How to verify a domain in Google Postmaster Tools?
Summary
What email marketers say10Marketer opinions
Email marketer from GMass shares a step-by-step guide on adding the TXT record, emphasizing the importance of waiting for DNS propagation (up to 48 hours) before attempting verification in Google Postmaster Tools.
Email marketer from Mailtrap Blog shares that you need to add a TXT record to your DNS records. This record proves that you own the domain and allows Google to associate the data with your domain.
Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that they've had weird issues verifying domains with Postmaster before and suggests switching to verification via CNAME, which works with no trouble every time.
Email marketer from Reddit user suggests checking for typos in the TXT record, ensuring the record has propagated correctly, and verifying you're adding the record to the correct domain's DNS settings.
Email marketer from Digital Marketing Forum suggests that if TXT record verification fails, try using the CNAME record method. This can sometimes be more reliable, depending on your DNS provider.
Email marketer from SendGrid explains that verifying your domain in Postmaster Tools is closely related to DKIM setup, advising users to double-check their DKIM configuration. If DKIM fails the postmaster domain will not verify.
Email marketer from Email on Acid shares that if you use a subdomain for sending emails (e.g., mail.example.com), you must verify the subdomain in Google Postmaster Tools, not just the root domain (example.com).
Email marketer from MailerLite shares that verifying your sending domain is the first step. They recommend following Google’s best practices for warming up your IP address to build a positive sending reputation, which enhances data reliability in Postmaster Tools.
Email marketer from SparkPost shares that the Time To Live (TTL) setting on your DNS record can affect how quickly changes propagate. A lower TTL means changes will be reflected faster.
Email marketer from Stack Overflow explains that the TXT record's format must be correct. Some registrars require enclosing the value in quotes, while others don't. Consult your registrar's documentation.
What the experts say5Expert opinions
Expert from Email Geeks answers to verify the correct domain. Google Postmaster Tools works off the domain in the d= of your DKIM signature. If signing with a subdomain, you may need to verify the subdomain.
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that DKIM is key for domain verification, Google will check for domain ownership and the correct setup. If DKIM fails the postmaster domain will not verify.
Expert from Email Geeks explains it should either be the root domain or the specific subdomain being used. The intermediate domain is unlikely to work. Once you add the domain name, the subdomains should be ok.
Expert from Word to the Wise shares that one issue is validating the right domain. Make sure to validate the domain that is in the d= of your DKIM signature. Also make sure that the from address matches the domain.
Expert from Email Geeks explains to add the main domain first; subdomains can be added after. Once the main domain is verified, any subdomain can be verified without extra DNS work.
What the documentation says5Technical articles
Documentation from Google Workspace Admin Help explains that you can verify domain ownership by adding a TXT record, a CNAME record, or using an HTML file. Google recommends using the TXT record method.
Documentation from Google Help explains that to add a domain, you must sign in to Postmaster Tools with a Google Account. Then, add your domain name and verify domain ownership using a TXT record in your domain's DNS settings.
Documentation from DigitalOcean explains that DNS records are managed at your DNS provider. To add or edit these records you will need to login to your DNS provider. Ensure you are connected to the right DNS provider.
Documentation from Cloudflare explains that DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours, but typically happens much faster. Clearing your local DNS cache can help see the changes sooner.
Documentation from MXToolbox explains that you can use their tool to check if the TXT record has been correctly added to your DNS and has propagated. This helps troubleshoot verification issues.