Adding DNS records from Amazon to Domains for better email delivery

Adding DNS records from Amazon to Domains for better email delivery

When you send emails from your domain using Amazon SES (Simple Email Service), other email providers like Gmail, Outlook, and others need to trust that your messages are legitimate. Adding DNS records (such as DKIM and SPF) to your domain helps:
  1. Improve email deliverability: Your emails are less likely to go to spam.
  2. Authenticate your domain: Proves that Amazon SES is authorized to send emails on your behalf.
  3. Protect your brand: Prevents spoofing and phishing attempts using your domain.
Even if you’re not technical, think of DNS records as “digital ID cards” for your domain that email servers check before accepting your messages.
Think of it like updating your phone’s contact list so people know who you are when you call. DNS records do the same for your emails—they tell email servers, “This message is really from you.”

To Configure;
  1. Step 1: Get DNS Records from Amazon SES (Pitcrew or Helpdesk manager to do this)
    1. Log in to the Amazon SES Console.
    2. Navigate to Verified Identities.
    3. Select your domain identity.
    4. Go to the Authentication tab.
    5. Expand Publish DNS records (for Easy DKIM) or the relevant section for standard verification.
    6. Export as CSV file
  2. Step 2: Add Records to Domain to either of (whoever looks after clinics domain to do this);
    1. Squarespace DNS
      1. Log in to Squarespace and open Domains.
      2. Select your domain.
      3. Click DNS Settings → Custom Records → Add Record.
      4. For each record:
        1. Type: Choose CNAME
        2. Host: Enter only the subdomain part (e.g., akjsdhkajshdkjahsd._domainkey). (you can exclude domain after domain key)
        3. Data: Paste the full value from AWS.
        4. Leave Priority/TTL as default unless AWS specifies otherwise.
        5. Click Save after each record.
    2. Google Domains
      1. Log in to Google Domains.
      2. Select your domain → DNS.
      3. Scroll to Custom Records → Manage Custom Records.
      4. Click Add Record:
        1. Type: CNAME
        2. Host name: Enter only the subdomain part (e.g., akjsdhkajshdkjahsd._domainkey). (you can exclude domain after domain key)
        3. Data: Paste the full value from AWS.
        4. TTL: Leave default.
        5. Save changes.
    3. Microsoft 365 (Office 365)
      1. Log in to Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
      2. Go to Settings → Domains.
      3. Select your domain → DNS Records.
      4. Click Add DNS Record:
        1. Type: CNAME or TXT.
        2. Host name: Enter only the subdomain part (e.g., akjsdhkajshdkjahsd._domainkey). (you can exclude domain after domain key)
        3. Value: Paste the full value from AWS.
        4. TTL: Leave default.
      5. Save changes.
  3. Step 3: Verify Records in Amazon SES
    1. Return to Amazon SES Console.
    2. AWS will check for the DNS records automatically.
    3. Verification can take a few hours to 48 hours.
    4. Once verified, your domain status will show “Verified”.

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