How to Configure Email SPF Records in Infusionsoft

In a previous blog post we discussed some of the most common reasoned for bounced emails, one of which being incorrect SPF records. If your marketing emails are being rejected due to incorrect SPF records, you’ll need to configure them to ensure a high rate of successful delivery. Unfortunately, this is a task that many newcomers (and even some seasoned marketers) are unfamiliar with.

So today we’re going to walk you through the steps of configuring SPF records in Infusionsoft.

What is SPF?

Sender Policy Framework (abbreviated SPF) is a technical framework that prevents unauthorized users from forging/spoofing an email address. It’s not uncommon for spammers or other individuals with nefarious intent to modify email headers so it appears their emails are being sent from a legitimate source. In reality, though, the emails are being sent from their own server, unbeknownst to the recipient.

SPF is designed to protect the sender’s email address by validating the sender’s server so it confirms the email messages. Many Internet Service Providers have begun to require SPF records to be published under your official domain name in order to receive email. Therefore, configuring SPF records in your account will almost certainly have a positive impact on delivery rates, as it grants you control over which servers can send email using your address and which servers cannot.

Configuring SPF Records with Infusionsoft

To boost the delivery rate of your marketing emails, it’s recommended that you configure your SPF record to include Infusionsoft as an authorized sender for your respective email address. Infusionsoft has a helpful guide on how to achieve this here, but it’s a relatively simple and straightforward process. Basically, you’ll need to log into your domain registrar account (e.g. GoDaddy, NameCheap, Moniker, etc.) and add the following piece of code:

v=spf1 mx include:infusionmail.com -all

This code instructs the web to grant your domain’s mx server authority to send emails with your ‘from’ address. The “infusionmail.com” component tells the web to grant Infusionsoft the authority to send emails with your ‘from’ address. And the “-all” component restricts all users who aren’t listed from sending emails with your ‘from’ address.

Assuming your domain name is registered through GoDaddy (one of the most popular and commonly used registrars), you can configure your SPF records by:

1. Logging into your account, clicking the domain you wish to edit, and then choosing the “Launch DNS” option.
2. Next, scroll down to the TXT (Text) section, at which point you can click the “Add SPF record” button.
3. Enter the SPF code mentioned above and then save your changes.

It may take some time for the registrar to reflect these new changes, but once it does, you’ll reap the benefits of a higher email delivery rate.

Were you able to configure your SPF records using this method? Let us know in the comments section below!