Articles on: Senders

Domain Setup and DNS Checklist

Domain Setup and DNS Checklist


Purpose


Before your senders can deliver email reliably, your domains need the right DNS records in place. This article walks you through what to verify, where to add records, and how to interpret the status indicators SuperSend shows you.


Why DNS Matters for Email


Email providers (Gmail, Outlook, corporate servers) use DNS to validate that you're authorized to send from a domain. Missing or incorrect records cause bounces, spam folder placement, or blocks. SuperSend guides you through the setup, but you (or your IT team) must add the records at your domain registrar or DNS provider.



The Two Main Flows


1. External Domains (You Own the Domain)


If you're connecting a domain you already own (e.g., mycompany.com):


  1. Go to Senders → Domains.
  2. Click Connect Domain.
  3. Enter your domain (e.g., example.com) — no https:// or trailing slashes.
  4. Click Connect Domain. SuperSend validates the domain name and links it to your org.
  5. DNS setup happens when you purchase mailboxes — the flow guides you through nameserver changes and record addition.


After connecting, you may see a Processing or Setting Up status while DNS propagates. A ⚠ warning icon on the domain row means nameservers aren't verified yet. Give it 24–48 hours for propagation.


2. Buying Domains Through SuperSend


If you buy a domain through SuperSend (Billing → Domains & Mailboxes → Buy Domains), SuperSend manages registration and DNS. Status progresses: Purchasing → Processing → Active. You don't add records manually; the system handles it.



Domain Statuses: What They Mean


Status

Meaning

Active

DNS verified, ready to send

Pending

Awaiting action or propagation

Purchasing

Purchase in progress

Purchased

Domain bought, setup starting

Setting Up

DNS records being configured

Processing

Nameserver or DNS propagation in progress

Purchase Failed

Domain purchase failed — check billing

Setup Failed

DNS setup didn't complete — contact support

Inactive

Manually disabled

Expired

Domain registration expired

Cancelled

Domain cancelled



What to Check on the Domains Table


The Domains view shows:


  • Name — Your domain. A ⚠ icon means nameservers not yet verified.
  • Managed — Internal (SuperSend-managed) or External (you own it).
  • Status — Current state (see table above).
  • Mailboxes — Count (e.g., 2 / 5) — up to 5 mailboxes per domain.
  • Bounce Rate — Color-coded: green (< 0.5%), yellow (< 5%), orange (< 10%), red (≥ 10%). Tooltip breaks down invalid recipient, policy block, and total failures.
  • Affected Senders — How many senders use this domain; red if > 50% affected by bounces.
  • Top Bounce Type — Reputation Block, SEG Block, Invalid Email, etc.



Tracking Domain (Separate from Sending Domain)


For open and click tracking, you can use a Custom Tracking Domain (e.g., track.yourdomain.com). This is a different setup from your sending domain.


  1. In Campaign Settings → find Custom Tracking Domain.
  2. Enter a subdomain: track.example.com (not https://).
  3. Add a CNAME record at your DNS provider:
  1. Click Re-check DNS in SuperSend. Green ✓ means "Domain is set up." DNS can take 24–48 hours to propagate.



Quick Checklist Before Going Live


  • [ ] Sending domain connected and status is Active (or Processing with no ⚠).
  • [ ] No ⚠ warning on domain name (nameservers verified).
  • [ ] Bounce rate on domain is acceptable (< 2% preferred).
  • [ ] If using a custom tracking domain: CNAME points to trail.supersend.io and status shows ✓.



Updated on: 17/03/2026

Was this article helpful?

Share your feedback

Cancel

Thank you!