Setting Up Your Domain Name in Postal

Introduction

To start sending emails through Postal, you first need to configure your domain name. This involves adding your domain to Postal, generating and updating DNS records, and verifying your domain. Proper domain setup ensures your emails are authenticated, improving deliverability and reducing the chances of being flagged as spam.

Step 1: Log Into Postal

1. Open your Postal URL in a browser (e.g., http://postal.yourdomain.com).
2. Log in with your credentials. If you don’t have them, check your welcome email or contact your administrator.

Step 2: Add a New Domain

1. Navigate to the Domains section in the Postal dashboard.
2. Click the Add Domain button.
3. Enter the domain name you want to configure (e.g., example.com).
4. Click Save to add the domain.

Step 3: Generate DNS Records

Once the domain is added, Postal will provide you with the DNS records that need to be added to your domain’s DNS settings. These typically include:

1. SPF Record

   • Type: TXT
   • Value: v=spf1 include:postal.yourdomain.com ~all
   • Add this record to authorize Postal to send emails on your behalf.

2. DKIM Record

   • Type: TXT
   • Name: The selector provided by Postal (e.g., postal._domainkey).
   • Value: The long key provided in Postal (e.g., k=rsa; p=...).

3. DMARC Record

   • Type: TXT
   • Name: _dmarc
   • Value: v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc@example.com
   • This record helps monitor email usage and prevent spoofing.

4. rDNS (Reverse DNS)

   • Ensure your sending IP address resolves to your domain name. Work with your hosting provider to configure this if required.

Step 4: Update DNS Settings

1. Log in to your domain registrar’s DNS management panel (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare).
2. Add the DNS records provided by Postal to your domain settings.
3. Save the changes.

Note: DNS propagation may take up to 24 hours, but it usually happens within a few hours.

Step 5: Verify Your Domain in Postal

1. Go back to the Domains section in Postal.
2. Locate your domain and click the Verify button.
3. Postal will check the DNS settings. If all records are correctly added, the domain will be marked as verified.

Step 6: Test Your Configuration

1. Navigate to the Test Emails section in Postal.
2. Send a test email to your email address to ensure deliverability.
3. Check your inbox for the test email. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder or review the DNS settings for any errors.

Best Practices for Domain Configuration

• Use a dedicated domain for email sending to protect your primary domain’s reputation.
• Regularly monitor your SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records using tools like MxToolbox or DMARC Analyzer.
• Warm up your domain by gradually increasing your email sending volume over time.

Troubleshooting Tips

• SPF or DKIM Verification Failed: Double-check the DNS record values and ensure they are added to the correct domain.
• Emails Going to Spam: Verify your domain setup, warm up your IP, and ensure your email content complies with spam guidelines.
• DMARC Reports Not Received: Ensure the email address in the DMARC record (rua) is active and accessible.

Conclusion

Setting up your domain name in Postal is a critical step to ensure successful email delivery. By following these steps, you can authenticate your emails and establish trust with email service providers. Once your domain is set up, you can move on to Article 3: Configuring Your Sending Server in Postal to complete the setup process.