GoHighLevel Dedicated Email Sending Domain Setup
Setting up a dedicated email sending domain in GoHighLevel is a crucial step if you want reliable inbox placement, consistent branding, and improved sender reputation compared to ClickUp or other generic tools. This guide walks you through what a dedicated domain is, why it matters, and exactly how to configure it inside your account.
What Is a Dedicated Email Sending Domain in GoHighLevel?
A dedicated email sending domain is a custom domain you own and control that is used when GoHighLevel sends emails on your behalf. Instead of messages coming from a shared or generic system domain, they are sent using your branded domain, such as mail.yourdomain.com or send.yourdomain.com.
Technically, this setup uses DNS records (such as CNAME, TXT, and sometimes MX) to authorize GoHighLevel to send email using your domain. The system then signs and authenticates your messages using protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC (when configured correctly in your DNS).
Why Use a Dedicated Email Domain With GoHighLevel?
Using a dedicated sending domain gives you more control and long-term stability for your email operations. The main benefits include:
- Better deliverability: Inbox providers can more reliably trust emails that are authenticated with your own domain.
- Consistent branding: Recipients see your branded sending domain in the “From” and “mailed-by” details.
- Improved reputation: Your domain’s reputation is separate from any shared or system domain reputation.
- Scalability: As your list grows, having a dedicated domain gives you more flexibility to optimize sending behavior.
Before You Start: Requirements for GoHighLevel Domain Setup
Before you create your dedicated domain in GoHighLevel, make sure you have access to the following:
- A registered domain name (for example, yourdomain.com).
- DNS access at your domain registrar or DNS provider (such as GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Namecheap, etc.).
- Admin access to GoHighLevel at the agency or sub-account level, depending on where you are configuring your email services.
You will be adding multiple DNS records, so be ready to copy and paste values from the GoHighLevel interface into your DNS dashboard.
Step-by-Step: How to Add a Dedicated Email Domain in GoHighLevel
Follow these steps to set up your dedicated sending domain. The exact navigation labels may vary slightly, but the flow remains the same.
Step 1: Open the Email Settings in GoHighLevel
- Log in to your GoHighLevel account at the agency or location (sub-account) level.
- Navigate to the area where your email or SMTP settings are configured. This is typically under Settings and then an email or SMTP-related section.
- Locate the option to manage or add a Dedicated Email Sending Domain.
Step 2: Add Your Desired Sending Domain
- Click the button to Add or Set Up a new dedicated email sending domain.
- Enter the subdomain or domain that you want to use for email sending. Common choices include:
- mail.yourdomain.com
- send.yourdomain.com
- news.yourdomain.com
- Confirm your entry and let GoHighLevel generate the DNS records you need to verify and authenticate this domain.
Step 3: Copy the DNS Records Provided by GoHighLevel
After you submit your domain, GoHighLevel displays a list of DNS records. These often include:
- CNAME records used to link your sending domain to the GoHighLevel email infrastructure.
- TXT (SPF) records that authorize GoHighLevel’s servers to send mail using your domain.
- TXT (DKIM) records that allow messages to be cryptographically signed so providers can verify authenticity.
Leave this browser tab open. You will need to switch between GoHighLevel and your DNS provider while you copy each record value.
Step 4: Add the GoHighLevel Records to Your DNS Provider
- Log in to your domain registrar or DNS provider (e.g., GoDaddy, Cloudflare, Namecheap).
- Open the DNS management section for your main domain (for example, yourdomain.com).
- For each record shown in GoHighLevel:
- Click Add Record in your DNS dashboard.
- Select the correct record type (CNAME or TXT).
- Copy the Name/Host value from GoHighLevel into the DNS Name or Host field.
- Copy the Value or Target from GoHighLevel into the DNS Value field.
- Set the TTL to the default or a low value (for example, 5 minutes) if your provider allows it.
- Save the record.
- Repeat this for every record that GoHighLevel requires for your dedicated sending domain.
Be exact with spelling, punctuation, and spacing. Any mistake can prevent the domain from being verified.
Step 5: Verify the Domain in GoHighLevel
- Return to the GoHighLevel tab where your DNS instructions are displayed.
- Once you have added all DNS records, click the Verify or Check Records button.
- GoHighLevel will look up your DNS records to confirm they match the expected values.
If verification fails, double-check the following:
- Each record type (CNAME vs TXT) is correct.
- The host or name is entered exactly as shown in GoHighLevel.
- There are no extra spaces or unintended characters.
- DNS changes have had enough time to propagate (this can take several minutes to a few hours).
After successful verification, the system marks the domain as Active or Verified for sending.
How to Use Your Verified GoHighLevel Sending Domain
Once verification is complete, you can begin using your dedicated domain in everyday email operations.
- Set as default: Select the newly verified domain as the default sending domain for campaigns and automations.
- Update templates: Make sure email templates use a sender address (From email) that matches the verified domain.
- Align other tools: If you integrate other systems with GoHighLevel, align their sending settings with your new domain when possible.
Using a single, consistent domain across your GoHighLevel emails strengthens your branding and reduces confusion for subscribers.
Troubleshooting Common GoHighLevel Domain Issues
DNS Records Not Propagating
If GoHighLevel cannot verify your records, the issue is often DNS propagation or misconfiguration. Try the following:
- Wait 15–60 minutes and try verification again.
- Use a DNS lookup tool to confirm that the new CNAME and TXT records are publicly visible.
- Check that there are no conflicting SPF or DKIM records.
Mixed or Incorrect SPF Entries
If your domain already has an SPF record, you typically need to merge the GoHighLevel SPF include statement into your existing record instead of adding multiple separate SPF records. Your DNS should usually contain only one SPF TXT record per domain.
Emails Going to Spam
Even with a verified dedicated domain, inbox placement can still be influenced by your sending behavior. Follow best practices:
- Send only to opted-in contacts.
- Remove hard bounces and spam complaints regularly.
- Warm up new domains gradually instead of sending high volume immediately.
Additional Resources for GoHighLevel Users
To dive deeper into the official technical requirements and the exact records required for a dedicated sending domain, review the original GoHighLevel documentation at this external help article.
If you need expert help with configuration, optimization, or broader CRM strategy, you can also consult the team at Consultevo for professional implementation and support.
Summary: GoHighLevel Dedicated Domain Best Practices
Configuring a dedicated email sending domain in GoHighLevel gives you better branding, improved deliverability, and more control over your sender reputation. The key steps are:
- Add your desired sending domain inside your account.
- Copy the generated DNS records from GoHighLevel.
- Paste those records into your DNS provider exactly as shown.
- Wait for propagation and verify the domain.
- Use the verified domain as your default sender for all future email campaigns.
Following these steps and maintaining healthy sending practices will help you get more messages to the inbox and build long-term trust with your audience while using GoHighLevel as your primary marketing and automation platform.
Need Help With ClickUp?
If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your GHL , work with ConsultEvo — trusted GoHighLevel Partners.
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