Are you ready for Google & Yahoo's DMARC policy changes?
Starting in February 2024, bulk senders using their own domains and who don't meet Google and Yahoo's new requirements may encounter temporary errors. By April 2024, expect a gradual increase in rejection rates for non-compliant emails. By June 1st, 2024, all bulk senders must implement a one-click unsubscribe feature in commercial messages (which ReachMail has already implemented).
DMARC is the guardian at the gate , distinguishing between legitimate and spoofed emails that destroy your reputation and deliverability. This checklist is tailored to help you navigate the changes and ensure your emails meet the new authentication requirements:
Who is Affected?
This change affects bulk email senders . A general rule of thumb is that any sender of 5,000 or more marketing messages in a 24-hour period will be affected by this policy change. While transactional emails are not directly affected, adhering to these guidelines can improve delivery.
Note: As part of this change, Google will enforce a reject policy on gmail.com, prohibiting its use as a from domain outside of users' Google accounts.
☐ Check SPF Configuration*
ReachMail offers clear instructions to add SPF to your domain. SPF is the first gate to pass, verifying that the email is from an authorized source.
☐ Update DKIM Signature*
ReachMail provides easy-to-understand documentation to install a DKIM signature to your domain. DKIM is the second gate to pass through. It creates a digital signature for your emails, ensuring they're genuine and secure when others receive them.
☐ Implement DMARC*
DMARC ties SPF and DKIM together and applies a policy on handling those emails. ReachMail makes it easy by showing you exactly what to add to enable DMARC on your domain and provides built-in tools to monitor your DMARC policy effectively, with no need for a 3rd party service.
Major mailbox providers are making DMARC a requirement.
☑ Everything Else
Don't worry. ReachMail has you covered for everything else. We've already implemented many of the requirements Google and Yahoo look for as best practices, so you'll have less to worry about when they become enforced.
We ensure valid forward and reverse DNS records, follow RFCs 5321 and 5322 for message format, avoid Gmail impersonation in FROM headers, and offer one-click unsubscribe for subscribed messages.
Use this checklist to ensure you're ready for February 2024. ReachMail simplifies the process with clear instructions and user-friendly tools you can use with your domain hosting provider. We take care of the rest by ensuring valid DNS records, meeting message format standards, preventing Gmail impersonation, and enabling one-click unsubscribes.
*To make these changes, you must navigate outside of ReachMail to your domain hosting provider, email service provider, and DNS hosting provider, or contact your IT support team.
Related Articles
Success with 2024 Guideline changes at Gmail, Yahoo, and AOL
SPF Record Installation
DKIM Record Installation
DMARC Record Installation
DMARC: What is it and Why Does it Matter?
How DKIM, SPF, and DMARC Protect Your Email Marketing
Authentication Best Practices