📧 Improve Email Deliverability with SPF, DKIM & DMARC – A Guide for Manchester Business Owners

For many small businesses in Manchester, email remains a vital communication tool. Whether you’re reaching out to clients, following up on leads, or sending marketing updates, there’s one silent problem that can undermine all your efforts – poor email deliverability.

If your emails are landing in spam or not arriving at all, chances are your domain’s DNS records aren’t properly configured. Specifically, you need to understand and set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.

🚨 What is Email Deliverability?

Email deliverability is the ability of your emails to successfully land in a recipient’s inbox, rather than being flagged as spam or rejected entirely. Even if your content is professional and your list is clean, poor technical setup can result in your emails being blocked.

🔍 Why Email Deliverability Matters for Manchester Businesses

• 📬 Emails not reaching customers = missed opportunities
• 📉 Poor domain reputation can impact future campaigns
• ⚠️ Your domain could be spoofed if not protected
• ✅ Fixing this improves open rates, trust, and results

Luckily, these issues can be fixed with the right DNS authentication records: SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.

🔐 What is SPF?

SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is a DNS record that tells email servers which IP addresses are allowed to send email on behalf of your domain.

For example, if you use Gmail or Outlook to send business emails, or email marketing software like Mailchimp, your SPF record should include those services. If not, receiving servers may assume your email is forged.

✅ SPF Setup Tips:

• Include all the services that send email for you (website server, CRM, email platform)
• Avoid using multiple SPF records – always have just one
• Use a tool like MXToolbox SPF Checker to test

🧾 What is DKIM?

DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) adds a digital signature to your emails, confirming that they were sent by you and haven’t been tampered with. It’s like a wax seal on a letter – verifying authenticity.

✅ DKIM Setup Tips:

• Enable DKIM signing in your email provider (e.g., Google Workspace or Outlook 365)
• Add the public DKIM key to your DNS records
• Check for correct alignment with your domain

🛡️ What is DMARC?

DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) tells receiving servers what to do if SPF or DKIM checks fail – such as quarantine the message or reject it completely. It also sends you reports so you can monitor suspicious activity.

✅ DMARC Setup Tips:

• Start with a relaxed policy (like “none”) and monitor
• Set a reporting email to receive alerts
• Gradually tighten to “quarantine” or “reject” for full protection

💼 Real-World Example: Small Business in Manchester

One of our Manchester-based clients was having serious issues with email not arriving. They used Outlook and a contact form plugin, but hadn’t set up SPF or DKIM. Their domain was being spoofed, and marketing emails had a 9% open rate.

We audited their DNS and implemented proper SPF, DKIM, and DMARC policies. The result? Their email open rates jumped to 38% within a month, and deliverability errors dropped to zero.

🛠️ How to Check Your DNS Records

• MXToolbox – SPF, DKIM, DMARC checker
• Mail Tester – Send a test and get a full deliverability score
• DMARCian – DMARC setup and analysis

💡 Pro Tips for Manchester SMEs

• Use a business-grade email platform (avoid free Gmail for professional comms)
• Keep your DNS records managed – don’t let them go stale
• Regularly monitor email logs and DMARC reports
• Work with an SEO or IT provider who understands DNS and email security

✅ Summary – Your Email Deliverability Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist to make sure your business emails land in inboxes, not junk folders:

• 🔲 Add a single, correct SPF record to your DNS
• 🔲 Enable DKIM signing via your email provider
• 🔲 Set up a DMARC policy (start with “none” and monitor)
• 🔲 Monitor reports weekly for unusual activity
• 🔲 Test regularly using email checker tools

📣 Need Help with Email Deliverability?

At Smart SEO Plans, we help small businesses across Manchester and beyond fix their email deliverability and protect their digital reputation. If you’re unsure how to configure SPF, DKIM, or DMARC, we can take care of it for you.

📩 Get in touch today for a DNS audit and email deliverability fix tailored to your business.