Getting Started with Custom Domain Emails
Learn how to set up your own branded email addresses in under 10 minutes. We walk through domain verification, MX record setup, and creating your first mailbox.
Why use a custom domain for email?
Sending emails from yourname@gmail.com works fine for personal use, but it undermines trust when you're communicating on behalf of a business. A custom domain email like hello@yourcompany.com instantly signals professionalism and builds credibility with every message you send.
Beyond branding, custom domain emails give you full control over your mailboxes. You can create addresses for different purposes like support@, sales@, and billing@, then route them to the right team members without sharing credentials.
Step 1: Add your domain to Mailmark
Log in to your Mailmark dashboard and navigate to Domains → Add domain. Enter the domain you own (e.g., yourcompany.com). Mailmark will immediately generate the DNS records you need to configure at your domain registrar.
Don't have a domain yet? You can purchase one from registrars like Namecheap, Cloudflare, or Google Domains. Most domains cost between $10-$15 per year.
Step 2: Configure your DNS records
Mailmark requires three types of DNS records: MX records for receiving email, an SPF record for sender authentication, and a DKIM record for message signing. Head to your domain registrar's DNS settings and add the records exactly as shown in your Mailmark dashboard.
MX records tell the internet where to deliver mail for your domain. SPF and DKIM records prove to receiving mail servers that your messages are legitimate. For a detailed walkthrough, check out our DNS Setup Guide.
Step 3: Verify your domain
Once you've added the DNS records, return to your Mailmark dashboard and click Verify domain. The system will check for all required records. DNS changes usually propagate within minutes, but can take up to 48 hours in some cases.
You'll see a green checkmark next to each record type once it's verified. If a record fails verification, double-check the values at your registrar. A common mistake is adding extra spaces or missing the trailing dot in hostnames.
Step 4: Create your first mailbox
With your domain verified, go to Mailboxes → Create mailbox. Choose your email address (e.g., hello@yourcompany.com), set a display name, and you're ready to send and receive email.
Mailmark lets you create unlimited mailboxes on any plan. You can assign them to team members, set forwarding rules, and even create shared mailboxes that multiple people can access.
What's next?
Now that you have your custom domain email set up, consider adding a DMARC record for extra protection against spoofing. You can also explore Mailmark's campaign features to send newsletters and marketing emails from your new professional address.