What is the value of setting up an SPF record when ActiveCampaign already manages it?
Summary
What email marketers say9Marketer opinions
Email marketer from Mailjet explains that most ESPs manage SPF records for subdomains which allows them to manage bounces and feedback loops effectively. Users may add a subdomain or dedicated sending domain in order to manage the SPF.
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that setting up an SPF record won't do anything unless the domain is used in the rfc5321.MAIL FROM and that ActiveCampaign likely uses one of their own domains for MAIL FROM to process bounces.
Email marketer from StackExchange suggests that using a custom SPF record alongside ActiveCampaign's SPF management can provide a clearer sender identity and potentially improve email reputation, especially if you want to ensure consistent branding and control over your domain's sending practices.
Marketer from Email Geeks explains that they add the ActiveCampaign SPF record of emsd1.com for clients just in case because even though ActiveCampaign says they handle it, DMARC can fail if you choose the 'I'll handle authentication myself' option in ActiveCampaign's advanced settings without having the SPF record listed.
Email marketer from EmailGeekForums explains that if ActiveCampaign handles SPF using its domain, setting up your own SPF might not achieve full DMARC alignment. To fully align domains, DKIM is essential and should match the 'From' domain.
Email marketer from Quora responds that adding your own SPF record when ActiveCampaign manages it lets you control your domain's reputation directly, preventing ActiveCampaign from using a shared domain that can affect deliverability if other users have poor sending practices.
Email marketer from Reddit explains that setting up your own SPF record when ActiveCampaign already manages it might be redundant, but can provide a sense of control and may be necessary for specific DMARC alignment goals, particularly if you want full control over your sending domain's reputation.
Email marketer from Sendinblue says that it is important to set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records because some ISPs require them. It validates your identity and helps you land in the recipient's inbox instead of the spam folder.
Marketer from Email Geeks shares that there's no need to set SPF for ActiveCampaign since they handle the return-path with their domain, preventing alignment. Custom DKIM setup is sufficient for authentication and passing DMARC. ActiveCampaign offers SPF alignment in their enterprise package, but it's not worthwhile if solely for aligning SPF.
What the experts say2Expert opinions
Expert from Spam Resource responds that while ActiveCampaign manages SPF, setting up your own allows more granular control and can be beneficial for DMARC alignment. It is best to understand how ActiveCampaign handles SPF delegation and what impact it will have on your email setup.
Expert from Word to the Wise explains that the closer your SPF is aligned with your domain, the more likely your message is to be delivered. While ESPs generally handle this, having a custom setup can create a more trustworthy record.
What the documentation says4Technical articles
Documentation from ActiveCampaign Help Center explains that ActiveCampaign manages SPF by default to process bounces, meaning SPF will pass on all messages sent from them. Setting up an SPF record is optional but allows adding it to From Address Domain.
Documentation from DMARC.org explains that SPF alignment requires the domain in the 'MAIL FROM' (Return-Path) to match the 'From' domain. If ActiveCampaign uses a different domain, custom SPF records won't directly align, potentially affecting DMARC compliance if DKIM is not properly configured.
Documentation from RFC explains how SPF works technically, showing that if a sending service (like ActiveCampaign) uses its own domain in the 'MAIL FROM', any SPF record on your domain won't be used for SPF authentication during the delivery process unless you configure ActiveCampaign to use your domain for the 'MAIL FROM'.
Documentation from Google states that it is recommended to set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records in order to prevent spoofed emails from your domain. The more security records, the better the chances of landing in the inbox.