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How to Stop Emails Going to Spam: A Step-by-Step Guide to SPF, DKIM & DMARC


Spam email icon. Stop emails going to spam


If you're running a business, the last thing you want is for your emails to end up in the spam folder. Whether you’re sending quotes, responding to leads, or running email campaigns, poor deliverability = lost revenue.


The fix? Proper email authentication with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. Let’s break it down.


Why Are Your Emails Landing in Spam?


Several factors could be killing your email deliverability:


🚨 No authentication (SPF, DKIM, and DMARC missing)

🚨 Your domain isn’t trusted yet (new domains often have low reputation)

🚨 Spam-triggering content (words like free, urgent, win, or excessive links)

🚨 Your domain/IP is blacklisted (check MXToolbox for blacklists)

🚨 You’re using a free email provider (e.g., @gmail.com instead of a branded domain email)


By implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, you’re telling email providers that your emails are legitimate.


Step 1: Set Up SPF (Sender Policy Framework)


SPF helps verify that your email is sent from an authorized mail server.


  1. Log into your domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Cloudflare, CrazyDomains)

  2. Navigate to DNS settings

  3. Add a TXT record with:

Host: @ (or your domain name)

Value: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all

TTL: 3600

  1. Save & wait (can take up to 24 hours).


Step 2: Set Up DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)


DKIM ensures your emails haven’t been tampered with in transit.


  1. In your Google Workspace Admin Panel, go to:

    • Apps → Google Workspace → Gmail → Authenticate email

  2. Select Generate New Record (choose 2048-bit for better security).

  3. Copy the generated TXT record and add it to your domain’s DNS settings.

  4. Save and wait for verification.


Step 3: Create a DMARC Policy


DMARC tells email providers what to do if SPF/DKIM fail.


  1. Add another TXT record in your DNS settings:

    • Host: _dmarc

    • Value: v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc-reports@yourdomain.com; ruf=mailto:dmarc-reports@yourdomain.com; fo=1

    • TTL: 3600

    • Make sure you replace "yourdomain.com" with your actual domain.

  2. Save changes and wait for DNS propagation.

  3. Monitor your DMARC reports for suspicious activity.


Step 4: Test & Monitor Your Email Deliverability


Once your records are set up, check if your emails are landing in inboxes:


✅ Send test emails to Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo

✅ Use MXToolbox or Google Admin Toolbox for diagnostics

✅ If emails still go to spam, tighten your DMARC policy (p=quarantine or p=reject)


Final Tips on How to Stop Emails Going to Spam


📌 Use a business email (e.g., hello@yourdomain.com, not @gmail.com)

📌 Avoid spammy words (free, win, urgent)

📌 Warm up your domain—send emails in small, consistent batches first

📌 Check if your domain is blacklisted on MXToolbox


Conclusion: Lock Down Your Email Deliverability


Setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is non-negotiable if you want to land in inboxes, not spam folders. It’s a technical step, but once done, your email reputation (and open rates) will skyrocket.


Need help on how to stop emails going to spam? Let’s set it up for you. 🚀

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