of legitimate emails never reach the inbox
Google & Yahoo enforcement began
SPF, DKIM, DMARC — all required
The Problem: Email Authentication Is No Longer Optional
Starting in February 2024, Google and Yahoo implemented strict email authentication requirements. If your domain doesn't have proper SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records configured, your emails will increasingly be flagged as spam — or rejected entirely.
This affects all business email: invoices, proposals, appointment confirmations, password resets, and marketing messages. If you've noticed customers saying "I never got your email," this is likely why.
Are You Affected?
If you send email from your own domain (e.g., you@yourcompany.com) and haven't specifically configured email authentication, you're almost certainly affected. This includes emails sent through Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and any third-party services like CRMs or invoicing software.
Understanding SPF, DKIM, and DMARC
SPF (Sender Policy Framework)
SPF tells receiving mail servers which servers are authorized to send email for your domain. Without it, anyone can send email pretending to be you.
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
DKIM adds a digital signature to your emails, proving they haven't been tampered with in transit and genuinely came from your domain.
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance)
DMARC tells receiving servers what to do when SPF or DKIM checks fail. It also provides you with reports about who's sending email using your domain.
The Benefits of Proper Configuration
Better Deliverability
Your emails reach inboxes instead of spam folders
Spoofing Protection
Prevents criminals from sending fake emails as your company
Brand Trust
Recipients can verify your emails are legitimate
Visibility
DMARC reports show you who's using your domain
DNS Configuration Matters Too
Beyond email authentication, your DNS configuration affects website speed and reliability. Proper TTL (Time To Live) settings ensure fast lookups while still allowing you to make changes when needed. We typically standardize TTLs to 3600 seconds (1 hour) — fast enough for good performance, flexible enough for updates.
What We Check in Our Audit
- SPF Record: Is it present? Does it include all your sending services?
- DKIM: Are signatures being applied to your outgoing mail?
- DMARC: Do you have a policy? Is it being enforced?
- DNS Health: Proper TTLs, no conflicting records, correct A/CNAME setup
- Third-Party Services: Are Mailchimp, QuickBooks, etc. properly authorized?
- SSL/TLS: Is your website secure and properly configured?
Get Your Free Technical Audit
Complete our quick discovery form and we'll analyze your DNS configuration, email authentication, and hosting setup. You'll receive a detailed report card with specific recommendations.