When setting up your email marketing system in the Gersuz All-in-One Marketing Platform, configuring your DNS records correctly is critical for high deliverability, authentication, and domain reputation. This guide explains the three core DNS records SPF, DKIM, and DMARC , the parameters inside each one, and the recommended values provided by Gersuz.
1. SPF Record (Sender Policy Framework)
SPF specifies which servers are allowed to send emails on behalf of your domain. Correct SPF configuration helps prevent spoofing and reduces spam risk.
Typical SPF Parameters
An SPF record includes:
- v=spf1 → SPF version
- ip4 / ip6 → Allowed IP addresses
- include: → External sending services
- all → Defines policy for non-listed senders (usually ~all or -all)
Recommended SPF Record
v=spf1 include:spf.your-email-server.com ~all
Where to Add It
Create a TXT record in your DNS settings with your domain host (e.g., Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Namecheap).
2. DKIM Record (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
What DKIM Does
DKIM signs your outgoing emails with a cryptographic signature ensuring:
- Email authenticity
- Protection against tampering
- Higher inbox placement
Typical DKIM Parameters
A DKIM record contains:
- Selector (e.g., _domainkey)
- p= (public key)
- k= (key type, usually rsa)
- v=DKIM1 (DKIM version)
Recommended DKIM
"v=DKIM1; p=YOUR_PUBLIC_KEY"
3. DMARC Record (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance)
What DMARC Does
DMARC sets how receiving servers should treat emails that fail SPF or DKIM checks. It also provides reporting about domain abuse.
Typical DMARC Parameters
- v=DMARC1 → DMARC version
- p= → Policy (none, quarantine, reject)
- rua= → Aggregate report email
- ruf= → Forensic report email
- pct= → Percentage applied
- sp= → Subdomain policy (optional)
- adkim / aspf → Alignment modes (relaxed / strict)
Recommended DMARC
For Maximum protection "v=DMARC1; p=reject;"
For Stronger policy "v=DMARC1; p=quarantine;"
How to Configure These Records in Your DNS
- Log in to your domain registrar or DNS management panel.
- Create the following:
TXT record for SPF - TXT record for DKIM - TXT record for DMARC
- Save the changes and wait for DNS propagation (often 5–30 minutes, sometimes up to 24 hours).
- Return to Gersuz Email Marketing Configuration SMTP Tab and click “Verify SMTP Config” if necessary.
💡Important Notes for Users Without Technical Knowledge
If you are not familiar with DNS, TXT records, or email authentication, it is highly recommended to Contact Your Email Service Provider’s Support team or your domain hosting support.
They can:
- Add the records for you
- Review conflicting SPF entries
- Fix misconfigurations causing deliverability issues
Your email deliverability depends heavily on these DNS records, so expert help is often the safest option.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do I need SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for my email campaigns?These three DNS records authenticate your domain, protect you from spoofing, and significantly improve inbox placement. Without them, your emails are more likely to land in spam or be rejected by receiving servers.
- Where do I add these DNS records?You must add them in the DNS settings of your domain provider, such as Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Namecheap, Hostinger, or any registrar where your domain is hosted.
- How long does it take for DNS changes to become active?DNS propagation can take anywhere between 5 minutes to 24 hours, depending on your DNS provider. In most cases, SPF and DKIM verify within minutes.
- What should I do if my SPF record fails verification?Common reasons include: You already have more than one SPF record (only one is allowed). Missing include: values for other email services. Incorrect syntax or extra spaces. If you’re not sure how to fix it, contact your domain host support or your email service provider.
- Which DMARC policy should I choose: none, quarantine, or reject?p=none → Safe for beginners; only monitors email activity. p=quarantine → Sends failed emails to spam. p=reject → Blocks all unauthorized emails completely. Gersuz recommends starting with p=none and moving up as your sending reputation stabilizes.
- What happens if I don’t configure these records?Low deliverability - High spam rates - Higher bounce rates - Domain reputation damage - Risk of blacklisting. Configuring SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is essential for professional email marketing.
- Can I use multiple email services?Yes, but you must add include: entries for all services in a single SPF record. Example: v=spf1 include:spf.domain1.com include:_spf.domain2.com ~all
- Why are we getting an error when saving SMTP settings in the Gersuz panel?Possible reasons: DNS propagation not completed yet - Incorrect host name - Multiple SPF records - Missing required fields - Cached DNS on your system. Wait up to 24 hours and try verifying again.
