Email clients are getting smarter at filtering spam. But without following deliverability best practices—like implementing DKIM, SPF, and DMARC—your emails could still end up in spam or junk folders. And let’s be honest, that’s far from ideal.
Your sender reputation is crucial and should always be a priority for marketers. It directly affects your email deliverability, which depends on several factors, including spam traps, filters, blacklists, and authentication protocols.
Feeling overwhelmed by all the technical jargon? Don’t worry—we’re here to break it down and keep it simple!
What is a DKIM Key?
A DKIM key is a form of authentication that allows an organisation to claim responsibility of an email in a particular way so the recipient can validate the email.
Why should I care about DKIM Records?
Enhances Email Security
- DKIM ensures that emails sent from your domain are not tampered with in transit, protecting against spoofing and phishing attacks.
- It uses cryptographic signatures to verify that the email genuinely comes from the stated sender.
Builds Trust and Credibility
- A DKIM-enabled domain is less likely to be associated with spam or malicious activities, building confidence with your recipients.
- For communicating with stakeholders, trust in your email authenticity ensures seamless engagement and fosters stronger relationships.
Boosts Email Deliverability
- Emails signed with DKIM are less likely to end up in spam folders.
- It signals to email providers that your domain follows best practices, improving the chances that your messages reach your audience.
Complements SPF and DMARC
- DKIM is a core part of a complete email authentication strategy.
- With DKIM in place, it works alongside SPF and DMARC to further secure your domain and enforce policies.
Think of it as a digital signature that you have stamped on your emails, so your recipients know it is coming from you. Having this implemented can greatly reduce your emails landing into the dreaded junk folders.
What is an SPF Record?
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is another form of authentication that validates an email that has been sent from an authorised server. The policy is published, giving authorisation to mail servers to send using that chosen domain.
Why should I care about SPF Records?
Moving away from the technical jargon, it basically means Swift Digital will send your emails using your domain, and your organisation has given us permission to do that.
Protects Against Email Spoofing
- SPF helps prevent unauthorised parties from sending emails on behalf of your domain.
- It minimises the risk of phishing attacks and fraudulent emails that could harm your organisation’s reputation.
Builds Trust and Credibility
- When recipients know your domain is protected by SPF, they’re more likely to trust your messages.
- Trustworthy email communication is essential for communicating with stakeholders and maintaining strong professional relationships.
Improves Email Deliverability
- SPF allows email providers to verify that messages come from an authorised server.
- This reduces the chances of your emails being marked as spam, ensuring effective stakeholder communication and marketing outreach
What is a DMARC Record?
Why should I care about DMARC Records?
Although still important to marketers, DMARC is more beneficial to your IT team. Implementing DMARC allows you to limit the impact of attacks such as phishing and prevent spoofing and scams. It is actually a very important authentication piece but unfortunately often gets overlooked.
Protects Your Brand from Spoofing and Phishing
- DMARC ensures that only authorised senders can use your domain to send emails.
- Prevents malicious actors from impersonating your organisation in phishing attacks
Improves Email Deliverability
- A properly configured DMARC policy helps email providers identify legitimate messages, reducing the chances of your emails being marked as spam.
- This boosts the effectiveness of your stakeholder communication and marketing efforts.
Provides Visibility into Email Traffic
- DMARC generates detailed reports showing which servers send emails on your behalf and whether they pass authentication checks.
- This insight helps you monitor unauthorised usage of your domain and improve email infrastructure.
Mitigates Cybersecurity Risks
- By blocking fraudulent emails sent from your domain, DMARC reduces the likelihood of data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage.
Empowers Stakeholder Communication
- Trustworthy email communication is critical for communicating with stakeholders effectively. DMARC ensures that your messages are reliably delivered and perceived as legitimate.
How To Implement DKIM, SPF and DMARC
Implementing DKIM, SPF, and DMARC can significantly improve your email deliverability. These protocols boost your delivery rate, enhance your sender reputation, and, as a result, increase overall engagement rates.
After all, sending emails that land in junk folders defeats the purpose of your efforts.
At Swift Digital, we work closely with clients and their IT teams during onboarding to set up DKIM, SPF, and DMARC. This ensures maximum inbox placement, improved security, enhanced privacy, and robust brand protection.
The Preferred Email, Events and SMS Automation Software For All Australian Government Departments
Swift Digital’s templates help you effortlessly create stunning emails and events communications using our drag-and-drop email and event builder.
You can raise engagement with embedded images, videos, polls, article feedback, and emojis and schedule messages to send at the right time.
Government departments’ unique marketing requirements are covered with Swift Digital, and full compliance with all anti-spam and privacy laws is guaranteed. Swift Digital is also ISO 27001 certified.
Swift Digital is Australia’s leader in marketing automation software and event management working with organisations like the NSW Government, ATO, and companies like Westpac Bank and Qantas.
Find out why we’re the Australian government department’s number one choice for their professional communications and events.
To find out how your business can get the best out of Swift Digital’s platform, contact our team today.
