If your website emails are failing DMARC compliance, you’re not alone. Many website owners struggle with email deliverability and security issues, often due to a fundamental problem: reliance on the hosting company’s default SMTP services. But why is this an issue, and what can you do about it? Let’s break it down.
The Problem with Default SMTP Services
Websites often send various types of emails, including administrative notifications, transactional emails, and newsletters. However, many rely on the default PHP mail function, which typically uses the hosting provider’s default SMTP service to send these emails.
Here’s the catch: default SMTP services make it impossible to authenticate your emails with SPF because the domain in the "Envelop from" can't be customized and the same for the DKIM :
Why Does SPF and DKIM Matter?
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) are email authentication protocols that verify the legitimacy of your emails.
- SPF ensures that only authorized servers can send emails on behalf of your domain.
- DKIM adds a digital signature to your emails, verifying that they haven’t been tampered with during transit.
Without these protocols, your emails are more likely to be flagged as spam—or worse, rejected outright.
The Solution: Use a Third-Party Email Sender
The most practical solution to this problem is to switch to a third-party email sender. Platforms like SendGrid, Amazon SES, Mailjet, Brevo (formerly Sendinblue), and Sarbacane are specifically designed to support email authentication, including SPF/DKIM custom setups.
Benefits of Using Third-Party Email Services
- Improved Deliverability
Emails sent through authenticated channels are far more likely to reach your recipients’ inboxes, reducing bounce rates and spam flags. - Enhanced Security
Properly authenticated emails are less susceptible to spoofing and phishing attacks, safeguarding your domain’s reputation. - Ease of Setup
These platforms often provide step-by-step guidance on setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, making the process manageable even for non-technical users. - Scalability
Whether you’re sending 100 emails or 10,000, third-party services can handle high volumes without performance issues.
How to Make the Switch
- Choose a Third-Party Email Service
Evaluate options based on your needs. For instance:
- SendGrid: Great for developers with robust API support.
- Amazon SES: Affordable for high-volume sending.
- Brevo: User-friendly with marketing tools included.
- Authenticate Your Domain
Follow the provider’s instructions to set up SPF and DKIM records in your DNS settings. - Integrate the Service with Your Website
Update your website’s email-sending configuration to use the new service, often via an API or SMTP relay. - Test Your Emails
Send test emails to ensure proper authentication and deliverability.
Why This Matters
Ensuring DMARC compliance isn’t just a technical requirement—it’s crucial for protecting your domain’s reputation and ensuring your emails reach their intended audience.
By switching to a third-party email sender, you’ll not only resolve DMARC compliance issues but also enhance the overall functionality, deliverability, and security of your website’s email communications.
Let us know in the comments: which email service do you prefer for your website?