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How to Configure SPF, DKIM and DMARC for Better Email Deliverability

Oskar Johnson Hägglund avatar
Written by Oskar Johnson Hägglund
Updated this week

When sending outreach emails with Albacross, you may come across advice to set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. These are email authentication standards that help improve your deliverability and protect your domain from being flagged as spam.

Why it Matters

Without these records in place, email providers (like Gmail, Outlook, etc.) may treat your outreach emails as suspicious. This can result in:

  • Emails landing in the spam folder

  • Higher bounce rates

  • Reduced reply rates and engagement

By configuring SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, you signal to receiving mail servers that your emails are legitimate and safe to deliver.

What They Mean

  • SPF (Sender Policy Framework): Confirms which mail servers are allowed to send on behalf of your domain.

  • DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): Adds a digital signature to prove your email wasn’t altered during delivery.

  • DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance): Tells receiving servers what to do if SPF or DKIM checks fail (e.g., monitor, quarantine, or reject).

How to Set Them Up

Albacross doesn’t manage these settings for you. They are configured in your domain’s DNS (with your provider such as GoDaddy, Cloudflare, or Google Domains).

  1. Contact your email provider (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, etc.).

    • They will give you the exact SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records you need.

  2. Add the records to your DNS panel (this may require help from your IT department).

  3. Verify the setup using a free tool such as MXToolBox or your provider’s admin console.

  4. Monitor your sender reputation to ensure your domain is healthy and your emails are being delivered.

Additional Tips to Improve Deliverability

  • Warm up your domain gradually before sending larger volumes.

  • Avoid spammy keywords and excessive links in your emails.

  • Make sure your email lists are clean (avoid sending to invalid or inactive addresses).

  • Regularly monitor blacklists to ensure your domain hasn’t been flagged.

Summary

While Albacross doesn’t configure SPF, DKIM, or DMARC on your behalf, setting them up with your email provider and DNS host is one of the most effective ways to improve deliverability and keep your outreach emails out of spam.

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