How to Set Up DMARC on HostGator: Complete Guide

Are your emails ending up in spam folders or not reaching your audience at all? If you’re using HostGator for your domain, setting up DMARC could be the solution you need to improve email deliverability and protect your brand from phishing attacks.

Understanding and configuring DMARC isn’t just for tech experts—it’s essential for anyone managing email security. This article breaks down exactly how to set up DMARC on HostGator, including straightforward steps, practical tips, and helpful insights.

Understanding How to Set Up DMARC on HostGator

If you want your emails to land in inboxes—not spam folders—and protect your domain from phishing attacks, DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) is key. For HostGator users, implementing DMARC can seem tricky, but the process is straightforward once you know the steps.

In this guide, you’ll learn what DMARC is, why it matters, and how to properly set up DMARC for your domain on HostGator. Along the way, you’ll also find best practices, troubleshooting tips, and answers to common questions.

What Is DMARC and Why Do You Need It?

DMARC is an email authentication protocol that builds on SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail). Its main goals are:

Validate that incoming email really comes from the stated sender (your domain).
Prevent malicious actors from sending fake emails using your domain (a method used in phishing attacks).
Give you control over how receiving servers handle unauthenticated emails—from monitoring to outright rejecting them.
Provide detailed feedback through reports so you can monitor and improve your email security.

Key Benefits of DMARC

Helps ensure your emails reach people’s inboxes.
Protects your brand from being used in scams or phishing attempts.
Increases deliverability for newsletters, invoices, and other business emails.
Complies with major providers’ requirements (e.g., Google, Yahoo), who are enforcing stricter authentication.

How DMARC Works (In Simple Terms)

DMARC works by adding a simple TXT record in your domain’s DNS settings. This record tells receiving mail servers how to handle emails that fail SPF and DKIM checks.

When someone receives an email from your domain, their email provider checks your DMARC record and then decides to:

Accept the email,
Quarantine it (send it to spam),
Or reject it (block it outright).

You control this decision through the DMARC policy settings.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up DMARC on HostGator

Setting up DMARC on HostGator involves editing your domain’s DNS settings via cPanel or your HostGator dashboard. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare For DMARC: Ensure SPF and DKIM are Set Up

Before tackling DMARC, verify that SPF and DKIM are properly set up:

SPF verifies the mail servers authorized to send email on behalf of your domain.
DKIM digitally signs outbound email for tamper-detection.
If you haven’t configured these yet, start there. HostGator provides both records in cPanel under the “Email Deliverability” or “Authentication” section.*

2. Create Your DMARC TXT Record

A DMARC record is a TXT record with specific syntax. Here’s a basic example:

_dmarc.yourdomain.com  IN  TXT   "v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected]"

Understanding the Components

_dmarc.: Prefix to signal this is the DMARC record.
yourdomain.com: Replace with your real domain.
v=DMARC1: Version of DMARC.
p=none: Policy. Options are:
none: Monitor only (no action taken; just collects reports).
quarantine: Send unauthenticated emails to spam.
reject: Fully block unauthenticated emails.
rua=mailto:…: Address where DMARC reports will be sent.

3. Add the DMARC Record in HostGator

Follow these steps to add your DMARC record:

Log in to your HostGator Control Panel (cPanel).
Navigate to the “Domains” section.
Click on “Zone Editor”.
Find your domain and select “Manage”.
Click “Add Record” and choose “Add TXT Record”.
Enter the name/host as _dmarc (HostGator automatically appends your domain).
Paste your DMARC record value (inside the quotes) in the TXT data/value field.
Save your changes.

Note: DNS changes can take up to 24–48 hours to propagate.

4. Test and Monitor Your DMARC Setup

Use email testing services or tools to check if your DMARC is live and working.
Review the reports sent to the email you specified in your DMARC record.
Adjust your policy (from none to quarantine or reject) once you are confident legitimate email sources are covered.

DMARC Policies Explained

Here’s what each policy mode means:

none: Gathers information; no effect on email flow. Great for starting out.
quarantine: Instructs receivers to treat failing emails with caution (often marked as spam).
reject: The strictest. Emails failing DMARC are blocked.

