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How to Resolve Email Delivery Problems (SPF, DKIM, and Blacklists) Print

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Few things are more frustrating than sending an email and having it land in the spam folder — or worse, not be delivered at all. At DediRock, we provide reliable email hosting, but issues can still occur if email authentication records are missing or if your domain is flagged.

Here’s how to troubleshoot common email delivery problems and ensure your messages reach the inbox.


1. Check Your DNS Records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)

Modern email providers rely on DNS records to verify that your emails are authentic.

  • SPF (Sender Policy Framework) → Tells receiving mail servers which IPs/servers are allowed to send on behalf of your domain.

  • DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) → Adds a digital signature to verify that the email content hasn’t been tampered with.

  • DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication) → Works with SPF + DKIM to define how mail servers should handle unauthenticated emails.

✅  To verify:

  • Log in to your DediRock Client Portal.

  • Check your domain’s DNS settings.

  • Ensure SPF, DKIM, and (optional) DMARC records are correctly configured.


2. Use Online Tools to Test Your Email Setup

  • Send a test email to tools like Mail-Tester or MxToolbox.

  • These services analyze your headers, SPF/DKIM/DMARC, and blacklist status.

  • If errors appear, adjust your DNS records accordingly.


3. Avoid Common Content Triggers

Even with correct authentication, email content can trigger spam filters.

  • Don’t use excessive ALL CAPS or too many exclamation marks.

  • Avoid spammy words like “FREE!!!” or “Act Now”.

  • Keep a healthy balance of text and images.


4. Check Blacklists

If your server IP is on a blacklist, many providers will block your emails.


5. Use SMTP Authentication

If you’re sending mail from your website (e.g., via WordPress), make sure SMTP is configured.

  • This ensures your site sends email through your hosting server with proper authentication.

  • Avoid using PHP mail() which can often trigger spam filters.


6. Monitor Sending Practices

  • Don’t send bulk mail from your main hosting account — use a mailing service.

  • Keep mailing lists clean (remove inactive or bounced emails).

  • Limit hourly/daily outgoing messages to avoid looking like a spammer.


7. Contact DediRock Support

If you’ve confirmed your DNS and content are correct but emails still bounce or go to spam:

  • Open a Support Ticket.

  • Include sample email headers and bounce-back messages.

  • Our team will investigate whether it’s a DNS, server, or blacklist issue.


Final Thoughts

Email deliverability depends on both server configuration and sending practices. With proper SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records — plus clean sending habits — you can greatly improve your chances of reaching the inbox.

 Looking for a hosting solution with strong email reliability? Explore DediRock Hosting Plans that include email services, spam protection, and 24/7 support.


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