Can I use the same sending domain with multiple ESPs?
Summary
What email marketers say9Marketer opinions
Email marketer from ActiveCampaign says to configure different DKIM selectors for each sending source to uniquely identify emails sent from each platform to ensure proper domain reputation and avoid deliverability issues.
Email marketer from GMass shares that it is technically possible to use the same domain, but to protect your sender reputation, it's better to utilize subdomains. Using the same domain will create complexity with authentication.
Email marketer from EmailVendorSelection answers that using the same domain across multiple ESPs during a migration is possible, it can allow for gradual transfer. However, they emphasize setting up separate subdomains and properly configuring authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) for each ESP to avoid deliverability issues.
Email marketer from Reddit explains you can technically use the same domain across multiple ESPs, especially during migration, but stresses the importance of IP warming for each ESP separately. They suggest staggering the migration and closely monitoring deliverability metrics.
Email marketer from Litmus shares that it's possible to use the same domain with multiple ESPs but highlights the risks to domain reputation. They suggest using subdomains and closely monitoring deliverability metrics to ensure each ESP is performing well.
Email marketer from MailerLite that using the same domain is possible but requires setting up email authentication for each individual service with individual dedicated IPs. You should also ensure you are following each providers individual sending requirements.
Email marketer from Medium shares that to improve deliverability, reputation and general best practice you should use different domains for different ESPs and email programs.
Email marketer from StackOverflow answers that configuring the same domain on different ESPs may create deliverability issues and potential DNS management complexities. Using subdomains for each ESP is recommended.
Email marketer from Mailjet shares that while it's technically possible to use the same domain with multiple ESPs, it's highly discouraged due to deliverability issues and potential conflicts in authentication records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC). They recommend using separate subdomains for each ESP to maintain a clean sending reputation.
What the experts say4Expert opinions
Expert from Spam Resource responds that utilizing the same sending domain across multiple ESPs can create deliverability problems. Each ESP needs to have its own dedicated subdomain and the IPs associated with each provider will also need to be carefully warmed up individually to build a positive sending reputation. SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records need to be correctly set up for each ESP.
Expert from Email Geeks shares you can, and probably should, use the same email address in the From: header on both ESPs, while using different subdomains that align with the domain in the From: header for the bounce address at each ESP. ESPs are used to this, so mention it to their support folks.
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that using multiple ESPs with the same sending domain is technically possible but requires careful configuration. Each ESP needs its own subdomain and dedicated IPs. Additionally, unique DKIM selectors are essential for each ESP to avoid authentication conflicts and maintain deliverability.
Expert from Email Geeks explains that you can use the same domain, but you cannot use the exact same subdomain in the 5321.from address, as that address needs to be specific to the ESP for bounce handling. She also suggests using different selectors for the d= value in the DKIM and different subdomains for click-through domains.
What the documentation says5Technical articles
Documentation from RFC advises using separate subdomains or domains for each ESP when sending emails to avoid SPF conflicts and improve email deliverability. The same domain is possible, it will cause errors with authentication.
Documentation from Sendgrid recommends that if you are using the same domain across multiple ESPs, you should strongly consider dedicated IP addresses for each provider. This helps to isolate sender reputation and improve deliverability. Proper configuration of SPF, DKIM and DMARC is also crucial.
Documentation from DMARC.org explains that using the same domain with multiple ESPs requires careful management of SPF records to avoid exceeding the DNS lookup limit. They recommend using subdomains and properly configuring SPF records to include all authorized sending sources.
Documentation from SparkPost advises that while technically feasible, using the same sending domain across multiple ESPs can complicate authentication and deliverability. They recommend using subdomains to segment traffic and maintain control over reputation for each ESP.
Documentation from Google shares when using multiple ESPs you should create domain keys identified mail (DKIM) records for each different source. Ensure these are added to your sending domain to protect your domain reputation.