DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM)

DKIM is an authentication method used for validating the sender of an email and to show that the content has not been altered during transit. Emails that pass DKIM authentication are considered more trustworthy and are more likely to be delivered.

Caution: from February 2024 both Google and Yahoo! will require bulk senders to their free domains (gmail.com, yahoo.com, aol.com, yahoo.co.uk, etc.) to:

  • Align their SPF or DKIM signing domain with their from domain.

  • Have a DMARC record on their from domains with a minimum of a non-enforcing policy.

DKIM works using a private and public key system. Adestra will sign emails that recipients' email servers can verify using the public key.

In order for Adestra to custom DKIM sign your emails you need to:

Signing emails with your own domain helps improve deliverability by supplying email providers and recipients with a mechanism that proves you are who you say you are.

Setting a DKIM domain in your campaigns

When sending a campaign, you will need to confirm your from domain is aligned with your DKIM signing domain.

If you do not have admin access you will need to contact an admin for your account to confirm your signing domain details.

On the options step of your campaign:

  1. Locate your domain name. If using a custom from address, this will be the domain used in your custom from address.

    Screen capture illustrating the different locations of the domain name, i.e. highlighting the domain dropdown and the from email address field in the campaign options.

  2. Go to the domains menu and verify the domain has DKIM authentication and that there are no error messages.

    If your domain is not authenticated, you will need to add DKIM authentication.

    Contact support if you need assistance with authentication or correcting any errors, e.g. DNS configuration, etc.

    Note: the DKIM signing domain does not need to be an exact match of the From domain, e.g.:

    • one.example.com,

    • two.example.com, and

    • three.example.com

    Would all be considered aligned DKIM signing domains for a From domain of example.com.

  3. When you have confirmed DKIM authentication, proceed with updating your campaign options.

Confirming DKIM authentication

Signing with an authenticated domain requires DNS configuration. Contact adestra-support@uplandsoftware.com for assistance.

Tip: if your account uses multiple authenticated domains they will all need the DNS configured.

If you have admin access:

  1. Go to the domains menu to view which domains have active DKIM keys.

    If your from domain is not in the table:

    • Create an authenticated domain.

    • Select the domain to view details.

    • Press the DKIM button to add DKIM.

      Tip: contact support for assistance with DKIM and configuring your DNS.

  2. Select your domain to view details.

    • If the DNS has not been configured, you will receive a notification advising what needs to be updated. Contact support for assistance.

    • If you have custom DKIM set up, but there is a problem with the configuration, the domain overview will flag the issue.

      Screen capture of an example error notification for an incorrect configuration.

  3. Press the view DKIM button to see details of your signing domain.