Configuring a Dedicated Sending Domain with SiteGround DNS

Overview

This guide explains how to set up a dedicated sending domain for your CRM's email service using the DNS Zone Editor in SiteGround. A dedicated sending domain improves email deliverability by authenticating your outgoing emails. The process involves adding five specific DNS records to your domain's configuration.

Before You Begin

You must decide whether to use your primary domain (e.g., yourcompany.com) or a subdomain (e.g., mail.yourcompany.com). If your primary domain is already configured for email services like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, you must use a subdomain. Using your primary domain while it has other active email MX records will cause conflicts and delivery issues.

You will need access to two interfaces simultaneously: your CRM's dedicated domain setup screen and your SiteGround DNS Zone Editor.

Adding Your Domain in the CRM

First, you need to initiate the domain setup within your CRM to generate the required DNS record values.

1. Navigate to Settings > Email Services > Dedicated Domain.
2. Click the button to add a new domain (e.g., + Add Domain).
3. Enter your chosen domain or subdomain and proceed to the verification step. A screen will appear listing the five DNS records you need to add. Keep this screen open, as you will copy values from it.

Adding DNS Records in SiteGround

Log into your SiteGround account, access your site's tools, and open the DNS Zone Editor. You will create new records one by one.

1. First TXT Record (SPF)

This record authorizes the CRM's email service to send on your domain's behalf.

• Record Type: Select TXT.
• Name/Host: Enter the subdomain portion only. For a subdomain like replies.yourcompany.com, enter replies. For a primary domain, you may enter @ or leave the field empty, depending on your SiteGround interface.
• Value/Content: Paste the following exact value: v=spf1 include:mailgun.org ~all.
• Click to create the record.

2. Second TXT Record (DKIM)

This unique record cryptographically signs your emails.

• Record Type: Select TXT.
• Name/Host: Return to your CRM's DNS setup screen. Copy the full hostname for the second TXT record, but exclude your root domain. For example, if the hostname is mx._domainkey.replies.yourcompany.com, you would enter mx._domainkey.replies.
• Value/Content: Copy the unique, long string value for this record from your CRM screen and paste it here.
• Click to create the record.

3. First MX Record

This directs incoming email replies.

• Record Type: Select MX.
• Name/Host: Use the same logic as the TXT records. For replies.yourcompany.com, enter replies. For a primary domain, enter @.
• Priority: Set this to 10.
• Destination/Target: Enter mxa.mailgun.org.
• Click to create the record.

4. Second MX Record

This is a backup mail server for redundancy.

• Record Type: Select MX.
• Name/Host: Enter the same value as the first MX record.
• Priority: Set this to 10.
• Destination/Target: Enter mxb.mailgun.org.
• Click to create the record.

5. CNAME Record

This record is used for tracking email engagement.

• Record Type: Select CNAME.
• Name/Host: Copy the CNAME hostname from your CRM screen, again excluding your root domain. It will typically look like email.replies or email.
• Destination/Target: Enter mailgun.org.
• Click to create the record.

Final Verification

After adding all five records in SiteGround, return to the dedicated domain setup screen in your CRM. Click the button to verify the DNS settings (e.g., Verify DNS Settings or Verify Domain).

Note: DNS changes can take 24-48 hours to propagate globally. If verification fails initially, wait a few minutes and try again. You may need to click verify multiple times as the records become active across the internet.