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How to Add a Domain and Verify DNS Record

Learn how to add and verify your domain in GHL Customer Care. Step‑by‑step guide for DNS setup, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, auto‑configure, and troubleshooting tips.

6 min read1,307 words8 explained imagesUpdated Tue, 30 Jun at 10:05 PM
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On this page
  1. What You'll Need Before You Start
  2. Step 1: Add Your Domain
  3. Step 2: Verify Your Domain
  4. After Verification
  5. Troubleshooting Common Issues
  6. Frequently Asked Questions
Email Infrastructure
Adding & Verifying Your Domain
Protect your brand, prevent spoofing, and improve inbox placement by authenticating your sending domain.
What You'll Learn

Adding and verifying your domain is an essential step to ensure secure and reliable email delivery. This process protects your brand reputation, prevents spoofing, and increases the chances of your emails landing in the inbox instead of spam.

This article will guide you through adding your domain, verifying DNS records, and troubleshooting common issues.

1What You'll Need Before You Start

Before setting up your domain, make sure you have the following in place:

  • Access to your DNS provider's control panel (Cloudflare, GoDaddy, AWS Route 53, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.) — log in to wherever your domain is currently hosted and add the required records there.
  • The domain or subdomain you want to use for sending emails.
  • Credentials or permissions to add/edit DNS records.
  • A basic understanding of DNS record types (SPF, DKIM, DMARC, CNAME, TXT, MX).

2Step 1: Add Your Domain

Adding your domain is the first step toward email authentication. Follow the three steps below.

Step 1
Access Dedicated Domains

Navigate to Settings → Email Services → Dedicated Domain & IP.

Step 1: Add Your Domain (image 1 of 8) What this shows Email Infrastructure Adding & Verifying Your Domain Protect your brand, prevent spoofing, and improve inbox placement by authenticating… What this shows Illustrates the "Step 1: Add Your Domain" section of "How to Add a Domain and Verify DNS Record". This screenshot appears in the "Step 1: Add Your Domain" section of "How to Add a Domain and Verify DNS Record". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Adding & Verifying Your Domain Protect your brand, prevent spoofing, and improve inbox placement by authenticating your sending domain. What You'll Learn Adding and verifying your domain is an essential step to ensure secure and reliable email delivery. This process protects…. Image 1 of 8
Buttons and menus referenced Dedicated Domains+ Add Domainmail.yourdomain.comAdd & VerifySender Policy FrameworkDomainKeys Identified Mailthree-dot menuVerify domainCopyContinueVerifiedDNS
All 4 steps in this procedure
  1. Access to your DNS provider's control panel (Cloudflare, GoDaddy, AWS Route 53, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.) — log in to wherever your domain is currently hosted and add the required records there.
  2. The domain or subdomain you want to use for sending emails.
  3. Credentials or permissions to add/edit DNS records.
  4. A basic understanding of DNS record types (SPF, DKIM, DMARC, CNAME, TXT, MX).
Step 2
Add Domain

Inside the Dedicated Domains menu, click + Add Domain at the top right corner.

Step 1: Add Your Domain (image 2 of 8) What this shows Email Infrastructure Adding & Verifying Your Domain Protect your brand, prevent spoofing, and improve inbox placement by authenticating… What this shows Illustrates the "Step 1: Add Your Domain" section of "How to Add a Domain and Verify DNS Record". This screenshot appears in the "Step 1: Add Your Domain" section of "How to Add a Domain and Verify DNS Record". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Adding & Verifying Your Domain Protect your brand, prevent spoofing, and improve inbox placement by authenticating your sending domain. What You'll Learn Adding and verifying your domain is an essential step to ensure secure and reliable email delivery. This process protects…. Image 2 of 8
Buttons and menus referenced Dedicated Domains+ Add Domainmail.yourdomain.comAdd & VerifySender Policy FrameworkDomainKeys Identified Mailthree-dot menuVerify domainCopyContinueVerifiedDNS
All 4 steps in this procedure
  1. Access to your DNS provider's control panel (Cloudflare, GoDaddy, AWS Route 53, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.) — log in to wherever your domain is currently hosted and add the required records there.
  2. The domain or subdomain you want to use for sending emails.
  3. Credentials or permissions to add/edit DNS records.
  4. A basic understanding of DNS record types (SPF, DKIM, DMARC, CNAME, TXT, MX).
Step 3
Add Domain Details

Enter the domain or subdomain you want to use. We recommend using a subdomain (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com) for better deliverability. Then click Add & Verify.

