Methodology

How SenderReady builds its result

SenderReady performs a public-DNS inspection only. It does not log in to email platforms, send test messages, inspect reputation, or verify Gmail postmaster data.

Signals checked

  • SPF: looks for TXT records on the root domain starting with v=spf1, then flags obvious structure issues such as missing terminal policy, multiple SPF records, or unsafe +all.
  • DMARC: looks for a TXT record on _dmarc.<domain> starting with v=DMARC1 and classifies the visible policy as monitoring-only or more enforcement-oriented.
  • MX: checks whether MX records are present to provide context on mail-domain setup. This is informative, not a standalone sender-authentication pass/fail.
  • DKIM: tries the exact selector if the user provides one, then cautiously tests common selectors and some provider-related defaults. It treats unknown selectors as partial visibility rather than a hard fail whenever possible.

Scoring

Each area contributes a weighted hint to an overall score out of 100. Good results score higher, clearly weak results score lower, and uncertain findings land in the middle. The score is designed to prioritize remediation, not to certify compliance or Gmail acceptance.

Health buckets

  • Strong: the visible DNS setup looks broadly healthy.
  • Promising: some essentials are present, but one or more areas remain partial or unclear.
  • Needs work: missing or weak records likely need attention before relying on the domain.

Important limits

  • DNS can be incomplete, stale, split across zones, or still propagating.
  • DKIM cannot be fully confirmed without the exact selector and actual message signing behavior.
  • A technically correct DNS setup still does not guarantee inbox placement or sender reputation.
  • Provider-specific nuances may require manual confirmation in your ESP, Google Workspace admin, or DNS host.

Recommended use

Use SenderReady as a pre-flight technical check before launching sending, changing providers, or preparing for Gmail-facing reviews. Use the output to guide what to verify next in your DNS and mail platform.