ConvertKit Email Authentication Setup

Email marketing platform designed for creators, bloggers, and small businesses. This guide covers the complete email authentication stack for ConvertKit: SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. Each section gives you the exact DNS records, step-by-step instructions, common pitfalls, and how to verify your setup.

How to Set Up SPF for ConvertKit

Authorize ConvertKit to send email on behalf of your domain by completing domain authentication.

Quick Answer — The Record You Need

Type

TXT

Host / Name

@

Value
v=spf1 include:_spf.convertkit.com ~all

ConvertKit domain authentication may use CNAME records that handle SPF automatically. Check your account for specific instructions.

Step-by-Step Setup

1

Log in to ConvertKit

Go to app.convertkit.com and sign in.

2

Navigate to email settings

Go to Settings > Email > Sending Domain. Click "Add sending domain".

3

Enter your domain

Enter your sending domain. ConvertKit will generate the DNS records you need.

4

Add DNS records

ConvertKit provides CNAME records for domain authentication that handle SPF. If a manual SPF include is needed, add include:_spf.convertkit.com.

v=spf1 include:_spf.convertkit.com ~all
5

Verify in ConvertKit

Click "Verify" in ConvertKit. The platform will check your DNS records.

Before & After

Before
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all
After
v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:_spf.convertkit.com ~all

SPF Gotchas

  • ConvertKit's domain authentication process uses CNAME records that may handle SPF automatically. Follow the exact records shown in your ConvertKit dashboard.
  • The SPF include _spf.convertkit.com is used for manual SPF setup. If using CNAME-based authentication, a separate SPF include may not be needed.
  • ConvertKit has been rebranding and updating their infrastructure. Always use the DNS records displayed in your current account settings.

SPF FAQ

What SPF record do I need for ConvertKit?

ConvertKit domain authentication typically uses CNAME records. If a manual SPF include is needed, use include:_spf.convertkit.com.

Does ConvertKit require domain authentication?

ConvertKit strongly recommends domain authentication for better deliverability and to comply with Gmail/Yahoo requirements.

Can I use ConvertKit with my existing SPF record?

Yes. Add the ConvertKit include to your existing SPF record alongside other providers.

How to Set Up DKIM for ConvertKit

Enable DKIM for ConvertKit by publishing CNAME records during the domain authentication process.

Quick Answer — The Record You Need

Type

CNAME

Host / Name

ckespa._domainkey

Value
PROVIDED_BY_CONVERTKIT

ConvertKit generates unique CNAME records during domain authentication. Copy exact values from your account.

Step-by-Step Setup

1

Log in to ConvertKit

Go to app.convertkit.com and sign in.

2

Go to sending domain settings

Navigate to Settings > Email > Sending Domain.

3

Add or select your domain

ConvertKit displays the DKIM CNAME records you need to publish.

4

Add the CNAME records to DNS

Create the CNAME records in your DNS provider as shown by ConvertKit.

5

Verify in ConvertKit

Click "Verify" in ConvertKit. Once DNS propagates, DKIM signing activates.

DKIM Gotchas

  • ConvertKit provides specific CNAME records during domain setup. The selectors and values are unique to your account.
  • Do not guess DKIM records for ConvertKit. Always use the exact values from your dashboard.
  • ConvertKit may provide multiple CNAME records as part of domain authentication. Add all of them for complete setup.

DKIM FAQ

How do I set up DKIM for ConvertKit?

ConvertKit provides CNAME records during the domain authentication process. Add all the provided records to your DNS and verify in ConvertKit.

Does ConvertKit rotate DKIM keys?

Since DKIM records are CNAMEs, ConvertKit can rotate keys without requiring you to update DNS.

Is DKIM required for ConvertKit?

Strongly recommended. DKIM is essential for deliverability and DMARC compliance.

How to Set Up DMARC for ConvertKit

Publish a DMARC record to protect your domain when using ConvertKit for email marketing.

Quick Answer — The Record You Need

Type

TXT

Host / Name

_dmarc

Value
v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected]; ruf=mailto:[email protected]; fo=1

Complete ConvertKit domain authentication first.

Step-by-Step Setup

1

Complete domain authentication in ConvertKit

Set up all DNS records provided by ConvertKit (SPF/DKIM via CNAME records).

2

Test email authentication

Send a test email via ConvertKit and check headers for SPF and DKIM pass.

3

Create the DMARC record

Add a TXT record at _dmarc.yourdomain.com.

v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected]; ruf=mailto:[email protected]; fo=1
4

Monitor reports

Review DMARC aggregate reports for 2-4 weeks.

5

Enforce gradually

Move from p=none to p=quarantine to p=reject.

DMARC Gotchas

  • ConvertKit domain authentication must be complete for DMARC alignment. Without it, emails may fail alignment.
  • ConvertKit is a newsletter/creator platform. If you also use other email services, ensure all are authenticated.
  • Gmail and Yahoo require DMARC for bulk senders (5,000+ emails/day). ConvertKit users should have DMARC configured.

DMARC FAQ

Does ConvertKit support DMARC?

Yes. With domain authentication complete, ConvertKit emails pass DMARC via DKIM alignment.

Is DMARC required for ConvertKit?

DMARC is strongly recommended, especially for creators sending to Gmail and Yahoo users, which require DMARC for bulk senders.

Will DMARC block my ConvertKit newsletters?

Not if domain authentication is properly configured. Only unauthenticated emails are affected by DMARC enforcement.

Verify Your ConvertKit Setup

Once your SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are in place, run a full domain scan to confirm everything is configured correctly. DNS changes typically propagate within minutes but can take up to 48 hours.

Setup Guides for Other Providers