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Email Deliverability 101

Email deliverability is the process of ensuring emails sent from Kyrios reach recipients’ inboxes instead of spam folders by using proper authentication, infrastructure, and sending practices.

Updated over 3 months ago

Who This Is For / When to Use

This article is for Kyrios users sending emails through broadcasts, workflows, or 1:1 conversations who want to improve inbox placement, protect domain reputation, and reduce spam filtering.

Use this guide when:

  • Emails are landing in spam or promotions folders

  • You are setting up a new sending domain

  • You are warming up email infrastructure

  • You are sending bulk or automated email campaigns


What Email Deliverability Means in Kyrios

Email deliverability refers to how mailbox providers (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, etc.) evaluate and accept emails sent from your Kyrios-connected domain.

Deliverability is influenced by:

  • Domain authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)

  • Sending behavior and consistency

  • Engagement from recipients

  • Content quality and compliance

Kyrios provides the sending tools, but deliverability depends on correct domain setup and responsible sending practices.


Step 1: Set Up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC Records

Email authentication proves that Kyrios (or your connected email provider) is authorized to send email on your behalf.

Required Authentication

  • All senders: SPF or DKIM

  • Bulk senders: SPF and DKIM and DMARC

SPF (Sender Policy Framework)

SPF specifies which mail servers are allowed to send email for your domain.

How to get it

  • Log into your email service provider (Mailgun, SendGrid, Google Workspace, etc.)

  • Navigate to Domain Settings or Email Authentication

  • Copy the SPF TXT record provided

How to add it

  • Log into your domain host (GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Namecheap, etc.)

  • Open DNS settings

  • Add a TXT record with the provided SPF value


DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)

DKIM adds a digital signature to verify that email content has not been altered.

How to get it

  • In your email service provider, locate DKIM settings

  • Copy the DKIM TXT record or key

How to add it

  • Add the DKIM value as a TXT record in your domain’s DNS

  • Save and allow DNS to propagate


DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance)

DMARC tells mailbox providers what to do if SPF or DKIM fails.

Recommended policy

  • p=none (monitoring mode)

How to get it

  • Use your email provider’s documentation or DMARC generator

  • Specify reporting and policy settings

How to add it

  • Add the DMARC value as a TXT record in DNS

DMARC should be enabled only after SPF and DKIM are confirmed working.


Step 2: Verify Your Domain in Kyrios

Domain verification confirms Kyrios can safely send email using your domain.

How to verify

  1. Ensure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records exist in DNS

  2. In Kyrios, go to Settings

  3. Navigate to Email Services

  4. Open Dedicated Domain

  5. Verify the domain records

Verification ensures Kyrios can send authenticated email and improves inbox trust.


Step 3: Enable One-Click Unsubscribe

Mailbox providers expect a visible, functional unsubscribe option.

Why this matters

  • Reduces spam complaints

  • Improves sender reputation

  • Required for bulk email compliance

How it works in Kyrios

  • Kyrios includes built-in unsubscribe links in email templates

  • Ensure unsubscribe links are not removed or hidden


Step 4: Maintain an Engaged Email List

Mailbox providers track how recipients interact with your emails.

Best practices

  • Remove inactive subscribers regularly

  • Avoid sending to purchased or scraped lists

  • Send content that matches subscriber expectations

Low engagement signals spam behavior—even if authentication is correct.


Step 5: Monitor Email Performance

Tracking deliverability metrics helps identify issues early.

Recommended tools

  • Google Postmaster Tools

  • Microsoft SNDS (for Outlook/Hotmail)

What to monitor

  • Domain reputation

  • Spam complaint rate

  • Delivery errors and bounces

  • Engagement trends

Adjust sending volume, content, or frequency based on performance data.


Key Factors That Influence Deliverability

Safety

Mailbox providers scan emails for malicious links, phishing patterns, and unsafe content.

Relevance

Emails should be expected, useful, and personalized where possible.

Consistency

  • Avoid sudden spikes in volume

  • Use stable sending patterns

  • Keep domains active and recognizable

Volume

Grow lists gradually. Large volume jumps can trigger filtering.

Frequency

  • Send at least once per month to maintain reputation

  • Avoid over-sending

  • Allow subscribers to choose frequency when possible


Content Best Practices

Avoid Spam Triggers

  • Do not use misleading subject lines

  • Avoid excessive urgency or promotional language

Avoid Link Shorteners

  • Use full URLs or descriptive hyperlinks

  • Link shorteners are commonly associated with spam and phishing

Balance Text and Images

  • Ensure emails are readable even without images

  • Avoid image-only emails

Encourage Engagement

  • Ask questions

  • Invite replies

  • Use conversational language


Pro Tips

  • Use a dedicated subdomain (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com) for email sending

  • Warm up new domains gradually

  • Test emails before sending large campaigns

  • Stay compliant with email regulations and mailbox provider policies


Common Issues and Fixes

Emails Are Going to Spam

Fix

  • Recheck SPF, DKIM, and DMARC

  • Reduce sending volume temporarily

  • Improve content quality and engagement

Domain Not Verifying

Fix

  • Confirm DNS records are TXT records

  • Wait for DNS propagation (up to 48 hours)

  • Ensure no duplicate or conflicting records exist

High Unsubscribe or Complaint Rates

Fix

  • Reduce frequency

  • Improve list targeting

  • Make unsubscribe clearly visible


FAQs

What are SPF, DKIM, and DMARC?

They are email authentication protocols that prove your emails are legitimate and protect your domain from abuse.


How do I verify my domain for email sending?

Domain verification is completed by adding DNS records provided by your email service provider and confirming them inside Kyrios under Settings > Email Services > Dedicated Domain.


Why is one-click unsubscribe important?

It reduces spam complaints, improves deliverability, and is required by most mailbox providers for bulk sending.


How often should I clean my email list?

Every 3–6 months to remove inactive or unengaged contacts.


How does sending frequency affect deliverability?

Sudden increases or excessive frequency can trigger spam filters. Consistent, predictable sending builds trust with mailbox providers.


Why are link shorteners discouraged?

They are frequently used by spammers to hide malicious links, making emails more likely to be filtered.

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