Every email you send must pass through filters that check if the sender is legitimate. Missing or misconfigured authentication records can cause your HoneyBook emails to land in spam or get blocked.
As of February 2024, Google and Yahoo require stricter authentication for businesses that send commercial emails. Senders without proper records—or with high spam complaints—are more likely to be filtered or rejected.
The 3 key DNS records you need are:
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): Confirms the email wasn’t altered in transit
SPF (Sender Policy Framework): Confirms the email is sent from your authorized mail server
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance): Aligns DKIM and SPF, and tells receiving servers what to do if checks fail
Step 1: Define a DKIM record
Defining DKIM is done in your domain provider’s DNS settings using information from your email provider.
Values typically required:
Type: TXT
Name or host: Provided by your email provider
Value or data: Must begin with
v=DKIM1and include a public key (p=)TTL: Use default or 1800–3600 seconds
Step 2: Define an SPF record
SPF records are also added in your domain provider’s DNS settings.
Values typically required:
Type: TXT
Name or host: Usually
@(varies by provider)Value or data: Specific to your email provider
TTL: Use default or as recommended
Step 3: Define a DMARC record
DMARC is created as a TXT record in your DNS settings.
Basic format example:
v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected]Key elements:
v=DMARC1→ versionp=→ policy (none, quarantine, or reject)rua=→ reporting address
Step 4: Test your records
Once your DNS records are defined:
Use HoneyBook’s domain tester to check SPF and DKIM
Monitor domain reputation in Google Postmaster Tools
Check if your sending IP is on a blacklist
Step 5: Maintain strong email reputation
In addition to authentication, improve your email reputation.
Quick reference: TXT records by provider
Provider | DKIM host and notes | SPF record (TXT value) | DMARC example record |
Google Workspace | Enable DKIM in Google Admin |
|
|
Outlook or Office 365 | Enable DKIM in Microsoft Admin |
| Same as above |
iCloud | Enable in iCloud settings |
| Same as above |
Zoho Mail | DKIM through Zoho Admin console |
| Same as above |
Squarespace | Add TXT record in DNS panel | Use your provider’s SPF value; Host = | Same as above |
Wix | Add TXT record in DNS panel | Use your provider’s SPF value; Host = (blank) | Same as above |
GoDaddy | Add TXT record in DNS panel | Use your provider’s SPF value; Host = | Same as above |
Bluehost | Add TXT record in DNS panel | Use your provider’s SPF value; Host = | Same as above |
SiteGround | Add TXT record in DNS panel | Use your provider’s SPF value; Host = (blank) | Same as above |
NameCheap | Add TXT record in DNS panel | Use your provider’s SPF value; Host = | Same as above |
📚 Tip
Each domain provider has a slightly different DNS interface. If you’re unsure, check their help center or contact their support team.
Still have questions? Feel free to send us a message by clicking the Question Mark icon on any HoneyBook page. Our team is always happy to help!