Documentation menu

Domain Setup Guide

This guide walks you through setting up your sending domain in PostBeagle to start sending authenticated emails.

Overview

To send emails from your domain (e.g., yourdomain.com), you need to:

  1. Add your domain to PostBeagle
  2. Add DNS records to your domain
  3. Verify your domain
  4. Start sending emails

The entire process typically takes 5-10 minutes, plus DNS propagation time (up to 24 hours).

PostBeagle sends and DKIM-signs your mail on its own infrastructure (a self-hosted Postfix/Rspamd stack). The records below live directly on your domain — there is no proxy or "white-label" DNS layer to configure.

Step 1: Add Your Domain

  1. Navigate to Domain Settings

    • Log in to PostBeagle
    • Go to Settings → Domains
    • Click "Add Domain"

  2. Enter Your Domain

    • Enter your domain name (e.g., yourdomain.com)
    • Do not include http:// or www
    • Click "Add Domain"

  3. View DNS Instructions

    • PostBeagle will display the DNS records you need to add
    • Keep this page open - you'll need these records in the next step

Step 2: Add DNS Records

You need to add DNS records to your domain to verify ownership and enable email authentication.

DKIM Record (Required)

DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) cryptographically signs your emails, proving they are authentic and unmodified. PostBeagle generates a key pair for your domain; you publish the public key as a single TXT record (selector s1).

Name:  s1._domainkey.yourdomain.com
Type:  TXT
Value: v=DKIM1; k=rsa; p=MIIBIjANBgkqhkiG9w0...   (copy the exact value from PostBeagle)
TTL:   Auto (or 3600)

Note: The public key (p=...) is unique to your domain. Always copy the exact value shown in your PostBeagle dashboard — it's long, so use the copy button to avoid truncation.

SPF (Sender Policy Framework) authorizes PostBeagle's servers to send email from your domain.

Name:  yourdomain.com (or @)
Type:  TXT
Value: v=spf1 include:spf.postbeagle.com ~all
TTL:   Auto (or 3600)

If you already have an SPF record: Add include:spf.postbeagle.com to your existing record. You can only have one SPF record per domain.

# Existing record
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all

# Updated record (add PostBeagle)
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:spf.postbeagle.com ~all

DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication) tells receiving servers what to do with emails that fail authentication.

Name:  _dmarc.yourdomain.com
Type:  TXT
Value: v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected]; ruf=mailto:[email protected]; fo=1
TTL:   Auto (or 3600)

Start with p=none (monitor only) and tighten to p=quarantine or p=reject once you've confirmed your mail authenticates correctly.

How to Add DNS Records

The process varies by DNS provider. Here are instructions for common providers:

Cloudflare

  1. Log in to Cloudflare
  2. Select your domain
  3. Go to DNS → Records
  4. Click "Add record"
  5. Select type TXT, enter the record name and value
  6. Click "Save"

TXT records are never proxied, so the orange-cloud/proxy setting doesn't apply here.

GoDaddy

  1. Log in to GoDaddy
  2. Go to My Products → DNS
  3. Click "Add" under Records
  4. Select record type TXT
  5. Enter the record details
  6. Click "Save"

Namecheap

  1. Log in to Namecheap
  2. Go to Domain List → Manage
  3. Click "Advanced DNS"
  4. Click "Add New Record" → TXT Record
  5. Enter the record details
  6. Click "Save"

Other Providers

Most DNS providers have similar interfaces. Look for "DNS Management", "DNS Records", "Advanced DNS", or "Zone File Editor".

DNS Record Tips

  • Use exact values: Copy and paste the values from PostBeagle to avoid typos (the DKIM key is long)
  • TTL: Use "Auto" or 3600 (1 hour) for faster propagation
  • Subdomains in the name: Include the full host (e.g., s1._domainkey.yourdomain.com)
  • Root domain: Use @ or leave blank for root-domain records (SPF)

Step 3: Verify Your Domain

After adding DNS records, verify your domain.

Verification Process

  1. Wait for DNS Propagation

    • DNS changes can take up to 24 hours to propagate (usually 1-2 hours)
    • You can check propagation status using online tools or dig

  2. Check Verification Status

    • Return to PostBeagle → Settings → Domains
    • Click "Check Verification" next to your domain

  3. Verification Results

    • ✅ Verified: DKIM and SPF records are correct - you can start sending!
    • ⏳ Pending: DNS records not found yet - wait and try again
    • ❌ Failed: DNS records incorrect - see troubleshooting below

PostBeagle verifies by DNS lookup: it confirms the DKIM TXT record at s1._domainkey.yourdomain.com matches your domain's public key, and that your SPF record contains include:spf.postbeagle.com. Both must pass. Once verified, your DKIM key is automatically deployed to PostBeagle's signing infrastructure.

