Deliverability: The Glass Ceiling of Email
You can have the best content, the most attractive design, and the best offer—but if your emails end up in the spam folder, none of that matters. Deliverability is the glass ceiling foryour entire email program, and it all starts with your domain authentication.
Four pillars, read in real time from your DNS:
- SPFWho is authorized to send on your behalf
- DKIMThe signature that proves authenticity
- DMARCAnti-spoofing policy
- BIMIYour logo in the inbox
Since 2024, Gmail and Yahoo have required SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for senders. Without them, your emails are downgraded or rejected, often without you even knowing it.
This audit reads your actual DNS records: this isn't an estimate—it's your actual configuration.
SPF, DKIM, DMARC: What Is Each One Used For?
These three DNS records answer a single question for email systems: Can this sender be trusted? SPF specifies which servers are authorized to send emails on your behalf. DKIM adds a cryptographic signature that proves the message hasn’t been tampered with and truly comes from you. DMARC tells email providers what to do when SPF or DKIM fail: ignore, quarantine, or reject. Without these three pillars working in tandem, your sender reputation will plateau.
What Gmail and Yahoo Have Required Since 2024
Since February 2024, Gmail and Yahoo have required senders to have valid SPF and DKIM records, a published DMARC policy, a one-click unsubscribe link, and a low complaint rate. These are no longer just optional best practices: domains that do not comply will have their emails downgraded or blocked, often without notification. Many brands are losing email revenue without understanding why.
Why a DNS audit is better than an estimate
Many tools estimate your deliverability based on a theoretical score. This tool reads your actual DNS records at the time of the test: it reflects your exact configuration, not an average. You can see exactly what’s missing or misconfigured, and the remediation plan is based on your actual records.
Do you want to ensure your email deliverability, clean up your list, and turn email into a real revenue channel? That's what we do at Stride-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my emails ending up in the spam folder?
Most often, this is due to incomplete authentication (missing or misconfigured SPF, DKIM, or DMARC), a poor sender reputation, a list of contacts with low engagement, or an excessively high complaint rate. The first thing to check is your domain authentication, as it determines everything else.
What are SPF, DKIM, and DMARC?
These are three DNS records that prove to email providers that your emails are legitimate. SPF lists the servers authorized to send emails on your behalf. DKIM signs your messages to prove they haven’t been tampered with. DMARC specifies what to do in case of a failure and protects your domain against spoofing. All three must be present and aligned.
What is the difference between SPF and DKIM?
SPF verifies where the email comes from—that is, whether the sending server is authorized. DKIM verifies the message’s integrity using a cryptographic signature. SPF answers the question “Who is sending this?”, while DKIM answers “Is the message authentic and intact?” The two are complementary, and DMARC relies on them.
What have Gmail and Yahoo been requiring from senders since 2024?
Since 2024, Gmail and Yahoo have required a valid SPF and DKIM, a published DMARC policy, one-click unsubscribe, and a complaint rate kept below 0.3%. Emails from non-compliant domains are downgraded or rejected. These rules apply primarily to high-volume senders, but serve as a baseline for everyone.
How can I check the deliverability of my emails for free?
You can manually check your DNS records, but that’s technical and incomplete. This tool reads your SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and BIMI records in real time, gives you a score, and provides a clear action plan for fixing issues. It’s free and based on your actual configuration, not on an estimate.
What is BIMI, and is it required?
BIMI displays your brand’s logo next to your emails in certain email clients, which builds trust and increases open rates. It is not mandatory, but it requires a strict DMARC policy. It is more a sign of maturity than a prerequisite for deliverability.
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