SPF record
What is an SPF record?
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is a DNS TXT record on your domain that lists the servers and services allowed to send email using your domain, for example your email provider and your newsletter tool. Receiving servers check it to spot forged senders.
SPF works together with DKIM and DMARC.
Why an SPF record matters
Without SPF, mail from your domain is easier to spoof and more likely to be filtered. Major mailbox providers now expect bulk senders to have it set up.
SPF record example
A domain that sends through Google Workspace and a newsletter service might publish: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:mail.newsletter-service.example ~all
Related marketing terms
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
DKIM adds a cryptographic signature to your emails, published in DNS, so receivers can verify the email came from your domain unaltered.
DMARC is a DNS policy telling receivers what to do with email that fails SPF or DKIM for your domain, and where to send reports.
Email deliverability is how reliably your emails reach the inbox rather than spam, shaped by authentication, reputation and content.