Guide to Add and Verify DMARC Records on Your Shopify Domain

Protecting your online store from phishing and email spoofing attacks is crucial in the digital environment. One powerful method to bolster your email security is by integrating DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) records into your domain's DNS settings. If you are a thriving e-commerce business owner on Shopify, the implementation of DMARC records has the potential to significantly improve your email security. This comprehensive guide will usher you through the seamless process of adding DMARC records to your Shopify domain and ensuring their accuracy.

What is DMARC?

DMARC is an email authentication protocol designed to empower email domain owners to shield their domain from unauthorized use, commonly referred to as email spoofing. DMARC utilizes two existing email authentication mechanisms, SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), to verify that emails sent from your domain are legitimate.

Why DMARC is Important for Your Shopify Store

• Enhances Email Security: By implementing DMARC, you can prevent unauthorized users from sending emails on behalf of your domain and reduce the risk of phishing and email fraud.

• Improves Email Deliverability: DMARC improves your email deliverability rates by ensuring that your legitimate emails reach your customers' inboxes.

• Protects Your Brand Reputation: Email fraud prevention helps to protect your brand's credibility and trustworthiness.

Adding DMARC Records to Your Domain: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here are the instructions for adding DMARC records to your domain's DNS settings and ensuring that they are configured correctly. By following these steps, you can authenticate your emails, protect your brand's credibility, and reduce the chances of marketing emails sent from Shopify being flagged as spam by Gmail or Yahoo addresses.

Step 1: Log in to Your Domain Registrar

• To get started, go to your domain registrar's website, like IONOS, GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains, and find the DNS management page. 

• This is where you can add new records to your domain's DNS settings.

Step 2: Create a New TXT Record

• After accessing the DNS management page, the next step is to create a new TXT record in the DNS management area.

• This record will hold your DMARC policy information.          

Step 3: Input the DMARC Record Information.

Here are the steps to enter DMARC record details: 

• In the Hostname field, enter "_dmarc". 

• In the Value field, input your DMARC policy, which should start with "v=DMARC1" to indicate the DMARC version. Add the policy (p=) tag, which can be "none", "quarantine", or "reject".

• For example, "v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected];" where "rua" is the address for aggregate reports.

• Paste the following into the Value field: "v=DMARC1; p=none,"

Step 4: Keep the Document Safe

• Save the newly created TXT record after inputting these details.

• Keep in mind that it may take approximately 24 to 48 hours for the changes to fully propagate across the internet.

Step 5: Verify Your DMARC Record

• As the final step, use an online DMARC record check service such as DMARCIAN, EasyDMARC, DMARCLY, or PowerDMARC to ensure your DMARC record is correctly implemented. 

• Enter your domain into the checker to analyze your DMARC record and receive feedback on its validity and any detected issues.

• Recall that setting up your DKIM and SPF records is essential before adding a DMARC record. 

• Also, starting with a less strict policy (p=none) allows you to monitor email traffic without affecting legitimate emails and adjust your policy based on the reports you receive.

Take Action Now to Enhance Your Email Security

Remember to take action now to develop your email security by adding DMARC records to your Shopify domain. This is an important step in securing your email communications and preserving  your brand from spoofing and phishing attacks. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily add and verify DMARC records. Remember that maintaining email security requires constant attention, so don't forget to periodically review and revise your DMARC policies.