How can I implement a strict DMARC policy without blocking Google Workspace emails?
Summary
What email marketers say9Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Proofpoint explains that when DMARC fails, the receiving mail server takes the action outlined in your DMARC policy (none, quarantine, or reject) based on the results of SPF and DKIM checks. Without a DMARC record, domains are vulnerable to impersonation.
Email marketer from AuthSMTP answers that using online DMARC checkers is important as they validate whether or not your record is correctly setup. The advise to double check it matches your providers instructions.
Email marketer from Mailjet explains that ensuring DKIM alignment is crucial for passing DMARC checks. DKIM alignment means that the domain used to sign the email with DKIM matches the domain in the 'From' address. This can be accomplished with Custom DKIM records.
Email marketer from Reddit shares that configuring DMARC for services like SendGrid requires you to correctly set up SPF and DKIM for that specific service. Work with their specific documentation for setup requirements to avoid any issues.
Email marketer from Email Geeks explains that the customer likely set the `reject` policy on their organizational domain while the sender manages a subdomain. Suggests starting with `p=none` and reviewing reports to identify and authenticate all traffic. Also warns against blindly implementing changes without understanding DMARC's function.
Email marketer from EasyDMARC shares that regularly monitoring DMARC reports is crucial for identifying authentication issues and unauthorized sending sources. These reports provide insights into email traffic and help you fine-tune your DMARC policy to avoid blocking legitimate emails.
Email marketer from SparkPost explains that email forwarding often breaks DMARC authentication because the forwarded email no longer matches the original SPF and DKIM records. Using SRS (Sender Rewriting Scheme) can mitigate this issue.
Email marketer from Postmark shares that using subdomains for marketing emails allows you to implement a stricter DMARC policy on your main domain without affecting the deliverability of marketing emails. This isolates any potential authentication issues to the subdomain.
Email marketer from Email Geeks explains that if sending mail from a subdomain, the subdomain will inherit the DMARC policy from the org domain unless an explicit DMARC record is created for the subdomain.
What the experts say4Expert opinions
Expert from Word to the Wise shares that DMARC deployment should be done in phases. Starting with `p=none` to monitor, then moving to `p=quarantine` and finally `p=reject` once you are confident in your email authentication setup, to avoid blocking legitimate emails.
Expert from Email Geeks responds to a question on implementing a strict DMARC policy. He recommends starting with `p=none` to fix any authentication issues before moving to `quarantine` or `reject`.
Expert from Spam Resource explains that Yahoo and Gmail's 2024 requirements necessitate setting up SPF and DKIM for each sender, including Google Workspace itself. If you are using Google Workspace with another Email Sending Platform they must both have SPF/DKIM set up and be authenticating properly.
Expert from Email Geeks states DKIM needs to be implemented for each sender, including both Workspace and the ESP/CRM. Suggests this is likely the cause of the issue.
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from Microsoft explains that when setting up DMARC, ensure SPF records are correctly configured to authenticate sending sources. Incorrectly configured SPF records can lead to legitimate emails failing DMARC checks, especially when using third-party senders.
Documentation from Cloudflare explains that DMARC records are TXT records that must be published to your DNS zone using the `_dmarc` name.
Documentation from DMARC.org explains that the `p=none` policy allows you to collect data on email authentication without impacting deliverability. The `p=quarantine` policy directs recipient servers to place unauthenticated emails in the spam folder. The `p=reject` policy directs recipient servers to reject unauthenticated emails.
Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains that you should start with a relaxed DMARC policy (p=none) to monitor email traffic and identify legitimate sources. Gradually increase the strictness of the policy (p=quarantine, then p=reject) as you gain confidence that all legitimate email sources are properly authenticated.