Skip to main content
Erica Greene
Erica Greene
Community Manager
September 22, 2026

How do I comply with Gmail and Yahoo sender requirements?

  • September 22, 2026
  • 0 replies
  • 9 views

Beginning in February 2024, Gmail and Yahoo began enforcing stricter authentication and sending requirements for all bulk email senders. If you don't meet these requirements, your emails may not be delivered as expected or may be sent directly to spam. This article walks through every requirement, what Targeted Email handles automatically, and what your organization needs to set up.

Step 1: Understand what Targeted Email handles for you

Several of Gmail and Yahoo's requirements are built directly into Targeted Email, and you don't need to take any action on these:

  • One-click unsubscribe — Targeted Email automatically injects Gmail's preferred list-unsubscribe method into every email you send, which allows Gmail to surface an unsubscribe button at the top of the message. Your unsubscribe page does not require a login or manual entry of an email address — supporters click once and are removed.

  • RFC 5322 compliance — All emails sent through Targeted Email conform to the RFC 5322 email formatting standard required by Gmail and Yahoo.

  • Valid forward and reverse DNS records (PTR) — Targeted Email's sending domains and IP addresses have valid PTR records in place, another Gmail/Yahoo requirement that is handled on your behalf.

Step 2: Set up SPF and DKIM for your sending domain

This is required for all bulk senders, regardless of volume. SPF and DKIM records must be configured in your domain's DNS settings. Targeted Email cannot do this for you, but the platform provides the exact record values you need.

  1. Log in to your DNS host (GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Squarespace, etc.).

  2. Add or update your SPF record to include Targeted Email as an authorized sender.

  3. Retrieve your DKIM record from Targeted Email → Settings → Deliverability and add it to your DNS.

  4. Once added, verify both records using the checker in Targeted Email → Settings → Deliverability.

Step 3: Set up a DMARC record for your sending domain

DMARC is required if you send more than 5,000 emails per day. Even if you're below that threshold, adding a DMARC record at the monitoring level (p=none) is strongly recommended — it helps establish trust and gives you visibility into who is sending from your domain.

  1. In your DNS host, create a new TXT record:

    • Host Value: _dmarc.yourdomain.org

    • TXT Value: v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:youremail@yourdomain.org

  2. Gmail and Yahoo only require a policy of p=none for initial compliance. Do not set a more restrictive policy (p=quarantine or p=reject) until you've confirmed your authentication is fully aligned — an incorrect DMARC setup can cause your legitimate mail to bounce.

Step 4: Confirm you are not using a freemail From Address

Gmail and Yahoo will quarantine any email sent from a freemail domain (gmail.com, http://yahoo.com , http://aol.com , hotmail.com, etc.) as the From Address in Targeted Email or Online Actions. This applies even if the email is otherwise correctly authenticated.

Your From Address must use a domain that your organization owns (e.g., info@yourorganization.org).

If your organization does not yet own a domain, you can purchase one through services like GoDaddy or Namecheap before configuring your email sending setup.

Step 5: Monitor your spam rate with Gmail Postmaster Tools

Gmail requires bulk senders to keep their spam complaint rate below 0.3%. Unlike some other platforms, Gmail does not notify Targeted Email when a recipient clicks "Report Spam," so you need to monitor this directly.

To set up Gmail Postmaster Tools:

  1. Go to postmaster.google.com and sign in with a Google account.

  2. Add and verify your sending domain.

  3. Once active, Postmaster Tools will report on your spam rate, domain reputation, and delivery errors, all tied to your specific domain.

Keep an eye on your spam complaint rates in both Postmaster Tools and within Targeted Email's campaign reports. A rate approaching 0.3% is a warning sign that requires immediate list hygiene or audience targeting adjustments.

Compliance checklist

Use this checklist to confirm you've met all Gmail and Yahoo requirements:

  • SPF record configured and includes include:_spfprod.ngpvan.com

  • DKIM record added to DNS and verified in Targeted Email settings

  • Domain registered in Targeted Email (Settings → Deliverability → Register Domain)

  • DMARC record added at p=none minimum (required if sending 5,000+ emails/day; recommended for all senders)

  • From Address uses an organizational domain — not Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, or Hotmail

  • Gmail Postmaster Tools set up and spam rate monitored

  • Spam rate staying below 0.3%

What else do you need help with?

What are Gmail and Yahoo's bulk sender requirements for EveryAction? | How do I keep my Gmail spam complaint rate below 0.3%? | How do I set up Gmail Postmaster Tools for EveryAction? | Why is my EveryAction email being quarantined by Gmail or Yahoo? | Do I need a DMARC record if I send fewer than 5,000 emails a day? | Does Targeted Email support one-click unsubscribe for Gmail? | What is the Gmail and Yahoo compliance checklist for Targeted Email?

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement