Email reputation is how mailbox providers like Gmail and Yahoo decide whether to deliver your emails to the inbox, send them to spam, or block them entirely. This article is for anyone sending business email from their own domain who wants to understand what affects that reputation and where to fix each part of it. By the end, you'll know which Titan setup guides to follow to strengthen your domain's reputation.
| alert-warning | Since February 2024, Gmail and Yahoo require stronger email authentication for all senders. Domains without properly configured DKIM and SPF records are increasingly likely to have their emails sent to spam or rejected outright. |
What Affects Your Email Reputation?
A few factors combine to determine your domain's reputation:
- DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) — a digital signature added to every email you send, which proves it genuinely came from your domain and wasn't altered in transit.
- SPF (Sender Policy Framework) — a DNS record that lists which mail servers are allowed to send email on your domain's behalf, so spoofed messages can be identified and rejected.
- Spam complaint rate — how often recipients mark your emails as spam. Providers expect this to stay well below 0.10%.
- Bounce rate and sending consistency — sudden spikes in volume or a high rate of failed deliveries can also damage your reputation over time.
Set Up DKIM
DKIM is one of the most effective ways to build trust with mailbox providers. To set it up for your domain, follow our dedicated guide: Set Up a DKIM Record (Email Authentication) for Your Domain.
Set Up SPF
SPF works alongside DKIM to prevent others from sending email that impersonates your domain. To set it up, follow our guide: What are SPF records and why are they important?.
Other Requirements for Bulk Senders
If you send high volumes of email, Gmail and Yahoo have additional requirements beyond DKIM and SPF, including keeping your spam complaint rate low and including a one-click unsubscribe link on commercial emails. See Email Authentication Measures for the full list.
Troubleshooting
Problem: Your emails still go to spam even though DKIM and SPF are both set up.
Cause: Reputation also depends on your spam complaint rate, bounce rate, and sending consistency — not authentication alone.
Fix: Check your standing with a free tool like Google Postmaster Tools if you send to Gmail addresses, and review the requirements in Email Authentication Measures.
Problem: You're not sure whether your domain's reputation is currently good or bad.
Cause: Reputation isn't visible from Titan alone — it's tracked by each mailbox provider separately.
Fix: Use Google Postmaster Tools or a blacklist checker like MXToolbox to see your current standing.
Problem: Your domain has been added to a spam blacklist.
Cause: This is usually caused by a high complaint or bounce rate, or a compromised account sending spam without your knowledge.
Fix: Contact support@titan.email so we can help identify the cause and guide you through requesting removal once it's resolved.