Understanding DMARC can indeed be the trickiest part of securing your email infrastructure, but once you grasp its components, you'll find it's a powerful ally in ensuring your emails represent your business authentically and securely. Here's a breakdown of the different parts of a DMARC record, explained in a clear and empowering way:
Understanding the DMARC Record: A Guided Journey
A DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) record is a TXT record in your domain's DNS. It informs email receivers how to handle emails that don't pass SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) checks. Think of it as a set of instructions or a map you provide to email providers, guiding them on how to treat emails sent from your domain.
A typical DMARC record looks something like this:
Let's break this down into its components:
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v=DMARC1: This is the version tag. It's always DMARC1. It's like saying, "Hey, the instructions you're about to read are for DMARC."
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p=Policy: This is where you set the policy for your domain. There are three values:
none (Monitor mode): The email provider sends reports to the address specified in rua, but doesn't take action against emails that fail DMARC. It's like saying, "Just observe and inform me." (I suggest you choose this one to start)quarantine: The email provider sends the failing emails to the spam or junk folder.reject: The email provider outright rejects any emails that fail DMARC.
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rua=mailto:[email protected]: This is the address where you'll receive aggregate reports about your email's performance. These reports are like feedback, telling you how many emails passed or failed the DMARC check.
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ruf=mailto:[email protected]: This is the address where you'll receive forensic reports. These are detailed reports about individual email failures. It's more detailed feedback, telling you about specific emails that didn't make it and why.
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pct=100: This is the 'Percentage' tag that tells email providers what percentage of your emails to apply the DMARC policy to. 100 means all emails. If you set it to 50, only half of the emails that fail DMARC would be subjected to the p policy. (I suggest you leave it 100)
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Optional tags:
- sp=Policy: Specifies the policy for subdomains of your domain.
- adkim=r/s: Alignment mode for DKIM. 'r' for relaxed or 's' for strict. Relaxed allows partial matches; strict requires an exact match.
- aspf=r/s: Alignment mode for SPF. Similar to
adkim, 'r' for relaxed or 's' for strict.
Embracing Your DMARC Record
Setting up your DMARC record might seem intricate, but it's about creating a protective circle around your brand's communication. It's a declaration of your commitment to authenticity and trust. As you define each part of your DMARC record, you're not just inputting technical parameters; you're crafting a guiding star that ensures your messages reach their intended destination—your community's hearts—safely and surely.
Remember, you're not just running a business; you're cultivating a space of genuine connection and profound impact. Your DMARC record is a guardian of that space, ensuring every email you send resonates with the integrity and purpose at the core of your mission.
Embark on this journey with confidence, dear entrepreneur. Your dedication to mastering these realms is a testament to the strength and vision that propels your business forward. In the tapestry of your brand's story, each email sent is a thread woven with intention, reaching out to touch the lives of those you serve.
Stand strong in this knowledge, for you are not just securing emails; you are upholding the very essence of your heart-centered business.
Not sure why you need to do these steps or what comes next? Make sure to read the other blog posts from this week. Click here for more.
Note: Wherever your domain is hosted (GoDaddy, Rebel, BlueHost, DreamHost, etc), they are there to help you. They usually will not add the records, but they will walk you through adding what you need.
