Setup checklist#
- ☐ Publish SPF and DKIM, and a DMARC record at minimum p=none with aligned From domain.
- ☐ Add List-Unsubscribe headers and honor requests within two days.
- ☐ Use a valid forward and reverse DNS (PTR) for sending IPs.
- ☐ Monitor spam rate in Postmaster Tools and keep it under 0.1%.
- ☐ Send from a subdomain with its own reputation for marketing.
Audit checklist#
- ☐ Confirm you are not: thinking the rules only apply above 5,000; Gmail applies most of them to all senders.
- ☐ Confirm you are not: using a gmail.com From address for bulk mail, which fails DMARC alignment.
Ongoing monitoring#
- ☐ Weekly: review provider dashboards (Postmaster Tools, SNDS) and bounce logs
- ☐ Monthly: re-run the setup verification after any vendor or DNS change
- ☐ Quarterly: full audit against this checklist
Frequently asked questions#
What happens if I do not comply with Gmail bulk sender rules?
Temporary failures (4xx) escalating to rejections, and reduced inbox placement. Gmail announced enforcement in stages through 2024 and beyond.