Step 1: Add Your Domain (image 3 of 8) What this shows Email Infrastructure Adding & Verifying Your Domain Protect your brand, prevent spoofing, and improve inbox placement by authenticating… What this shows Illustrates the "Step 1: Add Your Domain" section of "How to Add a Domain and Verify DNS Record". This screenshot appears in the "Step 1: Add Your Domain" section of "How to Add a Domain and Verify DNS Record". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Adding & Verifying Your Domain Protect your brand, prevent spoofing, and improve inbox placement by authenticating your sending domain. What You'll Learn Adding and verifying your domain is an essential step to ensure secure and reliable email delivery. This process protects…. Image 3 of 8
Buttons and menus referenced Dedicated Domains+ Add Domainmail.yourdomain.comAdd & VerifySender Policy FrameworkDomainKeys Identified Mailthree-dot menuVerify domainCopyContinueVerifiedDNS
All 4 steps in this procedure
  1. Access to your DNS provider's control panel (Cloudflare, GoDaddy, AWS Route 53, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.) — log in to wherever your domain is currently hosted and add the required records there.
  2. The domain or subdomain you want to use for sending emails.
  3. Credentials or permissions to add/edit DNS records.
  4. A basic understanding of DNS record types (SPF, DKIM, DMARC, CNAME, TXT, MX).

3Step 2: Verify Your Domain

Verification ensures your emails are authenticated and trusted by inbox providers. This involves setting up DNS records for your domain.

What DNS Record Types Are Needed & Why
RecordPurpose
SPFSender Policy Framework — Authorizes which servers can send emails on behalf of your domain.
DKIMDomainKeys Identified Mail — Adds a digital signature to your emails proving they haven't been altered in transit.
DMARCDomain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance — Enforces authentication policies and provides reporting on email delivery.
Step 2: Verify Your Domain (image 4 of 8) What this shows Email Infrastructure Adding & Verifying Your Domain Protect your brand, prevent spoofing, and improve inbox placement by authenticating… What this shows Illustrates the "Step 2: Verify Your Domain" section of "How to Add a Domain and Verify DNS Record". This screenshot appears in the "Step 2: Verify Your Domain" section of "How to Add a Domain and Verify DNS Record". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Adding & Verifying Your Domain Protect your brand, prevent spoofing, and improve inbox placement by authenticating your sending domain. What You'll Learn Adding and verifying your domain is an essential step to ensure secure and reliable email delivery. This process protects…. Image 4 of 8
Buttons and menus referenced Dedicated Domains+ Add Domainmail.yourdomain.comAdd & VerifySender Policy FrameworkDomainKeys Identified Mailthree-dot menuVerify domainCopyContinueVerifiedDNS
All 4 steps in this procedure
  1. Access to your DNS provider's control panel (Cloudflare, GoDaddy, AWS Route 53, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.) — log in to wherever your domain is currently hosted and add the required records there.
  2. The domain or subdomain you want to use for sending emails.
  3. Credentials or permissions to add/edit DNS records.
  4. A basic understanding of DNS record types (SPF, DKIM, DMARC, CNAME, TXT, MX).
Verifying Your Domain from the Menu

Once your domain is added, open the three-dot menu next to it and click Verify domain. This tells the system to check whether your DNS records are correctly configured.

Step 2: Verify Your Domain (image 5 of 8) What this shows Email Infrastructure Adding & Verifying Your Domain Protect your brand, prevent spoofing, and improve inbox placement by authenticating… What this shows Illustrates the "Step 2: Verify Your Domain" section of "How to Add a Domain and Verify DNS Record". This screenshot appears in the "Step 2: Verify Your Domain" section of "How to Add a Domain and Verify DNS Record". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Adding & Verifying Your Domain Protect your brand, prevent spoofing, and improve inbox placement by authenticating your sending domain. What You'll Learn Adding and verifying your domain is an essential step to ensure secure and reliable email delivery. This process protects…. Image 5 of 8
Buttons and menus referenced Dedicated Domains+ Add Domainmail.yourdomain.comAdd & VerifySender Policy FrameworkDomainKeys Identified Mailthree-dot menuVerify domainCopyContinueVerifiedDNS
All 4 steps in this procedure
  1. Access to your DNS provider's control panel (Cloudflare, GoDaddy, AWS Route 53, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.) — log in to wherever your domain is currently hosted and add the required records there.
  2. The domain or subdomain you want to use for sending emails.
  3. Credentials or permissions to add/edit DNS records.
  4. A basic understanding of DNS record types (SPF, DKIM, DMARC, CNAME, TXT, MX).
Checking Your DNS Records

After clicking Verify domain, you'll see a list of all DNS records your domain requires (SPF, DKIM, CNAME, MX, and DMARC). Each record shows its current verification status, and you can use the Copy buttons to paste values directly into your DNS provider. Once all records check out, your domain will be marked as verified.

