#69: SPF, DKIM & DMARC Explained for Small Business

Have you ever sent an important business email and wondered if it actually made it to your client’s inbox? Or worse, discovered later that your emails were quietly landing in spam? You’re not alone. Every day, small and mid-sized businesses lose money, opportunities, and credibility because of one simple issue: email authentication.In this episode of Cash in the Cyber Sheets, we’re breaking down the three most important protocols you need to know: SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance). Don’t worry, we’ll cut through the jargon and explain these in plain English so you can finally understand what they do, why they matter, and how to check if your domain is set up correctly.Here’s what we cover in this 15-minute crash course:What email authentication is and why it’s essential for inbox deliverability.How SPF works like a “guest list” for your email servers.How DKIM acts like a digital wax seal to prevent tampering.How DMARC enforces the rules and protects your brand from spoofing.The top three mistakes SMBs make when setting these up.Quick wins you can use to improve deliverability immediately. 👉 Want to see if your email domain is properly set up? Check out our free tools and resources:Tool: SPF Record Checker Tool: DKIM Checker Blog: How to Setup DMARC (Blog Guide) Blog: How to Setup Multiple SPF Includes for Your DomainFor deeper help, grab a free Email Audit  and discover if your emails are actually reaching inboxes.If you’ve been struggling with deliverability (emails going to spam, bouncing, or disappearing) this episode is for you. By the end, you’ll understand how SPF, DKIM, and DMARC work together, what happens when they’re missing, and how to take the first steps toward securing your domain.Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s just about learning how to spell out the acronyms that keep your business safe. So sit back, grab a coffee, and let’s unlock the secrets behind the protocols running quietly in the background of every email you send.🎧 Listen now and take control of your email deliverability.