Overview

By default, all outgoing (sent) email from CoreBridge is done using a generic noreply@corebridge.net email. While this is helpful when you are first getting started with CoreBridge, it is common to want these emails to be sent using your company domain name. To satisfy this need, CoreBridge does allow you to use your domain name when sending emails to your customers. Because of the inherent security with domain names and email, there are a few settings that must be completed in order to provide CoreBridge with permission to send emails using your domain. 


This article will cover the following topics:



Terminology

These are key terms you should be familiar with:

  • SPF Record – An SPF record is a type of Domain Name Service (DNS) record that identifies which mail servers are permitted to send email on behalf of your domain. The purpose of an SPF record is to prevent spammers from sending messages with forged From addresses at your domain.

  • DKIM – Is a digital signature that is appended to outgoing message headers which help to prevent spoofing. This signature helps to verify that the message really comes from your domain and hasn't been changed along the way.


Difficulty

While not difficult, configuring these settings requires a basic familiarity with domain DNS settings. Every domain hosting service has a different interface for adding and altering settings, therefore, the instructions below provide a general listing of the steps required. Please forward this article to your IT company if you need assistance configuring your domain settings.


Email Headers

When an email is sent to a recipient, header information is included as part of that email. This header information includes the domain name that sent the email, whether the email was digitally signed, sent on behalf of someone, etc. Below are 2 email header examples. You'll notice that with the SPF & DKIM created (recommended approach) the email header is branded to your business without any mention of CoreBridge.

with SPF Record Createdwith SPF & DKIM Created



Configuring your Domain's SPF record (required)

At a minimum, you must create/configure an SPF record for your domain in order to allow CoreBridge to send email on your behalf.

  1. Sign in to your domain hosting service. (i.e., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Network Solutions, etc.)
     
  2. Navigate to your DNS Management page, generally found under Domain Manager or Advanced Settings.

  3. Find the TXT section of your DNS settings. 
    • If you do have an existing TXT/SPF record, complete the sub-steps below.
      • Edit the existing TXT record.

      • Add the text below to your existing record.
        include:spf1.corebridge.net
        It is best to place the reference to CoreBridge towards the front of your TXT/SPF record.
        The TXT Data/Value should resemble this example. v=spf1 include:spf1.corebridge.net ~all
         
      • Save your changes.
         
    • If you do not have an existing TXT/SPF record, please add a new TXT record.
      • Under the name or host field enter the following:
        @
      • Set the TXT content or value to the following:  (this must match exactly what is below)
        v=spf1 include:spf1.corebridge.net ~all
      • Save the changes with your domain host.




Creating a DKIM record (optional, but highly recommended)

While not required, it is HIGHLY recommended that you also create a DKIM record to help lessen the likelihood that any emails sent on your behalf through CoreBridge from getting caught in SPAM filters.

  1. Sign in to your domain hosting service. (i.e. GoDaddy, Namecheap, Network Solutions, etc.)
     
  2. Navigate to your DNS Management page, generally found under Domain Manager or Advanced Settings.
     
  3. Create a new TXT record and under the name or host section enter the following:
    mandrill._domainkey

    Note:  Most providers will auto-append your domain, if not, type it manually and substitute yourdomain.com with your actual registered domain name.
    i.e. mandrill._domainkey.yourdomain.com
     
  4. Set the TXT content or value to the following:  (this must match exactly what is below) 
    v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=MIGfMA0GCSqGSIb3DQEBAQUAA4GNADCBiQKBgQCrLHiExVd55zd/IQ/J/mRwSRMAocV/hMB3jXwaHH36d9NaVynQFYV8NaWi69c1veUtRzGt7yAioXqLj7Z4TeEUoOLgrKsn8YnckGs9i3B3tVFB+Ch/4mPhXWiNfNdynHWBcPcbJ8kjEQ2U8y78dHZj1YeRXXVvWob2OaKynO8/lQIDAQAB;

     
  5. Save the changes with your domain host.

    Note:  If you get an error saving the information in step 4 above, try using this value instead which includes escaped semicolons. 
    v=DKIM1\; k=rsa\; p=MIGfMA0GCSqGSIb3DQEBAQUAA4GNADCBiQKBgQCrLHiExVd55zd/IQ/J/mRwSRMAocV/hMB3jXwaHH36d9NaVynQFYV8NaWi69c1veUtRzGt7yAioXqLj7Z4TeEUoOLgrKsn8YnckGs9i3B3tVFB+Ch/4mPhXWiNfNdynHWBcPcbJ8kjEQ2U8y78dHZj1YeRXXVvWob2OaKynO8/lQIDAQAB\;


Verifying your Domain

In order to complete the final step, a verification email has to be sent to a valid email address on your domain. To complete this step, please do the following:

  1. Please send an email to support@corebridge.net asking for your domain to be verified and specify which email address on your domain the verification email should be sent. 
  2. The support team will have our mail system send a verification email to you. When you receive that email, please forward it back to support@corebridge.net in order for the verification of your domain to be completed. 


Below is a sample image of what the verification email will look resemble.



Authenticating your Domain in CoreBridge

The last step in the process is authenticating your domain within CoreBridge, please navigate to Management Module > Global Settings > Domain > Email Settings. 

  1. Enter your Outgoing Email Domain. i.e. demosignshop.com
     
  2. Click Start Authentication
    • If your domain authenticates immediately, you will be able to configure the defaults as well as the option to enable personalized email addresses.
       
    • If it does not authenticate immediately, an email will be sent to the address on your user account notifying you that it is pending authentication. You will receive another email once the authentication either succeeded or failed. If it failed, please verify your SPF settings are correct and contact CoreBridge support.

      Email%20Domain%20Setup.png



Setting Up Multiple Custom Outgoing Email Domains

You can set up additional custom outgoing email domains in your CoreBridge system. You'll need to create the necessary SPF and DKIM records for each domain you wish to authenticate in addition to completing the authentication process for each one. Once your first domain is authenticated, you can click on + Authenticate another domain... to authenticate an additional domain.



Configuring your Email Settings

Once your domain is authenticated, 3 options will be available for you to Select default outgoing email address:

  1. Send from Location email address (recommended)
    NOTE:  This option uses the email address entered for your location. To change this address navigate to Management Module > Locations. 
  2. noreply@corebridge.net
  3. noreply@yourdomain.com


You’ll also have the option to enable personalized email addresses. For more details, you can review this support article.