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Email Deliverability and the Upcoming Google Email Apocalypse

Do you or your business send mass emails to your clients from services like GoHighLevel, MailChimp, Active Campaign or others?

If so, your email deliverability may be in danger!  Simply put, your clients and prospects may stop seeing your emails in their inboxes.

Why is this?

Late last year, Google announced that they will be implementing new email security checks starting February 1, 2024.  They will also change the way that emails are accepted into the inbox.  

If you don’t meet these new requirements – NO INBOX FOR YOU!

Once Google made this announcement, other email providers jumped on this train as well, such as Yahoo and AOL.

So, what are these new sending requirements and how do you reach compliance?

Let’s talk about that…

Only Send Emails Using Your Branded Sending Domain

Make sure more people see your emails by taking charge of how your emails look. You can do this by creating a special sending name that represents you. This way, you won’t have the standard “sent via msgsndr.com” message, and your emails will have a better chance of reaching inboxes. 

If you send a lot of emails to Google and Yahoo users, you’ll need to set up this special sending name starting in February. Just remember, it might take 2 to 4 weeks for everything to work smoothly after you set it up.

So, when your bulk email program asks who the sender is and the name, be sure to use you@yourdomain.com

DMARC Email Authentication

Okay, this is about to get fairly technical, so put on your IT hat (or get the nearest teenager to help you)…

DMARC stands for Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance.  

It’s a type of TXT record that you add to your DNS records.  

DMARC, which stands for Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance, is a rule that makes SPF and DKIM even better. It tells email providers what to do with emails that pretend to be from your business but don’t pass SPF or DKIM checks. This helps protect your business from fake or deceptive emails.

To create the record, follow these 5 steps

  1. Sign into your domain registrar and create a new record
  2. Select “TXT” as the type
  3. Set the “host” to _DMARC
  4. Set the “value” to v=DMARC1; p=none;
  5. Save the record and wait about 30 minutes for it to propagate

When setting up DMARC, you need to choose a policy for your emails—either none, quarantine, or reject. While Gmail suggests starting with “none” for basic protection, for stronger security, consider using “reject” or “quarantine.” 

However, be careful because this requires extra work to make sure it includes all the companies that send emails on behalf of your business. If you don’t set it up right, it could affect how your emails get delivered. 

Work with your tech experts to set up DMARC correctly and keep your emails safe.

To see if your settings work, send an email to a Gmail account and take a look at the header.  You should see that the email will PASS 3 times.

You can also check your records here: https://dmarcian.com/dmarc-inspector/

Keep the Brand Consistent

Make sure your email looks professional and is easily recognized by using the same domain for your “from” address as your main branded domain.

To follow DMARC rules, the domain in your “from” address should be the same as the main domain of your branded sending name. For instance, if your branded sending name is “lc.iftsdesign.com,” the main domain is “iftsdesign.com.” 

So, if you use “hello@iftsdesign.com” as your “from” address, it stays in line with the main domain. This helps keep everything connected and trustworthy.

Don’t Send As Gmail or Yahoo

Do you send emails via MailChimp or Active Campaign from ‘you’@gmail.com or ‘you’@yahoo.com?

Simple Solution – it’s time to stop.  Only send mass emails from your domain.

Mail providers like Gmail and Yahoo are getting more strict with their policies around the DMARC record.  So, if you are sending from one of the generic mail providers, it could affect if you land in the inbox vs the spam folder.

Unsubscribing Should Be Easy

These new requirements are all about making a person’s email inbox safer.  This includes them ONLY receiving emails they want.

So, how do you do this?

Make your unsubscribe option easy to find and one-click.

Place an unsubscribe link at the bottom of every mass email you send, which is where most people expect to find it.  

Be sure to check any pre-scheduled emails that you have…do they have an unsubscribe easily available?

Final Requirement – Keep Your Spam Rating Below 0.30%

Only send emails to people who want to receive them.  This is easy to do.

