A custom domain email is one of the most important requirements for sending emails successfully and protecting your sender reputation.

Inbox providers like Gmail and Yahoo now require bulk senders to use a verified custom domain with proper authentication (DKIM, SPF, and DMARC). Because of this, Flodesk strongly recommends that all members send emails from a custom domain email address instead of a free email address.

Using a custom domain helps your emails reach the inbox, look professional, and stay compliant with modern email standards.

A custom domain email uses a domain name that you own.

Example:

• Flodesk owns flodesk.com

• A custom domain email looks like: hello[at]flodesk.com

This is different from a free email address, which is provided by services like Gmail or Yahoo.

Examples of free email addresses:

• you@gmail.com

• you@yahoo.com

• you@hotmail.com

Free email addresses are not designed for sending marketing emails at scale.

Sending emails from a custom domain email allows you to:

• Improve deliverability by authenticating your domain

• Build trust with inbox providers and subscribers

• Look more professional and on-brand

• Enable DKIM, SPF, and DMARC authentication

• Meet Gmail and Yahoo sender requirements

• Protect your long-term sender reputation

Using a free email address (like Gmail or Yahoo) for marketing emails can result in:

• Emails being flagged as spam or blocked

• Inability to authenticate your sending domain

• Daily sending limits in Flodesk

• Reduced trust and credibility

• Long-term damage to your sender reputation

In Flodesk, if you don’t use an authenticated custom domain, your “From” address will temporarily include Flodesk’s name. This is a short-term safeguard and not a replacement for setting up your own domain.

Inbox providers evaluate every email for safety and legitimacy. Sending from a free email address is commonly associated with spam behavior and may cause:

• Emails to land in spam folders

• Emails to be blocked entirely

• Ongoing damage to your sender reputation

To reduce immediate risk, Flodesk may temporarily rewrite your “From” address to one of our verified domains (up to a daily sending limit). This allows you to start emailing while you prepare your custom domain, but it is not a long-term solution.

To meet deliverability standards and protect your sender reputation:

1. Purchase a custom domain from a domain registrar
   → How to Get a Custom Domain Email

2. Create a custom domain email address
   Example: you@yourbusiness.com

3. Add your sender email in Flodesk
   Account settings → Email setup
   → How to Add a Custom Domain Sender Email in Flodesk

4. Authenticate your domain

   • Authenticate your domain manually

   • Automatically configure your domain

Trust and Safety notes:

You may be required to update your sender email if:

• You use a free email address (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo) and your reputation is at risk

• You use a work, school, or organization email that you do not own or manage

To avoid compliance issues and maximize performance, use a domain that you own and control.

• A custom domain email looks like yourname@yourdomain.com

• It improves deliverability, trust, and brand professionalism

• Inbox providers require domain authentication (DKIM, SPF, DMARC)

• Free email addresses are not suitable for long-term email marketing

• Flodesk strongly recommends all members use a custom domain email

• Setting one up is simple and essential for inbox success

What is a custom domain email?
A custom domain email uses a domain you own, such as you@yourbusiness.com, instead of a free address like Gmail or Yahoo.

Why can’t I use a Gmail or Yahoo address in Flodesk?
Free email addresses can’t be authenticated properly and are more likely to be flagged as spam. Inbox providers now require verified domains for bulk sending.

Will Flodesk block my emails if I don’t have a custom domain?
Flodesk may temporarily rewrite your sender address and limit daily sending, but this is not a permanent solution.

Do I need a custom domain to authenticate my email?
Yes. DKIM, SPF, and DMARC authentication require a domain you own and control.

Is a custom domain email required for good deliverability?
Yes. It’s one of the most important factors for inbox placement and sender reputation.