Step 2: Verify Your Domain (image 6 of 8) What this shows Email Infrastructure Adding & Verifying Your Domain Protect your brand, prevent spoofing, and improve inbox placement by authenticating… What this shows Illustrates the "Step 2: Verify Your Domain" section of "How to Add a Domain and Verify DNS Record". This screenshot appears in the "Step 2: Verify Your Domain" section of "How to Add a Domain and Verify DNS Record". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Adding & Verifying Your Domain Protect your brand, prevent spoofing, and improve inbox placement by authenticating your sending domain. What You'll Learn Adding and verifying your domain is an essential step to ensure secure and reliable email delivery. This process protects…. Image 6 of 8
Buttons and menus referenced Dedicated Domains+ Add Domainmail.yourdomain.comAdd & VerifySender Policy FrameworkDomainKeys Identified Mailthree-dot menuVerify domainCopyContinueVerifiedDNS
All 4 steps in this procedure
  1. Access to your DNS provider's control panel (Cloudflare, GoDaddy, AWS Route 53, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.) — log in to wherever your domain is currently hosted and add the required records there.
  2. The domain or subdomain you want to use for sending emails.
  3. Credentials or permissions to add/edit DNS records.
  4. A basic understanding of DNS record types (SPF, DKIM, DMARC, CNAME, TXT, MX).
DNS Configuration
Choose Your Setup Method
Configure DNS records automatically if your provider is supported, or enter them manually.
Option 1
Auto-Configure via DNS Provider Integration

This is the simplest method if your DNS provider is supported.

  1. After adding your domain, click Continue.
  2. The platform will detect your DNS provider (e.g., Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Namecheap).
  3. Log in and authorize Lead Connector to configure your DNS records automatically.
  4. Once completed, your domain will be marked as Verified.
Note

If your DNS provider isn't supported for auto-configuration, you'll be prompted to set up records manually instead.

Step 2: Verify Your Domain (image 7 of 8) What this shows Email Infrastructure Adding & Verifying Your Domain Protect your brand, prevent spoofing, and improve inbox placement by authenticating… What this shows Illustrates the "Step 2: Verify Your Domain" section of "How to Add a Domain and Verify DNS Record". This screenshot appears in the "Step 2: Verify Your Domain" section of "How to Add a Domain and Verify DNS Record". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Adding & Verifying Your Domain Protect your brand, prevent spoofing, and improve inbox placement by authenticating your sending domain. What You'll Learn Adding and verifying your domain is an essential step to ensure secure and reliable email delivery. This process protects…. Image 7 of 8
Buttons and menus referenced Dedicated Domains+ Add Domainmail.yourdomain.comAdd & VerifySender Policy FrameworkDomainKeys Identified Mailthree-dot menuVerify domainCopyContinueVerifiedDNS
All 4 steps in this procedure
  1. Access to your DNS provider's control panel (Cloudflare, GoDaddy, AWS Route 53, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.) — log in to wherever your domain is currently hosted and add the required records there.
  2. The domain or subdomain you want to use for sending emails.
  3. Credentials or permissions to add/edit DNS records.
  4. A basic understanding of DNS record types (SPF, DKIM, DMARC, CNAME, TXT, MX).
Option 2
Manual DNS Setup

If auto-configure isn't available, add DNS records manually. The platform will provide the exact records you need. Follow these general guidelines:

