Updates to using an @gmail.com or freemail address as your sender email

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Updates to using an @gmail.com or freemail address as your sender email

Introduction

In the world of email marketing, the address you use to send your emails can significantly affect deliverability and overall success. This article discusses the implications of using an @gmail.com or other freemail addresses as your sender email in ActiveCampaign. It is crucial to understand the recent changes that affect these addresses and why transitioning to a domain you own is advisable.

The use of freemail addresses like @gmail.com and @yahoo.com is not recommended due to potential deliverability issues. Email providers have implemented stricter policies, especially with regards to spammers, affecting the ability of users to send emails reliably through these platforms.

How to Access This Feature

To manage your sender email settings in ActiveCampaign, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your ActiveCampaign account. 2. Navigate to the Settings gear icon in the lower left corner. 3. From the dropdown menu, select the Sender Addresses option.

This will bring up your list of sender addresses, allowing you to add new addresses or edit existing ones.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow the steps below to transition from a freemail address to a domain you own:

Step 1: Verify Your Domain

If you own a domain, ensure you have access to update settings. You will need to set up DKIM, DMARC, and SPF authentication records.

Step 2: Add Your Domain to ActiveCampaign

1. In the Sender Addresses settings, click on the Add New Domain button. 2. Enter your domain name in the prompted field (e.g., yourdomain.com). 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the verification.

Step 3: Set Up Email Authentication

Complete the email authentication process within your domain provider's control panel. This may involve adding specific DNS records provided by ActiveCampaign.

Step 4: Warm Up Your Domain

If you are adding a domain that has not been previously used for sending emails, you need to warm it up. This involves gradually increasing the number of emails sent from this domain over time.

Configuration Options and Settings

To ensure proper functionality with ActiveCampaign, the following configurations must be addressed:

• **DKIM** (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
• **DMARC** (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance)
• **SPF** (Sender Policy Framework)

Setting up these authentication methods is crucial for improving deliverability and protecting your domain’s reputation. You can find detailed instructions in the ActiveCampaign documentation for setting up sending domains.

Best Practices and Tips

To optimize your email marketing efforts and maintain compliance with deliverability standards:

1. **Always Use a Custom Domain**: Transition from freemail addresses to a domain you own. 2. **Authenticate Your Email**: Ensure that your DKIM, DMARC, and SPF records are correctly set up to avoid issues and enhance deliverability. 3. **Warm Up New Domains**: Gradually introduce your new domain to limit the risk of being flagged as spam. 4. **Avoid Using Temporary Sender Addresses**: While ActiveCampaign may provide generic replacement addresses, these should not be used long-term due to poor deliverability rates.

Common Use Cases with Examples

1. **Transitioning from Freemail to Your Own Domain**: If you're currently using an @gmail.com address for campaigns, you should transition to your domain for better professionalism and deliverability.

2. **Warm-Up Approach**: A user has recently purchased a new domain for email newsletters and starts by sending 10 emails on the first day, then gradually increases to 100 emails over three weeks.

Troubleshooting

1. **Emails Bouncing**: If your emails are bouncing, double-check that you have set up your domain authentication (DKIM, DMARC, SPF) correctly. 2. **Using Freemail Addresses**: Emails sent from these addresses will experience serious deliverability issues and may result in higher bounce rates. 3. **Understanding Temporary Addresses**: If emails are sent from a substitute address provided by ActiveCampaign, it may affect how subscribers recognize your brand.

Related Features

For more information on improving your email deliverability and understanding email domains, check out the following articles:

• Domain Reputation
• Sending Domains
• Email Authentication

FAQ

1. Why shouldn’t I use a freemail address as my sender email?

Using freemail addresses can lead to deliverability issues as these are commonly used by spammers. ActiveCampaign advises against their use to ensure higher deliverability rates.

2. What will happen if I continue using an @gmail.com address after February 2024?

ActiveCampaign will replace your @gmail.com address with one of theirs, resulting in poor deliverability and potentially confusing your subscribers.

3. How do I set up my own domain?

You can add your domain in the Sender Addresses settings within your ActiveCampaign account. Follow the prompts to verify your domain and set up necessary authentication records.

4. What is warming up a domain?

Warming up a domain refers to the practice of gradually increasing the number of emails sent from a new domain to build its reputation and avoid being flagged as spam.

5. Are Google Workspace addresses impacted by these changes?

No, the changes specifically affect @gmail.com and @googlemail.com addresses. Google Workspace addresses are not affected.

6. How can I purchase a domain?

If you don’t own a domain, you can purchase one directly through ActiveCampaign or through a third-party domain registrar.

7. Where can I find more information on email authentication?

You can learn about email authentication techniques in the personalized guides available through ActiveCampaign's documentation.

By following these recommendations and understanding the importance of not using freemail addresses, you can enhance your email marketing efforts significantly. ```