SPF

SPF helps stop others sending email pretending to be you, and helps your own email reach inboxes. It's a TXT record that lists the servers and services allowed to send for your domain, and a domain should have only one.

Example: your team sends email through Microsoft 365, and your website sends order emails through your host. Your SPF record needs to include both. If it lists only one, receiving servers may treat the other's messages as suspicious.

If you move email or add a service that sends for you, such as a newsletter tool, update SPF to match. Adding a second SPF record instead of editing the first is a common mistake that breaks it.

SPF works alongside DKIM and DMARC. Large email providers now expect senders to set up email authentication, and bulk senders to use all three.

What it means for your price: SPF costs nothing to set up, but email in spam costs you replies and sales. When you compare email or hosting, check whether the provider sets SPF up for you or leaves it to you.

How to check yours: a free SPF lookup shows your record and whether it's valid.