03. Email

Configuring Outbound Emails

Email is used to reach Contacts on their email address. Using the Outbound Email Element, you can send a personalized Email message to designated Contacts within your database. You'll need an email address for each of the Contacts (often stored in the ##email## field), but don't worry if you don't have an Email address for your Contacts: simply capture it on any appropriate Microsite pages.

Note: 

MindFireInc enables companies to send transactional and opt-in marketing emails. We do not permit our Users to send unsolicited emails of any kind. We take the abuse of our services very seriously.

Prerequisites:

Before getting started, you should have completed the following task:

Create a Program in Studio How?

Create a Campaign in Studio How?

Instructions:

Configuring a Basic Email

1. Configure a Target Audience How?

2. Drag the Email App onto the Studio Canvas 

3. Configure the General tab 

4. Configure the Settings tab

• From Address: The address you are sending from

• From Name: The name you're sending from

• Subject: Your subject line

• To Address: The Contact field to which the email is sent, usually ##email##

• Reply-to Address: The address to which responses and bounce-backs are sent

• HTML: This contains your Email's HTML content

• HTML Preview: See how your Email might look when it is received by a Contact that can see HTML

• Text: This contains your Email's text content

• Text Preview: See how your Email might look when it is received by a Contact who can see only text

5. Click the Schedules tab - Add a basic schedule How?

Note: 

No email will be sent until your changes are published.

6. No configuration is necessary under the Events tab

7. Publish your Program How?

How to Configure an Unsubscribe Link

To abide by CAN-SPAM laws, your emails should provide Contacts a way to remove themselves from any future email communication. To do so, insert the following HTML:

The RedirectURL parameter controls where the Contact lands after clicking "Unsubscribe". This can be a page on any website or a special Microsite page you create.

Adding SPF/DKIM/DMARC Records to Your Domain

Email Authentication Explained

To ensure consistent email delivery, all bulk email senders are required to implement SPF, DKIM, and DMARC DNS records. The good news is you likely already have an SPF and DKIM record installed, but likely still need a DMARC record (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) which enhances email security and helps all your messages – not just those sent on the MindFire Platform – avoid spam filters and reach the intended recipients. ALL bulk mail must now be authenticated with SPF, DKIM, and DMARC, it is no longer a nice to have, but a must-have.

What is DMARC? 

Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC) is a standard created to protect both senders and recipients alike from dangers leading to data theft, which could result in monetary loss for both parties.

Please coordinate with your IT team to ensure that the following 3 records exist for any domain you are sending bulk email out of the MindFire Platform.

How to add an SPF record:

1. Login to your DNS and go to your domain

2. Create a NEW TXT record

3. For Host add: @

4. For Value add: v=spf1 include:email-od.com ~all

5. Save your changes

How to add a DKIM signature:

1. Login to your DNS and go to your domain

2. Create a NEW CNAME record

3. For Host add: dkim._domainkey

   1. Users not using GoDaddy or Google Domains may be asked to add the domain for this step. You’ll go ahead and add the end of the string: dkim._domainkey.exampledomain.com

4. For Value add: dkim._domainkey.email-od.com

5. Save your changes.

6. Once you’ve completed this step, please let the MindFire support team know so they can complete the final step of adding your domain to their server and you’ll be all set

How to add a DMARC record:

1. Login to your DNS and go to your domain

2. Create a NEW TXT record

3. For Host add:  _dmarc    

   1. Users not using GoDaddy or Google Domains may be asked to add the domain for this step. You’ll go ahead and add the end of the string: dkim._domainkey.exampledomain.com

4. For Value add:  v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc-reports@example.com; ruf=mailto:dmarc-forensics@example.com;

5. Save your changes.

6. PLEASE NOTE: 
   
   This is an example DMARC record. Please consult your IT team if you require additional support on this topic and would like to receive reporting.