to emails that are sent by Ambassador will be delivered to this email address.

Click “Save” at the bottom of the modal when you’re done.

Step 8 (Optional): If you would like to use a different email address on a campaign level, go to each of the email templates in that specific campaign and update the from address and name. When complete, click “Save” at the bottom of the email template.

Please note, the campaign email address you use must be an email address that can receive mail.

You can also find the instructions on how to set up DKIM and SPF for Ambassador. here.

You can find more detailed information on how to add a DKIM key in Valimail, here:

Once you establish that Ambassador is an authorized sender for your domain, you will need to add the service in your Enabled Senders.

You will find more detailed information on how to add a service for your domain in Valimail, here:

Note: We encourage you to use the comment section for any useful information about your sending service, such as the name of the service owner, change request ticket numbers, etc.