Managing SSL Certificates for Dedicated Email Domains
Overview
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates are essential for securing the links within your email campaigns. They encrypt tracking URLs, open URLs, and click-through links, ensuring they function correctly and appear trustworthy to your recipients. When you add and verify a dedicated email domain in your CRM, an SSL certificate is automatically generated for it. The status of this certificate can be SSL Issued (active and working), SSL Pending (currently being generated), or SSL Unknown (not yet generated or issued).
Why an SSL Certificate is Necessary
A valid SSL certificate is crucial for maintaining the integrity and performance of your email marketing.
Prevent Broken Links
Without a valid certificate, recipients who click links in your emails may encounter browser errors, such as "This site can't provide a secure connection," which prevents them from accessing your content.
Enhance Security and Trust
SSL encryption secures the data transmitted between your domain and your contacts, protecting the integrity of tracking and interaction data.
Maintain Engagement
By ensuring links work seamlessly, you prevent frustration and encourage higher click-through rates, protecting your sender reputation.
Viewing SSL Certificate Status
To check the status of your SSL certificate, follow these steps:
- Navigate to your CRM's Settings.
- Select Email Services.
- On the right side of the screen, click the Dedicated Domain And IP button.
This will open a management screen where you can view the SSL status for your domain.
Setting Up and Managing SSL Certificates
The process for ensuring your domain has a valid SSL certificate is straightforward.
Step 1: Verify Your Domain
Go to Settings → Email Services → Dedicated Domain And IP. Next to your domain, click the Verify Now button. This will direct you to your domain's DNS management page. Confirm that all the required DNS records are correctly configured. Once verified, click the Verify domain button. This action triggers the system to issue or reissue the SSL certificate.
Step 2: Check the SSL Status
- SSL Issued: Your domain is secured. No further action is required.
- SSL Pending: The certificate is being generated. If this status persists, reverify the domain by following Step 1 again.
- SSL Unknown: The certificate has not been issued. Follow the domain verification process in Step 1. If the status does not change, double-check your DNS record settings.
Once the status shows as SSL Issued, your email domain is secure and ready for use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if links in my emails are broken?
Go to Settings → Email Services → Dedicated Domain And IP and click Verify domain to reissue the SSL certificate. This should resolve the broken links.
What does the "secure connection" error mean?
This error indicates that the SSL certificate for your domain is not active. Re-verifying your domain should resolve the issue.
Is there a cost for the SSL certificate?
No. The SSL certificate is provided automatically at no extra charge when you verify a dedicated domain.
How long does it take for the SSL to be issued?
Issuance is typically completed within minutes. If the status remains Pending for more than 15-30 minutes, try reverifying the domain.
Does SSL cover all email links?
Yes, the certificate secures all URLs associated with your dedicated domain, including tracking, open, click, and unsubscribe links.
Will contacts experience downtime during reissuance?
Reissuance happens quickly in the background. Contacts clicking links from old emails might see a brief error during the process, but links will function normally once the new certificate is active.