Definition of DNS
DNS (Domain Name System) acts like the internet's phone book. It translates human-friendly domain names (acme.com) into computer-friendly IP addresses that computers use to find each other. For email, DNS records like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC tell receiving servers your emails are legit.
Key email-related DNS records include:
- A: Points your domain to a specific IP address
- MX: Directs incoming mail to your mail server
- TXT: Stores text information, used for SPF and other verifications
- SPF: Lists authorized email senders for your domain
- DKIM: Adds a digital signature to verify email authenticity
- DMARC: Sets policies for how receivers handle authentication failures
- CNAME: Creates domain aliases, often used for ESP verification
Why you should care
DNS records are your emails' secret weapon in the battle of the inbox. While everyone obsesses over catchy subject lines, your invisible DNS setup might be the real reason a lot of your subs never see your content.
For instance, a simple SPF record tells Gmail this sender is legit instead of stranger danger.
Here's a five-minute fix that could dramatically boost your numbers.
- Head over to MXToolbox.com and run a quick deliverability check
- Thank us later
Most creators are shocked to discover their technical foundation has more holes than Sam's socks.
Newsletter superstars know a truth most beginners miss. Technical DNS setup impacts real money. When emails reach readers, more of them see your content, click your links, and buy your stuff.
Some resources we rely on
Ask Claude for help with DNS
Copy and paste this prompt into Claude or the AI of your choice. Be sure to tweak the context for your situation.
<goal>
Configure proper DNS records for my newsletter domain to maximize deliverability and build sender reputation.
</goal>
<context>
* I send my newsletter from [MY DOMAIN.COM]
* I use [MY ESP NAME] as my email service provider
* My current deliverability rate is approximately [PERCENTAGE]
* I [HAVE/HAVE NOT] set up any DNS records specifically for email
* I need to improve my newsletter deliverability within [TIMEFRAME]
</context>
<output>
Please help me understand and implement DNS records:
1. Explain each DNS record type (A, CNAME, TXT, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, MX) in simple terms
2. Find the specific DNS setup instructions for my ESP through web search
3. Guide me through setting up each required record based on what you find
4. Help me check which records I already have in place
5. Provide verification steps to confirm everything works
</output>
<example>
Here's what a properly configured SPF record might look like for a Kit (formerly ConvertKit) user:
DNS Record Type: TXT
Host/Name: @ (or leave blank depending on registrar)
Value: v=spf1 include:spf.mandrillapp.com include:servers.mcsv.net ~all
TTL: 3600 (or default)
The "include:" parts specify which email services are authorized to send from my domain, and the "~all" means to soft-fail messages that don't match (flag as suspicious but don't reject).
</example>
<guardrails>
* I might paste ESP instructions directly for you to interpret
* Focus on helping me understand which records actually matter for my newsletter
* Provide plain language explanations alongside technical steps
* If you search for instructions, make sure they're current for my specific ESP
* Let me know which records will have the biggest impact on deliverability
</guardrails>