Updates to the Advanced Settings Page FAQ

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Updates to the Advanced Settings Page FAQ

Introduction

The Advanced Settings Page in ActiveCampaign has undergone important updates to enhance the process of setting up authentication for sending domains. This feature is essential as it aligns with the new requirements set forth by Gmail and Yahoo, which mandate all senders to authenticate their sending domains. Understanding these updates is crucial for maintaining high email deliverability rates and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

How to Access this Feature

To access the updated Advanced Settings Page, sign in to your ActiveCampaign account and navigate to the following path:

1. Click on the Settings icon.
2. Select Advanced Settings from the dropdown menu.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to set up your sending domain with the new options available:

1. **Configure Domain**:

  - Click the Configure Domain button. This streamlined option enables you to log directly into your DNS provider through ActiveCampaign. 
  - After logging in, ActiveCampaign will automatically detect your DNS provider and check for existing DNS records.
  - If necessary, the required DNS records will be created, and your domain will be automatically marked as Verified.

2. **Set Up Manually**:

  - Click the Set Up Manually button. This option allows for a more hands-on approach where you will copy and paste DNS records into your DNS provider interface.
  - This method is updated to simplify the previous process of managing authentication.

Configuration Options and Settings

The updated Advanced Settings Page features several important configuration options:

• Configure Domain: A simplified process to handle authentication automatically with your DNS provider.
• Set Up Manually: Updated option to manually transfer DNS records to your DNS provider for configuration.
• **Mailserver Domain**: Accessible to all Marketing plan users, aiding in achieving full domain alignment.
• **DMARC**: Addressing the requirement for all sending domains, a DMARC record is now a standard part of adding a sending domain.
• An expanded view of your domain’s Authentication and Verification status is found in the new Sending Domains table.

Best Practices and Tips

To ensure optimal results while using the updated features, consider the following best practices:

• Always use the Configure Domain option if available; it is the quickest and most efficient method to authenticate your domain.
• If opting for Set Up Manually, double-check all DNS records for accuracy, particularly for DKIM and DMARC entries.
• Regularly monitor the Sending Domains table for Authentication and Verification status to quickly identify and resolve issues.
• If experiencing deliverability issues, consider setting an additional SPF (Sender Policy Framework) record, especially when sending to international providers or if you have trouble with Hotmail/Outlook.

Common Use Cases

1. **Small Businesses**: Utilize the Configure Domain feature to rapidly authenticate a domain for email marketing campaigns. 2. **Agencies**: Managing multiple clients’ sending domains can be efficiently handled via the new features, allowing for quick adjustments. 3. **E-commerce Platforms**: Ensure customers receive their order confirmation and promotional emails promptly by maintaining a valid and authenticated sending domain.

Troubleshooting Section

If you encounter problems with the authentication process, consider the following resolutions:

• If your DNS records fail to propagate, use the Resolve Issues button to re-check and set the authentication properly.
• If your domain's status shows partially set up, the Resolve Issues button will help to complete the setup using the automated process similar to the Configure Domain flow.
• Always verify that your DNS records reflect the updates from ActiveCampaign accurately – incorrect entries can lead to delivery issues.

Related Features

For enhanced understanding and functionality, refer to related articles:

• Sending Domains: A detailed guide on managing multiple sending domains.
• Email Authentication: A comprehensive overview of email authentication processes.
• Understanding SPF: Insights into SPF records and their influence on email deliverability.

FAQ

Q1: What is the purpose of the updated Advanced Settings Page? A1: The updates facilitate easier setup and management of authentication and verification for sending domains, complying with new requirements from Gmail and Yahoo.

Q2: What is the difference between "Configure Domain" and "Set Up Manually"? A2: "Configure Domain" automates the process via your DNS provider, while "Set Up Manually" requires you to input DNS records yourself.

Q3: Is the Mailserver Domain still available for all plan types? A3: Yes, it is now accessible for all Marketing plans, previously limited to Enterprise plans.

Q4: Will authentication issues impact email deliverability? A4: Yes, failure to authenticate correctly can lead to significant deliverability issues.

Q5: What should I do if my domain verification fails? A5: Use the Resolve Issues button on the Advanced Settings Page to troubleshoot and fix the authentication setup.

Q6: Do I still need to set up an SPF record? A6: While not mandatory for ActiveCampaign, setting up an additional SPF record is recommended for enhanced deliverability, especially for certain international markets.

Q7: What happens if I do not set my authentication? A7: ActiveCampaign will use its own authentication, which is not ideal and may lead to email deliverability problems. It is always recommended to set up your own authentication.

For detailed assistance, visit the full documentation regarding the Advanced Settings page and authentication processes. ```