Ever wanted your Auto Response Emails to come directly from your own email address, making them unmistakably yours? Setting up a custom "From" address does exactly that, and while it sounds a bit technical, we're here to guide you through it step-by-step.
Getting Started with Custom "From" Addresses
First things first, you'll need the ability to add a CNAME record through your email host. If you're scratching your head wondering what that's all about, don't worry. Your email host can help you out with the instructions.
Once you're ready to dive in, here's how to sprinkle a bit of your personal flair into your Sumo Auto Response Emails:
Begin the Magic: Within your Auto Response Email settings, select "Use Custom Address." Imagine you're unlocking a secret door to email customization!
Declare Your Identity: Type in the "From" address you wish to use. This is like putting on your superhero cape in the email world.
Speak the Tech Language: Add the provided three CNAME entries into your email host. Think of it as casting a spell to ensure your emails truly come from you and so other email providers don't mark those lil' guys as SPAM. After entering them:
Hit "Validate" to make sure the magic is working.
Once everything checks out, click "Save Address" to seal the deal.
🎉 Congratulations! 👏
Your Auto Response Emails will now carry your personal touch.
Understanding the Tech Behind the Scenes: DNS Record Changes
To make your domain the star of the show, you'll need to tweak some DNS settings.
But before then we just need to set the stage for what DKIM is...
DKIM, or DomainKeys Identified Mail, is an email authentication method that uses a digital signature to let the receiver of an email know that the message was sent and authorized by the owner of a domain. Without that little seal of approval, your emails get lost to the abyss...
Here's a quick guide to tweaking your DNS settings:
Navigate to your domain provider's site.
Look for a section like cPanel, DNS Manager, or something along those lines.
Update your DNS records using the
DKIMinformation we provided.
Here's what your CNAME record might look like for DKIM authentication:
Record Type | Host Name | Data / Points To | TTL |
CNAME | sumomail.yoursite.com | whitelabel.sumomail.com | Default |
CNAME | s1._domainkey.yoursite.com | s1.whitelabel.sumomail.com | Default |
CNAME | s2._domainkey.yoursite.com | s2.whitelabel.sumomail.com | Default |
A Few Handy Tips:
DKIM needs underscores, but if your registrar is old school and says "no way," you might need their help, or consider switching to a more flexible DNS provider.
Some DNS tweaks require a period at the end of records. Check with your provider if they add it automatically.
Editing DNS with Popular Domain Providers
If your domain provider isn't listed below, a quick search on their help page or a call to their support team can work wonders:
Here are some instructions for editing DNS records with popular domain providers. If your service isn’t listed here, log in to your provider’s site and search their help documents, or contact their customer support team.
🧑💻 Click to view popular providers how-to articles
🧑💻 Click to view popular providers how-to articles
Amazon Web Services: Configuring DNS, Resource Record Types
A Small Orange: DNS
Bluehost: Creating a CNAME
Dreamhost: DKIM
GoDaddy: Add a CNAME Record
Google Help Article: DNS Basics
Hostgator: Manage DNS records
Hover: Edit DNS Record
IONOS: DNS Settings
Namecheap: SPF & DKIM
Network Solutions: Edit DNS Record
Squarespace: Advanced DNS Settings
Stablehost: How do I get to cpanel?
Once your DNS records are in place, your domain should authenticate swiftly, though sometimes it takes a while (anywhere from 24 - 48 hours).
Remember to hit "Validate" to finish up.
If things don't click into place immediately, take a deep breath. DNS changes can be like waiting for a pot to boil 🫖. Give it up to 24 hours ⏰, and then check again.
Going Global: Custom 'From' Address for All Forms
Want this personalized touch on all your forms? Easy peasy:
Head over to your settings.
Click on the "Email" tab.
Select "Add one" and follow the steps above.
And there you have it! A step-by-step guide to making your Auto Response Emails unmistakably yours with a custom "From" address.