What is DKIM?
DKIM, or DomainKeys Identified Mail, is an email authentication method designed to detect forged sender addresses in emails. This is crucial for
email marketing as it helps in reducing
spam and
phishing attacks. Essentially, DKIM adds a digital signature to the email header, which can be verified by the recipient's email server.
Common DKIM Issues in Email Marketing
Incorrect DKIM Configuration
A common issue is the incorrect configuration of DKIM. This can happen due to a variety of reasons such as typographical errors in the DNS settings, using an outdated key, or improper alignment with other authentication methods like
SPF and
DMARC.
Expired DKIM Keys
DKIM keys can expire, and if not updated, emails signed with an expired key will fail DKIM checks. It's essential to regularly update your DKIM keys to avoid deliverability issues.
Multiple DKIM Signatures
In some cases, your email might have multiple DKIM signatures due to forwarding or routing through different servers. This can sometimes lead to failures in DKIM checks, causing your email to be marked as suspicious or spam.
Issues with Email Forwarding
When emails are forwarded, the DKIM signature often remains unchanged, but the header and body of the email might get altered. This alteration can cause the DKIM check to fail, impacting your email deliverability.
Verify DNS Settings
Ensure that your DKIM public key is correctly published in your DNS records. Use tools like
Dig or online DNS check services to verify that your DKIM record is properly set up.
Monitor DKIM Key Rotation
Regularly update your DKIM keys and have a rotation policy in place. This ensures that you always use a valid key, reducing the risk of failed DKIM checks.
Use Email Authentication Monitoring Tools
There are various tools available that can help you monitor your email authentication status, including DKIM. These tools can alert you to potential issues before they impact your email deliverability.
Conclusion
DKIM is an essential component of email marketing that helps in building
trust and ensuring high deliverability rates. While there can be various issues related to DKIM, understanding and addressing these can significantly enhance your email marketing efforts. Regular monitoring and proper configuration are key to avoiding DKIM-related problems.