Step 4: Start Sending Emails

Once your domain is verified:

  1. Set as Default (optional)

    • Click "Set as Default" to use this domain for all campaigns, or select it per campaign

  2. Create Your First Campaign

    • Go to Campaigns → Create Campaign
    • Select your verified domain as the sender
    • Design and send your email

  3. Monitor Deliverability

    • Check campaign reports for delivery rates
    • Monitor bounce and complaint rates (see Reputation Monitoring)

Troubleshooting

DNS Records Not Found

Problem: Verification fails with "DNS records not found"

Solutions:

  1. Wait longer: DNS propagation can take up to 24 hours
  2. Check the record type: the DKIM, SPF, and DMARC records must all be TXT
  3. Check the record name: it must be exactly s1._domainkey.yourdomain.com
  4. Check TTL: lower TTL values propagate faster
  5. Use a DNS checker: dig or an online tool

Check DNS manually:

# Check DKIM record
dig s1._domainkey.yourdomain.com TXT

# Check SPF record
dig yourdomain.com TXT

Wrong or Incomplete DKIM Value

Problem: The record is found but verification still fails

Solutions:

  1. Copy the exact value: use PostBeagle's copy button; don't type the key manually
  2. Check for truncation: the public key is long — make sure the whole p=... was saved
  3. Remove extra characters: watch for stray spaces or quotes added by your DNS provider
  4. Delete and re-create the record if needed, then re-verify after propagation

Multiple SPF Records

Problem: You already have an SPF record

Solution: Merge the records - you can only have one SPF record per domain.

# Existing record
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all

# Updated record (add PostBeagle)
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:spf.postbeagle.com ~all

Subdomain Setup

Problem: You want to send from a subdomain (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com)

Solution: Add the subdomain as a separate domain in PostBeagle, then add the DNS records for the subdomain. Each domain/subdomain has its own DKIM key.

Domain Already Exists

Problem: "Domain already exists" error

Solutions:

  1. Check if you already added this domain
  2. Contact support if you need to transfer domain ownership
  3. Use a subdomain instead (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com)

FAQ

Why do I need to add DNS records?

DNS records prove you own the domain and enable email authentication (DKIM, SPF, DMARC). This improves deliverability and prevents your emails from being marked as spam.

How long does DNS propagation take?

Typically 1-2 hours, but it can take up to 24 hours depending on your DNS provider and TTL.

Can I use a subdomain?

Yes! Add the subdomain as a separate domain in PostBeagle (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com), then add DNS records for the subdomain.

How many DKIM records do I need?

One — a single TXT record at s1._domainkey.yourdomain.com.

Do my DKIM records expire or need refreshing?

No. The records don't expire and there's no periodic refresh. Once verified, leave them in place. See the DKIM & Authentication FAQ.

How do I verify my DNS records are correct?

# DKIM
dig s1._domainkey.yourdomain.com TXT

# SPF
dig yourdomain.com TXT | grep spf1

# DMARC
dig _dmarc.yourdomain.com TXT

Can I use multiple domains?

Yes! Add as many domains as you need. Each domain requires its own DNS records.

What happens if verification fails?

You can't send emails from unverified domains. Fix the DNS records and try verification again. Contact support if you need help.

Best Practices

Email Authentication

  • ✅ Add the DKIM record
  • ✅ Configure SPF (include:spf.postbeagle.com)
  • ✅ Set up DMARC, starting with p=none for monitoring
  • ✅ Verify your domain before sending
  • ✅ Monitor authentication status

Sending Practices

  • ✅ Warm up new domains gradually
  • ✅ Monitor bounce and complaint rates
  • ✅ Send only from verified domains
  • ✅ Keep email lists clean
  • ✅ Follow email best practices

Need Help?

If you're stuck or have questions:

  1. Check this guide: Most issues are covered in the troubleshooting section
  2. Use DNS checker tools: Verify your DNS records are correct
  3. Contact support: Email [email protected] with:
    • Your domain name
    • Screenshots of DNS records
    • Error messages from PostBeagle
    • DNS provider name

Our support team typically responds within 24 hours.

Additional Resources