What are SPF, DKIM, and DMARC?

SPF (Sender Policy Framework) specifies which servers can send email for your domain. DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) adds a cryptographic signature to verify email integrity. DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) tells receiving servers what to do when SPF or DKIM checks fail. Together, they authenticate your emails and prevent spoofing.

Why are my emails going to spam instead of inbox?

Emails go to spam due to missing authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), poor sender reputation, high bounce rates, spam complaints above 0.1%, blacklisted IPs, spammy content, or non-compliance with Gmail and Yahoo 2024 sender requirements. A deliverability audit can identify your specific issues.

How do I warm up a new email sending IP?

Start by sending small volumes (50-100 emails/day) to your most engaged recipients. Gradually increase volume by 20-30% every 2-3 days over 4-6 weeks. Monitor bounce rates, spam complaints, and inbox placement throughout the warmup process. Ensure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are properly configured before starting.

How do I check if my IP or domain is blacklisted?

Use free tools like MXToolbox Blacklist Check, Spamhaus Lookup, or MultiRBL to check your sending IP and domain against major blacklists. If listed, identify the root cause (spam complaints, compromised server, etc.), fix the issue, then submit a delisting request to each blacklist operator.

Resources

Email Deliverability Resources & Guides

Expert guides on SPF, DKIM, DMARC setup, spam prevention, email warmup, and inbox placement best practices

Authentication 8 min

Understanding SPF, DKIM, and DMARC: A Complete Guide

A comprehensive guide to email authentication protocols — SPF, DKIM, and DMARC — and how they protect your domain from spoofing attacks and improve inbox placement.

Jan 15, 2025

Best Practices 10 min

How to Avoid the Spam Folder: Proven Inbox Placement Strategies

Learn the top reasons emails land in spam and practical strategies to improve your inbox placement rate for Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo.

Jan 12, 2025

Infrastructure 12 min

Email Warm-up: A Complete Guide to Building Sender Reputation

Everything you need to know about warming up new email sending IPs and domains, building sender reputation, and achieving optimal deliverability.

Jan 8, 2025

Reputation 7 min

IP vs Domain Reputation: What Affects Your Email Deliverability

Understanding the critical difference between IP reputation and domain reputation, how mailbox providers evaluate each, and how both affect your inbox placement.

Jan 5, 2025

Best Practices 9 min

Email List Hygiene Best Practices for Better Deliverability

Keep your email list clean and engaged with proven strategies for maintaining list health, reducing bounce rates, and improving sender reputation.

Jan 1, 2025

Monitoring 11 min

How to Monitor Email Deliverability: Essential Metrics & Tools

Essential metrics and tools for tracking your email deliverability performance, catching issues early, and maintaining consistent inbox placement.

Dec 28, 2024

Compliance 6 min

Gmail and Yahoo 2024 Sender Requirements: Complete Compliance Guide

Breaking down the new sender requirements from Gmail and Yahoo effective February 2024, including SPF, DKIM, DMARC mandates and one-click unsubscribe.

Dec 25, 2024

Troubleshooting 10 min

How to Fix Email Blacklist Issues: Step-by-Step Removal Guide

Step-by-step guide to identifying which blacklists you're on, resolving the root causes, submitting delisting requests, and preventing future blacklistings.

Dec 20, 2024

Content 8 min

Email Content Best Practices to Avoid Spam Filters

Optimize your email content to improve engagement and avoid spam filters — covering subject lines, text-to-image ratios, spam trigger words, and HTML best practices.

Dec 15, 2024

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