Setting Up SPF and DKIM for Your Piisend Sending Domain
Ensure your emails reach the inbox by properly configuring SPF and DKIM DNS records for your custom domain. This guide provides a step-by-step checklist for sender authentication with Piisend.
Section 1
Why SPF and DKIM are Crucial for Email Deliverability
Sender Policy Framework (SPF) and DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) are essential protocols for email sender authentication. They help prevent email spoofing and phishing, signaling to recipient mail servers that your emails are legitimate. Properly configured SPF and DKIM records significantly improve your email deliverability and build trust for your custom domain.
Section 2
Configuring Your SPF Record for Piisend
An SPF record lists which mail servers may send mail for your domain. Add a single TXT record — typically v=spf1 include:piisend.com ~all. Never publish two SPF records on the same name; merge includes into one string instead.
1# SPF TXT on @ (or mail for a sending subdomain)2# Type: TXT Name: @ Value:3v=spf1 include:piisend.com ~all4 5# Confirm after DNS propagation6dig TXT yourdomain.com +short7dig TXT mail.yourdomain.com +shortSection 3
Adding Your DKIM Record to Your DNS
DKIM signs messages so receivers can confirm they were not altered in transit. Piisend gives you a CNAME such as k1._domainkey pointing at Piisend's signing host. Copy the exact name and target from the dashboard — do not proxy CNAMEs if your DNS host supports orange-cloud / HTTP proxy.
1# DKIM CNAME from the Piisend dashboard (example values)2# Type: CNAME Name: k1._domainkey Target: dkim.piisend.com3 4dig CNAME k1._domainkey.yourdomain.com +short5dig TXT k1._domainkey.yourdomain.com +shortSection 4
Verifying Your Custom Domain in Piisend
After adding your SPF and DKIM DNS records, navigate to your domains section in the Piisend dashboard. Here, you can initiate the verification process for your custom domain. Piisend will check for the correct DNS records, and once propagated, your domain will be verified, enabling authenticated email sending and boosting your sender reputation.
Section 5
Troubleshooting Common SPF and DKIM Issues
Common misconfigurations include having multiple SPF records, incorrect CNAME values for DKIM, or slow DNS propagation. If your domain isn't verifying, double-check for typos in your DNS records and ensure there are no conflicting entries. Use online DNS lookup tools to confirm your SPF and DKIM records are correctly published and propagated, which is vital for optimal email deliverability.
