DKIM stands for DomainKeys identified mail; it is a security protocol that signs and verifies emails using public key cryptography. It helps to detect whether email messages are altered in transit between the sender and receiver.
DKIM authentication signs email with a private key from the sending server; the recipient email server will then use a public key published to the DKIM domain to verify the source of the email.
If the DKIM signature included in the message from the sending server hasn’t changed since the message was sent, the signature will be verified with the public key, and the message will pass DKIM and be considered authentic. This helps to confirm the legitimacy of an email sender, and it also contributes to building a long-term domain reputation.
What is a DKIM Record?
A DKIM record contains a name, key type, version, and public key. It stores the details used to verify the message signature, and the sender of the email often provides it. The receiving mail server will then access the record and use the public key to verify the email.
Why is DKIM Important?
Here are 2 essential reasons why DKIM is very crucial in email marketing.
It Helps Build Your Long-term Reputation
DKIM can help recipient mailboxes identify your domain as trustworthy and genuine; over time, your brand’s credibility and reputation will be boosted. For example, if you are sending emails to Gmail users for the first time, you must set up at least DKIM or SPF. Google randomly checks incoming emails, and if they find messages lacking DKIM or SPF, they will be rejected or added to spam.
However, if your messages are always authenticated with DKIM, you will establish trust with Gmail and other email clients, and they will identify you as a reliable brand.
Boost Email Deliverability
If your email messages are not authenticated by DKIM, they can be rejected or end up in a spam folder. This will ruin your marketing efforts because your subscribers won’t see the messages. So, using DKIM ensures email clients can trust you and deliver your emails to your subscribers, which will boost your email deliverability rate and directly impact your marketing campaign’s success.