Marketing Automation

GHL Email Deliverability

An eight-step checklist for email deliverability in GoHighLevel or Parsimony Automate: domain setup, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, warm-up, list hygiene, and monitoring.

By Parsimony Team September 1, 2025 2 min read

ArchiveArchived from the original parsimony.com post (first published September 1, 2025).

Email Deliverability Made Simple

1. Domain Preparation

Choose a dedicated domain or subdomain for email (for example, mail.yourbrand.com), separate from your website. This technique works for GoHighLevel and for Parsimony Automate.

Make sure the domain has a clean history and has never been used for spam. If it is new, you will need to warm it up.

Set up postmaster@ and abuse@ mailboxes to meet compliance requirements.

2. DNS Authentication Records

In your DNS provider (Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.), add the following records.

SPF:

v=spf1 include:spf.mtasv.net ~all

This authorizes GHL or Parsimony Automate to send mail on your behalf.

DKIM:

GHL or Parsimony Automate will generate DKIM CNAME records for your custom domain. Add them exactly as shown (usually something like ghl._domainkey.mail.yourbrand.com).

DMARC:

v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc@yourbrand.com; ruf=mailto:dmarc@yourbrand.com; sp=none; aspf=r;

Start with p=none to monitor. Later, upgrade to p=quarantine or p=reject once alignment is stable.

Tracking and bounce:

Add the GHL or Parsimony Automate tracking domain for link and open tracking. Configure a CNAME for bounce handling if required.

Optional, BIMI:

Add a BIMI record and SVG logo once SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are solid.

3. Domain and Record Validation

Use tools like MXToolbox, Google Postmaster Tools, and dmarcian to validate your setup.

Validate that:

  • SPF passes without multiple lookups.
  • DKIM is signed and aligned.
  • DMARC reports are being received.

4. Mailbox and Reputation Setup

  • Create a Google Postmaster Tools account for your domain.
  • Add the domain to Microsoft SNDS for reputation monitoring.
  • Verify in Postmark, SendForensics, or MailGenius for compliance testing.

5. Warm-Up Strategy

  • Start with low sending volume (50–100 per day).
  • Gradually double volume every 3–4 days while monitoring deliverability.
  • Send to engaged contacts first (openers and clickers).
  • Avoid cold lists until the domain has a reputation.

6. List Hygiene and Sending Practices

  • Only email opt-in subscribers.
  • Clean your list regularly with a validation tool.
  • Segment lists (engaged vs. unengaged).
  • Never use purchased lists.

7. Content and Compliance

  • Send both plain-text and HTML versions.
  • Avoid spammy words, ALL CAPS, and too many images.
  • Include a clear unsubscribe link.
  • Make sure the sender info (From name and email) matches your domain.

8. Monitoring and Iteration

  • Watch inbox placement with tools like InboxAlly, GlockApps, or Mailreach.
  • Track bounce rates (keep them under 2%) and complaint rates (under 0.1%).
  • Check DNS records regularly for expiration or errors.
  • Adjust sending frequency and content based on engagement signals.

If you do all of the above, you will have a properly authenticated, warmed, and compliant GHL or Parsimony Automate sending domain. If you want the automation side handled for you, see Parsimony Automate pricing.