FAQs - New Email Sending Requirements

When will the new requirements be enforced?

Google has announced that it will begin enforcing the new requirements on February 1, 2024, while Yahoo has not provided a specific date beyond Q1 of 2024.

Do transactional messages also need to have 1-click unsubscribe links?

No, 1-click unsubscribe links are not required for transactional emails. However, our platform, Patch, will automatically include these links in all emails. While they can be removed from transactional emails, it is still not recommended.

Who will these changes affect?

These changes will have a positive impact on everyone involved: your subscribers will experience a cleaner and less spam-filled inbox, your deliverability score is likely to improve, and these requirements will keep you aligned with best email marketing practices.

What is a DNS provider, and how can I find mine if I don't know it?

DNS providers, also referred to as "registrars," "web hosting," or "domain hosting" companies, are entities that enable you to manage DNS records. Typically, your domain is hosted by the company from which you purchased the domain. Common domain vendors include GoDaddy, Namecheap, and HostGator. If you're unsure about your DNS provider, you can use the MXToolbox DNS Lookup tool to identify it.

What if my domain's DMARC policy is already included in my DNS records?

If your domain's DMARC policy is already set to p=reject or p=quarantine, there is no need to change it to p=none. Your domain already adheres to a stricter policy, and p=none is the minimum requirement.

Do emails sent outside of Patch need to be DMARC authenticated?

It's advisable to confirm directly with the external provider in question. In general, if those external emails use the same "from" address as emails sent from Patch, they should have a dedicated sending domain that matches their "from" address.

Do brands need to set up reporting by adding a "rua" tag to their DMARC record?

No, it is not currently a mandatory requirement but both Gmail and Yahoo strongly recommend setting up DMARC reporting. To be proactive, you can establish reporting in your DMARC policy by adding a "rua" tag with a valid email address to receive these reports. For example: "rua=mailto:dmarc-reports@mybrand.com." Before adding the "rua" tag, ensure that you replace the placeholder email address "dmarc-reports@mybrand.com" with an email address prepared to receive DMARC reports. Once the DMARC record is published, your inbox will begin to receive DMARC reports in .xml format. While these reports can be challenging to interpret, various services are available to process and present the information in a more understandable format.