If too many people say your emails are spam, it can cause trouble. 

How many people is too many? 3 out of 1000…0.30%

What can happen if your spam rate goes above this?

Your emails might:

  • be late, 
  • go to the spam folder, 
  • or not be sent at all

Stay below 0.30%!

But how do you know what the spam rate is?

You can check Yahoo spam complaints in the Spam Reports. However, Gmail keeps their Spam Reports private. 

If you want to keep an eye on Gmail complaints, use Google Postmaster Tools. You’ll have to sign up with your domain and add a TXT record to prove that you own it.

This helps make sure your emails go where they’re supposed to without any problems.

Not Sure What To Do Next?

If this seems like a lot to accomplish, or you are not quite sure where to start, give IFTS a call at 412-559-7177 or email us at si@iftsdesign.com  

We have put together a package that will:

  • Audit your domain records
  • Review your deliverability
  • Set up the requirements from above
  • Get more emails delivered to your list

Do Not Click… Common Schemes to Look Out for Over the Holidays and Beyond

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and unfortunately, increased cyber threats. As we exchange gifts and festive greetings online, cybercriminals are working diligently to exploit the holiday spirit for their own gain. It’s crucial to stay vigilant and informed about the common cyber schemes that tend to surge during this time of year and beyond. Here are some examples to help you navigate the digital landscape safely.

1. Phishing Scams: Naughty Emails in Disguise

Phishing scams are a perennial threat, but they often become more sophisticated during the holidays. Cybercriminals send emails that appear to be from reputable sources, such as shipping companies or online retailers, asking recipients to confirm personal information or track a package. Clicking on the links in these emails can lead to malware installation or credential theft.

Example: You receive an email or text message claiming to be from a well-known delivery service, asking you to click on a link to track a package. Before you click, verify the sender’s email address or phone number and double-check with the actual delivery service through their official website or customer service.

2. Can You Hear Me? The Phone Call Scam That Speaks Volumes

In this devious phone scam, scammers ask innocent-sounding questions like “Can you hear me?” or “Is this [your name]?” during a call. The twist? They’re recording your response with the sinister intent of using it against you later. A casual “Yes” from you becomes a voice recording in their hands, ready to be manipulated to make it seem like you’ve agreed to fraudulent charges or entered into a fake contract. Stay alert to these audio schemes during the holiday season!

Example: you receive a call from an unfamiliar number. The caller, using a friendly tone, asks, “Can you hear me okay?” Instead of responding with a straightforward “Yes,” respond with phrases like “I can hear you fine” or inquire about the caller’s identity before providing any affirmative answer.

3. Gift Card Scams: 'Tis Better to Receive Than Be Deceived

Gift cards are a popular and convenient present during the holiday season, but cybercriminals have found ways to exploit them. Scammers may impersonate friends or family, asking for gift card codes via email or social media, claiming they need help or are in a difficult situation.

Example: You receive a message from a friend urgently asking for gift card codes to help them out of a supposed tight spot. Always verify such requests through a separate means of communication before taking any action.

4. Facebook Business Account Removal Scam: Protecting Your Online Presence

Scammers are deploying a new tactic to exploit business owners on social media platforms. The Facebook Business Account Removal Scam is a scheme that preys on the fear of losing one’s online presence. 

Example: Business owners receive a Facebook message claiming to be from the platform’s support team. The message warns that their business account is at risk of removal due to policy violations or unauthorized activities. To rectify the supposed issue, the scammer instructs the user to click on a link or provide sensitive information.

Fear of losing access to a business account can prompt quick and unthinking reactions. Clicking on the provided link may lead to a phishing site designed to steal login credentials or inject malware into the user’s device. Alternatively, providing personal information directly to the scammer could result in identity theft or unauthorized access to business-related accounts.

Authentic communication from Facebook will generally come through official channels. Double-check the sender’s profile, and if in doubt, contact Facebook directly through their official support channels.

