Configuring Default Headers for Dedicated Sending Domains

About Default Headers

A default header provides a fallback From Name and From Email address for messages sent using a dedicated sending domain. This feature automatically steps in if an email's original sender details fail DMARC authentication, ensuring your messages are delivered and maintain your brand's identity.

When to Use Default Headers

Configure default headers in the following situations:

• As a DMARC Fallback: If a campaign's From email address does not align with your domain's authentication records (DKIM/SPF), the default header will be used to ensure the email passes DMARC checks and is delivered.
• For Brand Consistency: If a mistake is made in a campaign's sender address, the default header ensures recipients still see an email coming from your trusted domain.
• For Compliance: In regulated industries, default headers help prevent emails from being rejected or quarantined due to authentication failures.

Prerequisites

Before you can set up default headers, ensure the following:

• You are working within a sub-account. This setting is not available for agency-level domains.
• Your dedicated sending domain has been added and is fully validated, with all necessary DNS records (like CNAME, DKIM, and SPF) correctly configured.

How to Set Default Headers

Follow these steps to configure your fallback sender information.

Navigation

Go to your sub-account's Settings. Navigate to Email Service > SMTP Service > Dedicated Domain and IP.

Configuration

1. Locate your validated domain in the list.
2. Click the Set Headers button for that domain.
3. In the configuration panel that opens, enter your desired fallback From Name and From Email address.
4. Save your changes.

The default header will only be applied to an email if the campaign's original From address fails DMARC alignment with your sending domain. If alignment is successful, the email is sent with its originally configured sender details.

How It Works: A Step-by-Step Example

1. Campaign Setup: A user creates an email campaign and sets the From Email to an address that does not match the dedicated sending domain (e.g., sales@anothercompany.com).
2. Send-Time Check: When the email is sent, the CRM checks if the campaign's From address aligns with the domain's DKIM/SPF records.
   • If alignment passes, the email is sent with the original From Name and From Email.
   • If alignment fails, the CRM automatically substitutes the default header you configured.
3. Recipient Experience: The recipient receives an email with a From address that matches your authenticated domain, improving deliverability.

Best Practices

• Set Headers Proactively: Configure your default headers before launching major email campaigns to ensure protection from the start.
• Monitor the Reply-to Address: Choose a default From Email that is a monitored mailbox or correctly aliased to ensure customer replies are received and answered.
• Test Thoroughly: Before a large send, test the functionality by sending an email with a deliberately misaligned From address to confirm the default header is applied correctly.
• Account for DNS Propagation: Remember that changes to DNS records can take up to 48 hours. Default headers provide a safety net during this period.
• Use Separate Sub-Accounts: For managing multiple brands, use distinct sub-accounts, each with its own dedicated domain and default headers, to maintain separate sending reputations.

Troubleshooting

Problem: The "Set Headers" button is not visible.

Likely Cause: You are likely viewing the settings at the agency level or the domain has not been successfully validated. Ensure you are inside a sub-account and that your dedicated sending domain shows a validation status of complete.