A custom from address (CFA) allows you to send emails from a domain or subdomain associated with your brand. Learn how to choose, set up, verify, and manage custom from addresses in Dotdigital.
Choose a custom from address
When you create a custom from address (CFA), there are some words we recommend using and others to avoid.
Recommended words
news
events
latest
email
updates
marketing
transactional
Words to avoid
To help reduce the risk of triggering spam filters, avoid using:
offers
special
promotions
info
credit
Example custom from addresses
Formatting rules
Your CFA can’t include accented characters.
The subdomain can only contain lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and hyphens (-).
Choose how to set up a custom from address
You can set up a custom from address in one of the following ways, depending on your requirements and domain setup:
- use a subdomain of a domain you already own,
- purchase a new sending domain through Dotdigital, or
- create an alias for an existing sending domain.
The sections below explain each option and when to use it.
Use a subdomain for a custom from address
To use a subdomain for your custom from address, check with your IT team or domain provider whether the subdomain can be pointed to Dotdigital. Some domain providers don’t allow subdomains to use different name servers from the parent domain.
If this is allowed, you need to create specific NS records that point to us.
Learn how in Delegate a subdomain to our servers.
Purchase a new domain for your custom from address
You can send from multiple custom from addresses and use more than one sending domain.
On the Address purchasing page you can:
Set up a new sending domain
This gives you exclusive use of a domain name, such as email-mycompany.com.Set up an alias for a domain that you already own
If, for example, you already have news@example.com, you could create updates@example.com.
You can purchase domains ending in:
.com
.net
.org
.uk.com
.org.uk
.co.uk
.com.mx
.mx
.in
Other domain options are available through alternative purchase methods. Contact your Customer Success representative to discuss these.
Purchase a new sending domain
Expand the User menu and go to Settings > Email > From addresses.
Select PURCHASE NEW ADDRESS.
If this option isn’t available, contact Dotdigital to enable it.
On the purchase page:
Enter the email address you want to send from.
Select CHECK AVAILABILITY.
If the domain isn’t available, choose from the suggested alternatives.
Enter your contact information.
Select PURCHASE ADDRESS, then review and confirm the cost.
We charge your account and begin setting up the address.
Domain verification instructions are sent to the email address you provided.
Newly purchased addresses may show as Pending while setup and verification are completed.
Ramp up sending
Whether you purchase a new domain or use a subdomain, you need to ramp up your sending. Gradually increase volume and target engaged contacts to build a positive sender reputation with mailbox providers.
Send from a new domain
We recommend waiting at least 30 days before sending from a newly purchased domain. Mailbox providers treat brand‑new domains as higher risk, and sending too soon can affect deliverability.
Verify your domain
You must verify your domain within 15 days of purchase. If verification isn’t completed, the domain is suspended.
After registration, a verification email is sent to the address you provided.
Note that:
Verification emails aren’t sent by Dotdigital.
Generic TLDs receive emails from noreply@emailverification.info.
.uk domains receive emails from serviceapplications@nominet.org.uk.
We can request a resend of verification emails for all TLDs except .co.uk domains.
If a domain is suspended, the NS records show:
ns1.emailverification.info
ns2.emailverification.info
If a .uk domain is suspended, you must contact Nominet directly.
Purchase an alias for an existing domain
If you already send from news@email.company123.com, purchasing a new alias lets you send from updates@email.company123.com.
Aliases and deliverability
The alias doesn’t affect inbox placement. Mailbox providers base reputation on the sending domain, not the address name.
However, recipients may notice the alias. Changing it can affect recognition, filtering, or safe‑listing, which may influence engagement.
Choose an alias your recipients trust, and use it consistently.
The alias doesn’t affect inbox placement. Mailbox providers base reputation on the sending domain, not the address name.
Purchase an alias
Expand the User menu and go to Settings > Email > From addresses.
Enter the alias and select the domain.
Select PURCHASE ALIAS and confirm the cost.
We charge your account. Setup can take up to 30 minutes.
Once ready, you can use the alias as a custom from address.
Domain security
All domains purchased through Dotdigital are secured with SSL. This helps protect your branded pages and ensures best‑practice security.
Email links, unsubscribe pages, landing pages, surveys, signup forms, and preference centres under your domain are protected.
Change registrant details
Expand the User menu and go to Settings > General > Domain names.
Select the Edit icon next to the domain.
Update the details and select SAVE.
If required, complete verification using the email sent to the registered address.
Change renewal settings
Expand the User menu and go to Settings > General > Domain names.
Select the Edit icon for the domain.
Select Renew domain to renew manually.
Select Auto renew to renew automatically each year.
Select SAVE.
Find and manage custom from addresses
You can manage custom from addresss in two places:
When creating a campaign, select a custom from address from the From address dropdown.
To view or edit custom from addresss, expand the User menu and go to Settings Email > From addresses.
Replies to emails sent from a CFA
You can view replies in the Replies drilldown report.
Other reply options include:
setting a custom reply‑to address,
using a forwarding address at campaign level,
triggering automatic responses.
Set a custom reply‑to address
Expand the User menu and go to Settings > Email > From addresses.
Select the Edit icon for the CFA.
Optionally, select Add to existing campaigns.
Select SAVE.
Changes can take up to 30 minutes and can’t be reversed.
Transfer a custom from address to another registrar
You can transfer a CFA to a new registrar.
For .co.uk domains, provide your new registrar’s TAG code and we’ll push the domain.
For other domains, we provide an authorisation code.
During the transfer, the domain can’t be used. After transfer, point the name servers back to Dotdigital and notify accounts@dotdigital.com.
Further information:
Can I provide only MX records for my existing domain?
No. You must point the NS (name server) records to Dotdigital, not just the MX records.
We use the subdomain for additional services, such as hosting landing pages and providing enhanced reporting on opens, clicks, and bounces. If you delegate only MX records, we can’t provide these services.
Can I run a domain myself using DNS records or a zone file?
Yes, but only if you can’t delegate your subdomain to us. You must speak to your Customer Success representative before using this option.
While we recommend delegating DNS records to our name servers for optimal performance and ease of updates, we understand that self‑hosting may be required in some cases, such as registrar restrictions.
If you self‑host, you’re responsible for applying any required DNS updates. We provide the necessary DNS records, but you must inform your Customer Success representative so they can add the custom from address to your account.
Learn more:
Can I change DNS records for a purchased or delegated domain?
No. Our DNS records are standardised and managed to optimise email delivery, so changes aren’t supported.
Can I use a dynamic alias?
No. Dynamic aliases aren’t supported.
You can personalise the Friendly from name using a contact data field.
For example, using @ASSIGNED_TO@ inserts the name of the contact’s assigned advisor. If no value exists, a default value is used.