SPF(supported) / (dedicated subdomain) DKIM(recommended)
This article covers the SPF and DKIM authentication processes for WhatCounts and how they are managed in Valimail Enforce. While only one of the two authentication methods is required for an email to pass DMARC, our recommendation is to configure both whenever possible.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Configuring DKIM authentication for your WhatCounts emails
- Add a WhatCounts DKIM key in Enforce
- Configuring SPF authentication for your WhatCounts emails
Configuring DKIM authentication for your WhatCounts emails
Record Type: CNAME
The CNAME record allows you to brand your email Campaigns in two ways:
Base URL: Tracked URLs contained in your email Campaigns will be branded to match your domain. Without this, the links will appear to be going to whatcounts.com, which could create confusion for your contacts
Bounce Domain: Setting up this CNAME will allow you to use a branded domain with your WhatCounts Bounce Address. This is important for authentication as well as so that replies received from your Campaign can be processed by WhatCounts.
To set up this record, create a subdomain on your domain with a CNAME to response.wc07.net For example:
Host Name: response.examplecompany.com
CNAME record points to: response.wc07.net
Note: You do not have to use 'response' as your subdomain. Choose whatever works best for your company.
Record Type: DKIM
After your CNAME record is created, request a DKIM record from WhatCounts. This record will be sent to you along with instructions for adding to your DNS. The DKIM is a digital ‘signature’ designed to prevent spoofing.
Example:
key1._domainkey.response.examplecompany.com IN TXT "k=rsa\;
p=MIGfMA0GCSqGSIb3DQEBAQUAA4GNADCBiQKBgQCwAN+zzA0xP4svMOHwjjJV0YKYCY5wOmOl7OXLIOgJYX9PW4ttdH1Oh8tpO60h2uigPAFrfu5JovcGvD7prdrbmTro3JTw24gMIwQE1PMN4cNpn3hEM0hgK17fCU4k3q6MJ5LRYQT5etcEl3ziivEU2/mfYGgSMhPY+ph8CJdcWQIDAQAB"
Please contact Support after your DNS setup is complete. We will confirm that it is set up correctly and do the necessary configuration in your account to allow for use of a branded Base URL and Bounce Host.
You can also find the instructions on how to set up DKIM and SPF for WhatCounts, here.
Add a WhatCounts DKIM key in Enforce
1. Go to your domain's Configuration page in Valimail Enforce and publish the newly created DKIM key.
a. Scroll down and add the DKIM key in your configuration, by clicking on Add a DKIM key.
b. Enter the selector name, the DKIM TXT value (the actual value is the entire string after the p= tag), associate the key with WhatCounts and then click Add.
You can find more detailed information on how to add a DKIM key in Valimail Enforce here.
Configuring SPF authentication for your WhatCounts emails
Once you establish that WhatCounts is an authorized sender for your domain, you will need to add the service in your Enabled Senders list in Enforce.
1. Please go to your domain's Configuration page in Enforce.
2. Click on the + sign from the Enabled Senders section:
3. Choose WhatCounts from the list of configurable senders and then click Enable:
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.
As always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to submit a ticket.