Domains and domain alignment

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Domains and Domain Alignment

Introduction

In online communication, the importance of using the correct domains cannot be overstated. Domains and domain alignment play a critical role in ensuring that your email delivers correctly and maintains a good sender reputation. When you send an email through ActiveCampaign, multiple domains are included in various elements such as the From Address, the Return Path, DKIM, and link tracking. Having aligned domains is essential for email deliverability, reputation management, and compliance with email authentication protocols.

This article will guide you through understanding domains, the types of domains used in ActiveCampaign, how to align them properly, and the benefits of doing so.

How to Access This Feature

To access the domains and domain alignment settings in ActiveCampaign, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your ActiveCampaign account. 2. Navigate to the Settings menu. 3. Click on the Domains option. 4. From there, you will find the sections related to managing and aligning your domains.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1. 1. Step 1: Understanding Domain Types

Before proceeding to configure domain alignment, it’s crucial to understand the types of domains used in ActiveCampaign: - **From Address Domain**: This is the visible domain in the From address that subscribers see. It's crucial for tracking your brand reputation. - **Return Path Domain**: Hiding from subscribers, it ensures delivery and handles bounce notifications. - **DKIM Domain**: This is the domain used to sign your messages cryptographically, helping with verification upon delivery. - **Custom Link Tracking Domain**: This domain is used when tracking link clicks in your emails.

1. 1. 1. Step 2: Configuring Your Domains

To align your domains in ActiveCampaign, you will need to follow these steps:

1. **Set up a Sending Domain**:

  - Go to the Domains section in the settings.
  - Click on Add Sender Domain.
  - Enter your domain name that you want to set as the From address.
  - Follow the prompts to verify your ownership of the domain.

2. **Configure the Return Path Domain**:

  - You need to either set up a custom Return Path domain or allow ActiveCampaign to use its domain.
  - For custom Return Path, set up a CNAME record pointing back to ActiveCampaign as per the guidelines in the configuration prompts.

3. **Set Up DKIM**:

  - Follow the instructions to set up DKIM while you're configuring your sending domain.
  - ActiveCampaign will use your domain for DKIM signing if properly configured.

4. **Manage Link Tracking Domains** (optional):

  - If you are on a Marketing Enterprise plan, you can set up a custom link tracking domain for better alignment and white labeling.
 

5. **Check Domain Alignment**:

  - Once you have set up these domains, ensure that your DKIM and Return Path domains are aligned with your From Address domain for DMARC purposes.

Configuration Options and Settings

In this section, we will detail the important configuration options you can adjust:

- **From Address**: The visible email address in the From field of your emails. - **Return Path Domain**: The email address that handles bounces and delivery notifications. You can configure it during the sending domain setup. - **DKIM Domain**: The domain that cryptographically signs your emails for verification. - **Custom Link Tracking Domain**: Setting this enhances your branding by using your domain in the tracking links instead of ActiveCampaign’s domain.

Best Practices and Tips

1. **Align Your Domains**: Always strive to ensure that your From address domain, Return Path domain, and DKIM domain are aligned for optimal deliverability. 2. **Use Subdomains Wisely**: If utilizing subdomains for various purposes (e.g., marketing campaigns), ensure that the root domains are aligned. 3. **Set Up Authentication**: Enforce SPF, DKIM, and DMARC protocols to improve email security and reputation. 4. **Regularly Monitor Your Domains**: Use tools like Google Postmaster Tools to keep track of your domain’s performance and reputation. 5. **Consult Documentation**: Always refer to ActiveCampaign’s settings and email authentication guides for the most up-to-date practices and requirements.

Common Use Cases with Examples

- **Brand Reputation Management**: A company uses a consistent From domain across campaigns, aligns DKIM and Return Path to ensure that all emails show a trustworthy source to subscribers. - **Bounce Handling**: A marketing team configures their Return Path to ensure any bounced emails are logged correctly for follow-ups without negatively affecting their sender reputation. - **Campaign Tracking**: Using a Custom Link Tracking Domain, a brand can improve its reporting and analysis of user engagement while reinforcing brand recognition.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with domain alignment: - **Check DNS Records**: Ensure all CNAME records are set up correctly for your Return Path and DKIM domains. - **Validate Authentication Setup**: Use ActiveCampaign’s tools to verify that SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are functioning correctly. - **Seek Support**: If problems persist, consider reaching out to ActiveCampaign support for detailed assistance.

FAQ

1. What is domain alignment?

Domain alignment refers to the practice of ensuring that the domains used in the From address, Return Path, and DKIM signature of your emails are the same or related to pass DMARC checks.

2. How do I set up a custom Return Path domain?

You can set up a custom Return Path domain by creating a CNAME record that points to ActiveCampaign during the sending domain configuration process.

3. Why is DKIM important?

DKIM adds a layer of security and verification by cryptographically signing your emails, which helps prevent them from being flagged as spam.

4. Can I use a subdomain for my Return Path?

Yes, you can use a subdomain for your Return Path as long as it aligns with the root domain of your email address.

5. What happens if my domains don’t align?

If your domains do not align, you may experience lower deliverability, and your emails could be flagged as spam. It is crucial to align at least one domain (DKIM or Return Path) with your From address.

6. How do I check if my domains are aligned?

You can use tools like Google Postmaster Tools to see your email reputation and verify the alignment status of your domains.

7. Are there any specific benefits to aligning domains?

Yes, aligning domains enhances your domain reputation, helps emails pass DMARC checks, and improves overall email deliverability.

For further insights or customization related to your ActiveCampaign experience, refer to related documentation in the Settings and Domains sections. ```