Summary
Using email aliases with different domains impacts email deliverability and domain reputation in several key ways. Each domain (including subdomains and aliases) possesses its own reputation, which influences inbox placement. Mailbox providers might not recognize alias domains unless CNAME records are correctly configured. A poor reputation associated with an alias domain can negatively affect the primary domain's deliverability. Proper authentication is crucial; SPF records must include all sending domains, and all domains must have valid SPF, DKIM, and DMARC configurations. Consistency in sending practices aids filters in assigning accurate reputations. It's important to track and monitor the sender reputation of each domain and subdomain separately, ensuring that one alias doesn't negatively affect others. Finally, proper DMARC policies need to be configured across all domains to prevent spoofing.
Key findings
- Individual Domain Reputation: Every domain, subdomain, and alias has its own reputation that influences deliverability.
- Authentication Imperative: Valid SPF, DKIM, and DMARC configurations are a must for all sending domains and their aliases to authenticate.
- Negative Reputation Spillover: A bad reputation on any domain alias can hurt deliverability on the primary domain.
- Inconsistent practices: Filters use consistent practices to track the reputation so changes will effect deliverability
- CNAME Records: Setting up CNAME records on Domain A's MX, could make the Mailbox Provider aware
Key considerations
- Consolidated Authentication: Ensure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are properly configured for all domains and aliases.
- Proactive Reputation Management: Continuously monitor the sender reputation of each domain and subdomain to address issues promptly.
- Consistent sending: Need to be consistent with sending practises to ensure deliverability
What email marketers say
8 marketer opinions
Using email aliases with different domains can significantly impact email deliverability and domain reputation. Mailbox providers may not be aware of the alias domain, potentially causing authentication issues. A poor reputation of the alias domain can negatively affect the primary domain's deliverability. Proper authentication of both the primary and alias domains using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC is crucial. Different domain aliases can dilute the sender score if not properly authenticated, necessitating alignment of authentication protocols across all aliases. Aliases with low-reputation domains can cause emails to land in spam folders. DMARC policies must be correctly configured for all domains, including aliases, to prevent spoofing and ensure legitimate emails are delivered. Monitoring the sender reputation of each domain alias separately is essential to prevent negative impacts. Tracking the health of each domain/email is important, as multiple aliases can affect deliverability. Essentially, without proper configuration and monitoring, email aliases with different domains can harm your overall email deliverability and sender reputation.
Key opinions
- Authentication: Proper authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) is crucial for both the primary and alias domains.
- Reputation Impact: A poor reputation of an alias domain negatively affects the primary domain's deliverability.
- Sender Score: Different domain aliases can dilute the sender score if not properly authenticated.
- Spam Placement: Aliases with low-reputation domains can cause emails to land in spam folders.
- DMARC Configuration: Correctly configured DMARC policies are essential for all domains, including aliases, to prevent spoofing.
- Mailbox Provider Awareness: Mailbox providers might not be aware of the alias domain, leading to authentication challenges.
Key considerations
- Domain reputation monitoring: Continuously monitor the sender reputation of each domain alias separately.
- Domain health tracking: Track the health of each domain/email as multiple aliases can affect deliverability.
- Authentication Alignment: Align authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) across all aliases.
- CNAME records: Set up CNAME records on Domain A's MX, this could make the Mailbox Provider aware
Marketer view
Email marketer from Mailjet shares that if an email alias uses a different domain, it is crucial to authenticate emails using both the primary domain and the alias domain. This includes setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records for both domains to maintain a good sender reputation.
28 May 2021 - Mailjet
Marketer view
Email marketer from StackOverflow shares that DMARC policies need to be correctly configured for all domains, including aliases. A strict DMARC policy on an alias domain can prevent spoofing but also block legitimate emails if not set up properly.
27 Mar 2025 - StackOverflow
What the experts say
4 expert opinions
Email deliverability and domain reputation when using email aliases with different domains are affected by several factors. Each domain and subdomain carries its own reputation, influencing inbox placement. Consistency in sending practices is crucial, as filters assign reputation based on observed behavior. Monitoring the reputation of aliases is essential, as poorly managed aliases can negatively impact overall deliverability.
Key opinions
- Domain Reputation: Every domain and subdomain has its own reputation, which affects deliverability.
- Inbox Placement: Inbox placement is complex, but consistency in sending practices helps filters assign the correct reputation.
- Alias Monitoring: The domain reputation of aliases matters and needs to be monitored regularly.
- Subdomain reputation: Each subdomain needs its own reputation and should be monitored.
Key considerations
- Consistency: Maintain consistent sending practices to allow filters to accurately assess reputation.
- Subdomain Reputation: Make sure to manage each subdomain carefully as they each need their own individual reputation.
- Reputation Tracking: Regularly monitor the reputation of all aliases to ensure they do not negatively impact deliverability.
Expert view
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that domain reputation of aliases matters and needs to be monitored. If the alias isn't configured properly it may harm your sending reputation.
17 Jul 2024 - Word to the Wise
Expert view
Expert from Spam Resource explains that subdomains can be used effectively if managed carefully, but each subdomain needs its own reputation. Using too many subdomains, or not monitoring their individual reputations, can negatively impact deliverability.
26 Oct 2023 - Spam Resource
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
When using email aliases with different domains, it is crucial to ensure proper configuration and monitoring for optimal email deliverability. SPF records must include all sending domains to authorize emails from aliases, and sender reputation should be monitored across each domain, as a poor reputation can impact deliverability for the entire organization. SMTP standards require proper domain verification, necessitating valid SPF and DKIM configurations for all domains and aliases. All domains used for sending need SPF/DKIM/DMARC
Key findings
- SPF Records: SPF records must include all sending domains, including aliases, to authorize emails.
- Sender Reputation: It's important to monitor the sender reputation of each domain, as a poor reputation on one can affect all associated domains.
- Domain Verification: SMTP standards require proper domain verification, so ensure SPF and DKIM are correctly configured for all domains and aliases.
- Valid SPF/DKIM/DMARC: All domains and aliases MUST have valid SPF/DKIM/DMARC
Key considerations
- Configuration: Ensure that SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are properly configured for each domain alias.
- Monitoring: Regularly monitor the sender reputation of each domain to quickly identify and address any issues.
- Compliance: Adhere to SMTP standards by verifying all sending domains, including aliases.
Technical article
Documentation from Microsoft Learn explains that when sending emails from aliases with different domains, it's important to monitor the sender reputation of each domain. A poor reputation on one domain can affect the deliverability of emails sent from other domains associated with your organization.
4 Feb 2025 - Microsoft Learn
Technical article
Documentation from RFC-Editor responds that SMTP standards require proper domain verification for all sending domains, including aliases. Ensure each alias domain is correctly configured to pass SPF and DKIM checks to avoid delivery issues.
30 Jan 2024 - RFC-Editor
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