The Goal: Diagnose common reasons why emails sent through GrowthZone may not reach members, and take action to resolve each issue.
Before You Begin:
- You are experiencing email delivery failures, bounces, or member complaints about not receiving emails.
- You have access to your organization's DNS settings (or a contact at your DNS registrar/IT team).
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Problem: DNS record incomplete (most common cause)
Your DNS must authorize GrowthZone's servers to send on your behalf. Ensure your domain has valid SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records configured:
• SPF (Sender Policy Framework) — authorizes GrowthZone servers to send email from your domain
• DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) — proves the email hasn't been tampered with in transit
• DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) — sets a policy for how receiving servers handle emails that fail SPF or DKIM
As of February 2024, Gmail and Yahoo enforce these requirements. See the GrowthZone SPF/DKIM/DMARC Record Setup Guide for setup instructions. If you have questions about your GrowthZone DNS settings, contact the Support Team. -
Problem: Recipient's mailbox issue
The member's email address may be full, incorrect, or no longer active.
Solution: Contact the recipient directly to verify their email address. They may not be aware their inbox is full. -
Problem: Your domain is blacklisted
Sending too many emails in a short period can cause ISPs to blacklist your domain, blocking delivery to all recipients.
Solution: Use the MX Toolbox Blacklist Checker (mxtoolbox.com/blacklists.aspx) to check whether your domain is blacklisted. If it is, contact the ISP(s) that have blacklisted you and request whitelisting. - General best practice: Even with all settings correct, not every email will reach every member. Use multiple communication channels — email, website updates, banner ads, RSS feeds, and personal outreach — for time-sensitive information.
Common Pitfalls
- SPF/DKIM/DMARC setup is unclear: Contact GrowthZone Support for guidance on configuring your DNS records for GrowthZone. They will direct your inquiry to the appropriate team.
- Emails send successfully in Outlook but not GrowthZone: This is a common sign that GrowthZone's sending servers are not authorized in your SPF record. Review and update your SPF record to include GrowthZone's mail servers.