Configuring a Sender Policy Framework (SPF) record is a crucial step in preventing spam filters from blocking emails sent from your domain through Mailchimp. An SPF record is a type of DNS record that identifies which mail servers are permitted to send emails on behalf of your domain. By setting up an SPF record, you’re telling the world which IP addresses are authorized to send emails from your domain, helping to prevent spoofing and improving deliverability.
Why Is SPF Important for Mailchimp?
Mailchimp, like other email service providers, often uses its own servers to send emails on your behalf. However, to ensure these emails are delivered to your recipients’ inboxes rather than their spam folders, you need to authenticate your domain. Setting up an SPF record is part of this authentication process, alongside DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance).
How to Set Up an SPF Record for Mailchimp
The process of setting up an SPF record involves creating a new TXT record in your domain’s DNS settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Determine Your SPF Record Value:
- Mailchimp provides a specific TXT record value that you need to add to your domain’s DNS settings. This value typically includes Mailchimp’s mail servers. As of my last update, the recommended SPF record for Mailchimp is:
v=spf1 include:_spf.mailchimp.com?all - Please note that you should check Mailchimp’s official documentation for the most current recommendation, as these values can change.
- Mailchimp provides a specific TXT record value that you need to add to your domain’s DNS settings. This value typically includes Mailchimp’s mail servers. As of my last update, the recommended SPF record for Mailchimp is:
Access Your Domain’s DNS Settings:
- You’ll need to log in to your domain registrar’s control panel or your DNS hosting service (e.g., GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Namecheap) to access your domain’s DNS settings.
Create a New TXT Record:
- Once you’re in your DNS settings, look for an option to add a new record. Select “TXT” as the record type.
- In the “Name” or “Host” field, you might need to enter “@” or leave it blank, depending on your DNS provider. This indicates the root domain.
- In the “Value” or “TXT Value” field, paste the SPF record value you determined earlier (e.g.,
v=spf1 include:_spf.mailchimp.com?all). - For the “TTL” (Time To Live), you can usually leave the default value or set it to a lower number (like 300 or 3600 seconds) if you want changes to propagate more quickly.
Save Your Changes:
- After you’ve filled out the fields, save your new TXT record. The exact steps to save can vary depending on your DNS provider’s interface.
Verify Your SPF Record:
- It can take up to 48 hours for DNS changes to propagate globally. After this period, you can use online SPF record check tools to verify that your SPF record is correctly set up and recognized by DNS servers.
Troubleshooting and Considerations
- Existing SPF Records: If you already have an SPF record, you’ll need to modify it to include Mailchimp’s servers instead of creating a new one. You can do this by adding
include:_spf.mailchimp.comto your existing record, ensuring you don’t exceed the 255-character limit for a TXT record and that you’re not adding multiple SPF records, which can cause issues. - Multiple Email Services: If you’re using multiple email services, each may require its own include statement in your SPF record.
- DKIM and DMARC Setup: For full domain authentication and to further improve email deliverability, consider setting up DKIM and DMARC records as well.
Always refer to Mailchimp’s official support documentation and your domain registrar’s or DNS provider’s guidance for the most accurate and up-to-date instructions on setting up SPF and other DNS records.
