SPF(supported)
DKIM(recommended)
This article covers the SPF and DKIM authentication processes for Dotdigital and how they are managed in Valimail. While only one of the two authentication methods is required for an email to pass DMARC, our recommendation is to configure both whenever possible.
Configuring DKIM authentication for your Dotdigital emails
All Dotdigital accounts are automatically given a generic from address to send email from, which looks something like [email protected]. However, using this unbranded from address isn't recommended. It can degrade your online brand and trust, and could limit your open and subscription rates.
Dotdigital recommends setting up a subdomain of your branded domain, such as email.yourcompanyname.com, so we can then generate a custom from address (CFA) for you, making your email address look branded, friendlier and more familiar to your recipients.
A custom from address is made up of two parts:
the alias, which is the part before the @ sign (for example, events@...)
the domain/subdomain, which is the part after the @ sign (for example, ...@companythatsellsclothes.com)
To create a CFA, you can either:
use or create your own subdomain and ask your domain provider to let you delegate it to Dotdigital, allowing us to implement it as your CFA.
purchase a domain/CFA from us.
⚠️ You must create a new email address to use only for your custom from address. It is not possible to use an existing email address.
Dotdigital thus recommends either generating a subdomain (for example, email.yourcompanyname.com) or, failing that, purchasing a CFA from us (for example, [email protected]), as this protects your company’s normal day-to-day emails from any problems that could be associated with your email marketing.
Creating a branded domain also allows us to include custom tracking links within your emails, plus set up all the configuration and authentication required for deliverability, so you don't need to involve your IT department in the set up.
If you already own an alternative domain or wish to set up a subdomain, please contact your Dotdigital Customer Success representative or contact Dotdigital support, here.
You can also find the instructions on how to set up DKIM and SPF for Dotdigital, here.
Add a Dotdigital DKIM key in Valimail
You can find more detailed information on how to add a DKIM key in Valimail, here:
Configuring SPF authentication for your Dotdigital emails
Once you establish that Dotdigital 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.