Getting Started Checklist


First Steps for a New Marketing Account

A few quick steps and your account will be ready to send:

1. Tell Us Your Experience Level

When you start, let us know your email marketing or deliverability skill level. This helps us tailor instructions so you’ll see feature explanations that match your background—whether you’re brand new or a seasoned pro.

2. Set Your CAN-SPAM Footer Address

Compliance is key. Every campaign you send must include a valid footer mailing address. Add your address under the Account tab. You can update or add multiple addresses later if needed.

3. Configure Campaign Defaults 

Save time by setting up default values (such as from name, from email, or reply-to address). These can be changed at any time and are especially useful if you’ll be sending on a regular schedule. If you don’t have this information ready yet, you can skip and set it later.

4. Verify and Authenticate a Sending Domain

Verify your Sending Domain, so you will be allowed to use this sending domain for your campaigns. Domain authentication ensures inbox providers recognize your messages as legitimate. This step improves deliverability, helps your emails avoid the spam folder, and ensures your brand appears clearly to subscribers.

5. Import or Create a List

Upload your contacts by importing a file, connecting to another system, or manually creating a small test list. A healthy, permission-based list is the foundation of successful email marketing.

6. Create or Upload a Mailing 

Use our editor to design your first mailing, choose a prebuilt template, or upload your own HTML design. Make sure to include your branding, engaging content, and a clear call to action.

7. Send a Test or Schedule Your Campaign 

Before sending to your entire audience, send yourself a test message to check formatting, links, and personalization. Once everything looks perfect, schedule your campaign or send it immediately.

Sending Domain DNS Records  - Recommended

By default, DKIM, SPF, and link tracking use ReachMail-managed (shared) domains and DNS records. For better deliverability and brand control, we recommend implementing your own domain records:

  • DKIM Signature domain setup – Signs your emails digitally so inbox providers can verify authenticity.
  • SPF Record setup – Authorizes ReachMail’s servers to send mail on behalf of your domain.
  • DMARC Record setup – Adds an extra layer of authentication and reporting once SPF and DKIM are in place. It lets the mailbox providers what YOU want to do with the mailing if it passes or fails. 

Tip: These DNS records are now required by major inbox providers including Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft. Setting them up early ensures smoother sending.

Recommended Guides

×

Contact Us

Support Resources

ReachMail is here to help. If you have any questions, please use the form below or contact us at:

Support Hours: 8am - 6pm (Central Time) Mon-Fri