What Are Email DNS Records?
Email DNS (Domain Name System) records are settings that help ensure your emails are secure and trusted. They tell email providers like Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook whether emails sent from your domain are legitimate or potentially fake (e.g., phishing).
These records improve:
- Email deliverability: Reduce the chances of your emails going to spam.
- Email security: Protect your domain from being used in spoofing or phishing attacks.
Below, we’ll explain the key records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and BIMI), why they’re important, and how to set them up.
- What it does: DKIM adds a digital signature to your emails, proving that they haven’t been altered during transmission.
- Why it matters: Ensures the integrity of your emails, preventing tampering or forgery.
What is DKIM?
DKIM works like a digital seal of approval. It attaches a cryptographic signature to your email headers, which can be verified by the recipient’s server.
Why DKIM is Important:
Without DKIM, your emails might look suspicious to recipients, especially if hackers attempt to modify the content.
- What it does: DMARC builds on SPF and DKIM to tell email providers how to handle unauthorized emails (e.g., reject or quarantine them). It also provides reports on email activity.
- Why it matters: Protects your domain from impersonation and gives you insights into email authentication performance.
What is DMARC?
DMARC is the gatekeeper for your email domain. It combines SPF and DKIM to ensure that unauthorized emails are blocked or flagged as spam.
Why DMARC is Important:
With DMARC, you’ll also get detailed reports on email activity, helping you spot potential issues or abuse.
- What it does: BIMI lets you display your brand logo next to your emails in supported inboxes.
- Why it matters: Increases brand trust and email engagement.
What is BIMI?
BIMI adds your company logo to your emails, making them instantly recognizable to recipients. It’s a visual way to build trust and increase engagement.
Why BIMI is Important:
Emails with BIMI stand out in the inbox and give recipients confidence that they’re legitimate.