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Starting February 2024, Google and Yahoo enforce stricter requirements for bulk email senders. If you send more than 5,000 emails per day, you must meet these standards or your emails may be blocked.
These requirements apply to all senders, not just marketers. Transactional emails (appointment confirmations, invoices) count toward your daily volume.

What changed

RequirementDetailsDeadline
SPF and DKIM authenticationAll emails must pass SPF and DKIM checksFebruary 2024
DMARC recordYour domain must have a DMARC DNS record (at minimum p=none)February 2024
One-click unsubscribeMarketing emails must include a List-Unsubscribe header for one-click opt-outJune 2024
Spam rate thresholdKeep reported spam rate below 0.3% (target under 0.1%)February 2024
Valid forward and reverse DNSSending IPs must have proper PTR recordsFebruary 2024
TLS encryptionAll email must be sent over TLSFebruary 2024

How to comply in HoopAI

1. Set up a dedicated sending domain

1

Go to email settings

Navigate to Settings → Email Services → Dedicated Domain.
2

Add your domain

Enter your sending domain and follow the prompts to add SPF and DKIM DNS records.
3

Verify

HoopAI will check your DNS records and show green checkmarks when verified.

2. Add a DMARC record

If you do not already have one, add a DMARC TXT record to your DNS:
Host: _dmarc.yourdomain.com
Value: v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:dmarc-reports@yourdomain.com
Start with p=none to monitor without blocking. After reviewing reports, move to p=quarantine and then p=reject.

3. Enable one-click unsubscribe

HoopAI automatically includes List-Unsubscribe headers on marketing emails sent through the email builder and campaigns. Verify by:
  1. Sending a test email to a Gmail account
  2. Checking that the “Unsubscribe” link appears next to the sender name
  3. Confirming it works with a single click

4. Monitor your spam rate

1

Set up Google Postmaster Tools

Go to postmaster.google.com and verify your domain.
2

Check spam rate regularly

Your spam rate must stay below 0.3%. Target under 0.1% for best deliverability.
3

Take action if spam rate rises

  • Reduce send volume temporarily
  • Clean your list — remove unengaged contacts
  • Improve content relevance
  • Make the unsubscribe link more visible (reducing spam reports)

Compliance checklist

ItemStatus check
Dedicated sending domain configuredSettings → Email Services → green checkmarks
SPF record addedDNS TXT record includes HoopAI SPF
DKIM records addedDNS CNAME records match Settings values
DMARC record existsDNS TXT record for _dmarc.yourdomain.com
One-click unsubscribe workingTest email shows unsubscribe link in Gmail
Spam rate under 0.3%Google Postmaster Tools dashboard
Only sending to opted-in contactsContact import includes consent verification
Unsubscribe link in every marketing emailEmail templates include footer unsubscribe

What happens if you do not comply

  • Gmail: Emails may be deferred, sent to spam, or blocked entirely. Gmail may return 550 errors
  • Yahoo: Similar filtering — emails rejected or sent to spam
  • Other providers: Microsoft and Apple are expected to adopt similar requirements

Frequently asked questions

SPF and DKIM are required for all senders regardless of volume. DMARC and one-click unsubscribe are technically required for senders exceeding 5,000/day, but all senders benefit from setting them up.
Yes. HoopAI includes the required List-Unsubscribe and List-Unsubscribe-Post headers on marketing emails. You do not need to configure this manually.
Use Google Postmaster Tools (free). It shows your domain’s spam rate, authentication pass rates, and reputation score with Gmail.
Start with p=none which only monitors without blocking. Review DMARC reports to identify all legitimate senders before tightening the policy.
Last modified on March 6, 2026