Start with none for at least a few weeks. This lets you monitor and resolve legitimate problems before moving to stricter enforcement.

Best Practices for DMARC on HostGator

Start with a relaxed policy. none ensures you don’t break outgoing email by mistake.
Gradually tighten. Move to quarantine or reject when you’re confident.
Monitor reports. Set rua to an address you check frequently.
Keep SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records in sync. If you use email marketing services or third-party senders, add their servers to your SPF and DKIM.
Check regularly. Review your DMARC setup every few months or after making changes to sending sources.
Avoid typos in DNS settings. A misspelling can render the record ineffective or cause email issues.

Troubleshooting & Challenges

DMARC setup is usually smooth but watch out for these issues:

Missing SPF/DKIM: DMARC depends on these; double-check that they’re active.
Report overload: If you send lots of emails, DMARC reports can flood your inbox. Consider a dedicated mailbox or a DMARC report aggregator.
Not all senders covered: Make sure every legitimate service that sends on your behalf is included in SPF/DKIM.
Propagation delays: DNS changes don’t apply instantly; wait at least 24 hours before rechecking.

Cost Tips for DMARC With HostGator

HostGator includes DNS management: There is no extra charge to add or update DNS records, including DMARC.
DMARC itself is free: Setting up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC requires no extra fees.
If you want to use advanced DMARC reporting tools or managed services, some providers do charge fees—but for most small businesses, the built-in reporting is enough.

Pro Tips & Additional Advice

Document your setup so you can recreate it if you change hosts or registrars.
For extra analytics, consider using a DMARC report parsing service. These often include dashboards that make sense of report data.
If you use multiple HostGator domains, repeat this process for each.
When unsure, HostGator support can help confirm your DNS changes.

Real-World Example DMARC Records

Below are a few example records to help you understand how you might set up your own:

Simple Monitoring Record

Host:       _dmarc
Value:      "v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:[email protected]"

Quarantine Failing Emails

Host:       _dmarc
Value:      "v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:[email protected]"

Reject Failing Emails and Send Forensic Reports

Host:       _dmarc
Value:      "v=DMARC1; p=reject; rua=mailto:[email protected]; ruf=mailto:[email protected]; fo=1"

ruf specifies where to send forensic (failure) reports.
fo controls types of failure reports (optional; most stick with aggregate reports via rua).

Summary

Enabling DMARC on HostGator empowers you to protect your email domain from unauthorized use and greatly improves deliverability. The process is as simple as adding a TXT record through your control panel. Start with a permissive policy, review your reports, and then move towards stricter security as you fine-tune your email setup. Remember, DMARC is not a one-time fix—ongoing monitoring is the key to keeping your domain safe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if DMARC is working for my HostGator domain?
Check your DNS records using online DMARC tools or email testing services. If set up correctly, you’ll receive DMARC aggregate reports to your specified email address. These reports indicate if your policy is being enforced and how many emails are passing or failing authentication.

What happens if I skip SPF or DKIM and only set up DMARC?
DMARC depends on SPF and DKIM to function. If either or both are missing, most of your email may fail DMARC checks—even legitimate mail. Always set up SPF and DKIM before DMARC.

Can I use HostGator’s default email authentication, or do I need to create custom records?
HostGator includes basic options in cPanel for SPF and DKIM. You still need to create a DMARC record manually. If you use outside email services, you may need to customize SPF/DKIM as well.

How soon do DMARC changes take effect?
DNS changes—including DMARC updates—typically propagate within a few hours but can take up to 48 hours globally. Plan changes accordingly and re-test after giving sufficient time for propagation.

Do I need paid services to interpret DMARC reports?
No, DMARC reports are sent for free. However, the raw XML files can be hard to read. Third-party DMARC reporting tools (some free, some paid) can help summarize these reports, but most small to medium businesses can start without them.

By adding DMARC to your HostGator-hosted domain, you’re making your email safer and more likely to be trusted by recipients and email providers alike. Take it step by step, monitor your results, and enjoy greater peace of mind with your email communications.

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