📧 Optimizing Coldbean Email Setup: MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and Domain Forwarding

To make the most of Coldbean’s cold email capabilities, it’s essential to configure your domain's DNS records correctly. These settings ensure high deliverability, inbox placement, and domain safety.

In this guide, we’ll break down what each record does and how to set it up for optimal performance.

What You’ll Be Setting Up

1. MX Records – Directs incoming emails to your inbox

2. SPF Records – Declares which services are authorized to send on your domain’s behalf

3. DKIM Records – Digitally signs each email to ensure authenticity

4. DMARC Records – Combines SPF and DKIM for enforcement + reporting

All four are essential for Coldbean to deliver your campaigns reliably and securely.

Step-by-Step DNS Setup for Coldbean

1. MX Records (Mail Exchange)

These are required for receiving replies.

• Why it matters: No MX = No replies.

• Set it up: Refer to your provider's guide.

Helpful resources:

• Google Workspace MX Setup

• Microsoft 365 MX Setup

2. SPF Records (Sender Policy Framework)

• Purpose: Authorizes specific IPs/domains to send email on your behalf.

• Prevents: Spoofing, blacklisting, and spam flags.

Example SPF record for Google:

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all

Setup guides:

• Google Workspace SPF Setup

• Office 365 SPF Setup

Use MXToolbox SPF Checker to validate your SPF.

3. DKIM Records (DomainKeys Identified Mail)

• Purpose: Verifies the email content hasn’t been altered.

• Secures: Integrity + legitimacy of each message.

DKIM setup for Google or Office 365:

• Google DKIM Setup Guide

• Microsoft DKIM Setup Guide

Validate using tools like DKIMCore.org or check directly in your Coldbean dashboard.

4. DMARC Records (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance)

• Purpose: Defines what to do if SPF or DKIM fail

• Adds: Monitoring, enforcement, visibility into unauthorized senders

Example DMARC record:

v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:dmarc@coldbean.ai

Setup Guide:

• Google Workspace DMARC Setup

• Use tools like EasyDMARC or DMARCian to check your DMARC record.

Important: Set up SPF and DKIM first. Wait 24–48 hours before configuring DMARC.

Optional: Domain Forwarding

If you want to redirect a newly purchased domain to your main site or inbox:

• Use your domain registrar’s forwarding feature

• Example: GoDaddy Forwarding Guide

Do These Records Impact Deliverability?

Yes—significantly.

Without them, your emails will likely go to spam or fail to deliver altogether.

Test Before You Connect

Use tools like:

• MXToolbox

• EasyDMARC

• Google Admin Toolbox

These tools will confirm whether your domain setup is complete and ready to go.

Need Help?

If you're not sure how to configure these records, or something’s not working:

Reach out to team@coldbean.ai
Or chat with us directly in your Coldbean dashboard

Pro Tip:

If you're launching multiple mailboxes or domains for cold outreach, make sure each one has its own properly configured SPF, DKIM, and DMARC setup.

Related Articles:

• Coldbean DNS Setup for Google Domains

• Coldbean Setup with GoDaddy + Microsoft

• How Warmup & DNS Setup Work Together

• Avoid Blacklisting: Setup Guide