Keep Your Emails Out of the Spam Folder: A Guide for Ontario Businesses

Email marketing and communication are the backbone of customer engagement—but what happens when your messages land in the spam folder? It’s a growing concern for businesses, especially those in Ontario aiming to stay compliant and cybersecure. The solution lies in three powerful tools: SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.

What’s Going Wrong?

If your emails keep ending up in junk mail, it could be due to missing or misconfigured DNS records. These authentication protocols act like passport checks for your domain—verifying that messages come from where they say they do.

The Power Trio:

• SPF (Sender Policy Framework) lets the receiving server know which IP addresses are authorized to send email for your domain.
• DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) uses encryption to confirm your message hasn’t been tampered with in transit.
• DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance) tells servers what to do when an email fails SPF or DKIM—and provides reports on suspicious activity.

Why It Matters in Ontario

Implementing these protocols isn’t just about deliverability—it’s about protection. Canadian businesses pursuing CyberSecure Canada certification are encouraged to have SPF, DKIM, and DMARC in place. These measures help guard against phishing, spoofing, and brand damage.

How to Get Started

• Use free tools to check if your domain is properly set up: MXToolbox, Google Admin Toolbox.
• Talk to your domain provider or IT team about updating your DNS settings.
• Follow industry standards like the CAN/DGSI 104:2021 Rev 1 to align with cybersecurity benchmarks in Canada.

Don’t let your emails get lost in limbo. A few technical tweaks can make a huge difference in your deliverability and customer trust. Contact us today for a consultation call at 416-900-6047 to learn more!