  • Type: Add records as TXT, CNAME, or MX as instructed.
  • Name / Host: For root domains use "@". For subdomains (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com), enter only the subdomain part (e.g., "mail").
  • Value: Copy and paste the values exactly as shown — do not alter them.
  • TTL: Set to 5 minutes (300 seconds) where possible.
Step 2: Verify Your Domain (image 8 of 8) What this shows Email Infrastructure Adding & Verifying Your Domain Protect your brand, prevent spoofing, and improve inbox placement by authenticating… What this shows Illustrates the "Step 2: Verify Your Domain" section of "How to Add a Domain and Verify DNS Record". This screenshot appears in the "Step 2: Verify Your Domain" section of "How to Add a Domain and Verify DNS Record". For context, this section explains: Email Infrastructure Adding & Verifying Your Domain Protect your brand, prevent spoofing, and improve inbox placement by authenticating your sending domain. What You'll Learn Adding and verifying your domain is an essential step to ensure secure and reliable email delivery. This process protects…. Image 8 of 8
Buttons and menus referenced Dedicated Domains+ Add Domainmail.yourdomain.comAdd & VerifySender Policy FrameworkDomainKeys Identified Mailthree-dot menuVerify domainCopyContinueVerifiedDNS
All 4 steps in this procedure
  1. Access to your DNS provider's control panel (Cloudflare, GoDaddy, AWS Route 53, Namecheap, Google Domains, etc.) — log in to wherever your domain is currently hosted and add the required records there.
  2. The domain or subdomain you want to use for sending emails.
  3. Credentials or permissions to add/edit DNS records.
  4. A basic understanding of DNS record types (SPF, DKIM, DMARC, CNAME, TXT, MX).
Examples by DNS Provider
Cloudflare
  1. Log into Cloudflare.
  2. Go to your domain's DNS settings.
  3. Add the records provided (TXT, CNAME, MX). Make sure records are set to DNS only (gray cloud) — not Proxied.
GoDaddy
  1. Log into GoDaddy.
  2. Open Domains → Manage DNS.
  3. Click Add and enter each record.
AWS Route 53
  1. Open the AWS console.
  2. Go to Route 53 → Hosted Zones.
  3. Create the necessary record sets.
Namecheap
  1. Log into Namecheap.
  2. Go to Domain List → Manage → Advanced DNS.
  3. Add the DNS records provided.
Google Domains
  1. Log into Google Domains.
  2. Select your domain and go to DNS settings.
  3. Add the DNS records accordingly.

4After Verification

Once your records are verified, here's what to expect and what to do next:

  • SSL Certificate Issued: An SSL certificate is automatically issued — this typically takes 1–10 minutes after verification completes.
  • Domain Status: Your domain will show as Verified / Active in the platform.
  • Test Sending: Send test emails to confirm SPF and DKIM pass in the email headers.
  • Monitor Deliverability: Use DMARC reports and inbox placement testing tools to track ongoing performance.
You're All Set

Your domain is now authenticated and ready for sending. Continue monitoring your DMARC reports regularly to catch any deliverability issues early.

5Troubleshooting Common Issues

If verification fails, work through the following checklist:

  • Double-check that each record matches exactly as provided — even a single character difference can cause failure.
  • Ensure you selected the correct record type (TXT, CNAME, or MX).
  • Verify the Host / Name field is correct — avoid adding extra "@" symbols or omitting the subdomain portion.
  • Check if TTL is set too high — lower it to 300 seconds (5 minutes) if possible to speed up propagation.
  • Be patient: DNS propagation can take up to 24–48 hours depending on your provider.
  • For DMARC: Ensure only one DMARC record exists per domain — multiple records will cause authentication to fail.
  • For SPF: Ensure there are no duplicate SPF records — only one SPF TXT record should exist per domain.
Tip

After updating DNS records, wait a few minutes then click Verify domain again from the three-dot menu to re-trigger the verification check.

6Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I use a root domain or a subdomain?
We recommend using a subdomain (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com) to protect your root domain's reputation. If deliverability issues arise, isolating email on a subdomain prevents them from affecting your main domain.
Q: How long does domain verification take?
Typically within 1–10 minutes, but in rare cases DNS propagation can take up to 24–48 hours depending on your provider's TTL settings.
Q: What if my DNS provider isn't supported for auto-configuration?
Use the manual setup option instead. The platform provides all exact values you need to copy and paste directly into your DNS provider's control panel.
Q: Do I need a DMARC record for both my root domain and subdomain?
No. If a DMARC record is already set on your root domain, you don't need to add it again for the subdomain — the root domain policy applies to subdomains by default.
Q: What happens if I misconfigure SPF or DKIM?
Emails may land in spam or fail authentication checks entirely, significantly reducing deliverability. Always double-check your records against the provided values before triggering verification.
Q: Can I add multiple domains?
Yes. You can add and verify multiple dedicated domains or subdomains from Settings → Email Services → Dedicated Domain & IP. Each domain goes through the same verification process.
Q: Why is Cloudflare proxying causing verification to fail?
In Cloudflare, ensure your DNS records are set to DNS only (gray cloud icon), not Proxied (orange cloud). Proxying CNAME records used for email authentication is not supported and will cause verification failure.
Q: What does "SSL Certificate Issued" mean after verification?
After your domain verifies, an SSL certificate is automatically issued to secure connections associated with your sending domain. This completes within 1–10 minutes and is required before the domain becomes fully active.

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