Use SPF to prevent Gmail bounces
In the first half of 2023, Google began bouncing emails from senders whose domains do not use SPF. Here is how to fix it.
The Problem
The technical details can get confusing, but the short explanation is the SPF is a way for you to tell the world what mail servers are authorized to send email using your domain in the sender's email address. In the past, Gmail largely ignored SPF settings, but now they are refusing messages which do not comply.
The Solution
The fix is easy, but the particulars depend on where your domain is hosted. If your domain is hosted at SWCP, we can fix this for you quickly (actually, we have supported SPF records in the domains we host for a long time so you're not likely to experience this on a domain hosted here). If your domain's DNS records are hosted elsewhere, such as Wix or Squarespace, you need to make this change at that service. Their tech support should be familiar with this issue and ready to help.
SPF Record Details for Wix
If your web site is hosted at Wix, and your email is hosted at SWCP, here is the SPF record you want to add for your domain:
v=spf1 +a include:swcp.com include:wix.com -all
That record specifies that email coming from SWCP's mail servers, OR the Wix web servers, using your domain name in the sender address, is legitimate and should be accepted. Here is an article that covers how to add SPF records to your domain using the Wix service: https://support.wix.com/en/article/adding-or-updating-spf-records-in-your-wix-account
SPF Record Details for SquareSpace
If your web site is hosted at SquareSpace, and your email is hosted at SWCP, here is the SPF record you want to add for your domain:
v=spf1 +a include:swcp.com include:squarespace-mail.com -all
That record specifies that email coming from SWCP's mail servers, OR the Wix web servers, using your domain name in the sender address, is legitimate and should be accepted. Here is an article that covers how to add SPF records to your domain using the SquareSpace service: https://support.powerdmarc.com/support/solutions/articles/60000716316-how-to-set-up-spf-for-squarespace-
Others?
If your DNS or web site are hosted elsewhere, contact that company's support to ask about setting up an SPF record for your domain.
Important Note
If you use a 3rd party marketing email service, such as Constant Contact or MailChimp, you'll need to add their information to your SPF record as well. Contact them to get the details.
