The article discusses the limitations of using free email service providers like Yahoo or AOL for sending marketing emails, particularly in relation to DMARC (Domain Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance). Free email addresses do not allow control over domain delivery policies, cannot be verified in Stampede, and are incompatible with BIMI, affecting email delivery and branding. DMARC checks can reject emails from free domains if they don't align with sending domains. To improve email delivery and avoid these issues, the article suggests purchasing a domain for better control and recognition in email marketing campaigns.
Your From email address is the one you use to send emails to your contacts. When they receive your messages, this address helps them identify you as the sender. If you decide to use a free email service provider (ESP) like Yahoo or AOL for your From email address, there are a few limitations to keep in mind.
In this article, you'll discover the limitations of free email addresses, DMARC, and some solutions to ensure your marketing emails reach your subscribers using Stampede.
What are the issues with free email?
The main drawback of using an email address from a free service provider is that you don’t own the domain. This means you lack control over the delivery policies of that domain.
Here’s what this means for you:
- Free email addresses cannot be added to your verified email domains in Stampede.
- Free email service providers have policies designed to prevent email scams, which can inadvertently cause delivery issues for genuine marketers.
- Free email addresses are not compatible with Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI), which adds an extra layer of verification and allows you to display your logo prominently in your recipients’ inboxes.
About free email and DMARC
To better understand the challenges with free email domains and delivery, it’s helpful to know about DMARC, or Domain Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance.
DMARC is essentially a validation system for incoming emails. It checks whether the domain of the From email address matches the domain through which the message is actually sent. If the domains don’t align, the email fails the DMARC check.
DMARC policies also instruct receiving servers on how to manage emails that seem to come from a domain but fail the DMARC check. Free email domains often have policies that direct these servers to reject any mail that doesn't pass DMARC.
While these strict policies aim to prevent email scams, they can also hinder the delivery of legitimate marketing content sent through bulk email services like Stampede.
What are the solutions?
We recommend considering the purchase of a domain or using one you already own to avoid complications with DMARC policies. However, if you prefer to continue using a free domain for email marketing in Stampede, we have a built-in feature to help enhance your delivery rates.
Purchase a domain
Consider purchasing a domain for your business and marketing emails. You can use your new domain with your emails, landing pages, and website in Stampede. This can help make your online presence more recognisable to your audience and may improve the delivery of your email campaigns.