Custom domain email authentication is essential to prevent your marketing campaigns from being marked as spam. This guide explains how to verify external domains for email marketing.

A custom email matches your domain (e.g., [email protected] for www.exampledomain.com). While Squarespace-registered domains are automatically verified, external domains require manual verification.

Verification Options:

1. Transfer the domain to Squarespace for automatic verification
2. Manually add verification records to DNS settings

Prerequisites:

• Access to your domain's DNS settings
• Domain provider account credentials
• DMARC policy not set to p=reject

Step-by-Step Verification Process:

1. Find Verification Records

• Open Email marketing settings
• Navigate to Sender Details
• Click Authenticate
• Note the two required DNS records

2. Add DNS Records First Record:

• Type: CNAME
• Host: squarespace._domainkey
• Data: squarespace-domainkey.squarespace-mail.com

Second Record:

• Type: TXT
• Host: _dmarc
• Data: [unique verification code]

Provider-Specific Instructions:

IONOS:

1. Login to my.ionos.com/domains
2. Select domain
3. Click DNS
4. Add records
5. Save changes

GoDaddy:

1. Access Domain Manager (dashboard.godaddy.com)
2. Navigate to Domain Settings
3. Click Manage DNS
4. Add DNS records
5. Save changes

Google Domains:

1. Login to domains.google
2. Click DNS icon
3. Scroll to Custom Resource Records
4. Add both records
5. Save changes

Hover:

1. Login to hover.com
2. Click DNS
3. Add records
4. Save changes

Namecheap:

1. Access Domain List
2. Click Manage
3. Select Advanced DNS
4. Add records
5. Save all changes

Important Notes:

• DNS changes may take up to 72 hours to propagate
• Contact your domain provider's support for specific assistance
• Verify DMARC policies with your provider if unsure
• Keep your DNS settings secure and backed up

The verification process ensures better email deliverability and reduces the likelihood of your campaigns being marked as spam.

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