5. Social Media Scams: Festive Frauds in Your Feed

With the increased use of social media during the holidays, scammers leverage these platforms for various schemes. Be cautious of fake contests, giveaways, or friend requests from unfamiliar profiles.

Example: You come across a post claiming to offer a fantastic holiday giveaway, requiring you to input personal information. Always verify the legitimacy of such offers directly through the official channels of the alleged organizer.

Give The Gift of Cybersecurity Awareness

As the holiday season unfolds with joy and festivities, it also brings an unfortunate surge in cyber threats. In the spirit of giving and connecting online, cybercriminals are tirelessly working to exploit vulnerabilities. To navigate this digital landscape safely, arm yourself with knowledge about prevalent scams, from phishing emails to phone call schemes, gift card cons, and social media deceptions.

Click carefully, respond to calls wisely, and double-check before sharing sensitive info. Remember, the most wonderful time of the year should also be the most secure time in the digital realm.

Share this information with friends and family to ensure a safe and secure online experience this season.

How to Connect Your Google Calendar to GoHighLevel

Benefits of Calendar Integration

If you use GoHighLevel to manage a small painting business, it can help you optimize operations by allowing you to use a single platform rather than multiple apps and platforms. This makes it simple for consumers to learn about you, fill out forms, schedule appointments, and conduct research on your company.

Integrating your Google Calendar with GoHighLevel gives you a lot of benefits that can help you make better use of your time and make you more productive overall.

First, it saves time by getting rid of the need to physically cross-check or update multiple calendars. Second, it makes sure that your work and personal plans are in sync, which keeps them from overlapping or clashing. Third, you can easily plan meetings, set reminders, and add events, which makes you more productive. Lastly, it lets you get updates across all platforms in real time, so you always know if your plan changes.

Connecting Your Google Calendar to GoHighLevel

This can help you streamline your scheduling and ensure that you never miss an important event or meeting. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Log into Your GoHighLevel Account

The first step is to log into your GoHighLevel account. If you don’t yet have an account, you can sign up on the GoHighLevel website.

Step 2: Navigate to the Calendar

Once you’re logged in, navigate to the “Calendar” section in your GoHighLevel account.

You’ll see a tab at the top of the page labeled “Calendar Settings” that you can select.

Step 3: Click on 'Integrations'

Find and click on the “Integrations” button located on the left hand side menu of your screen.

Step 4: Google Authorization

To add your email account, you’ll be asked to provide your Google account credentials and to give GoHighLevel access to your Google Calendar. Log in to your Google account and click “allow” to provide the necessary authorization.

Step 5: Sync Your Calendars

After allowing your Google Account to integrate with GoHighLevel, you will then select the “My Profile” tab located in the menu on the left side of the screen. All of your general account information will appear, and you will be able to scroll down to the section labeled “Calendar Configuration” and click the “edit” button.

You will then be able to select your Google Calendar account to sync with your GoHighLevel account. Hit save, and you are all done!

You Are Now Synced!

After following these simple steps, your Google Calendar will be in sync with GoHighLevel. 

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Occasionally, you might encounter issues when connecting your Google Calendar to GoHighLevel. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

  1. Missing Events: If your events aren’t showing up in GoHighLevel, check to see if they’re marked as ‘busy’ in Google Calendar. Only ‘busy’ events are visible in GoHighLevel.
  2. Duplicate Events: If you’re seeing duplicate events, make sure you haven’t connected the same calendar more than once. Go to the GoHighLevel settings and verify the connected calendars.
  3. Not Receiving Updates: If you’re not receiving updates about changes to your schedule, ensure that your notification settings are correct in both Google Calendar and GoHighLevel.

Remember, if problems persist, don’t hesitate to reach out to GoHighLevel support for further assistance.

Additional Support Options for Calendar Syncing

Beyond the provided troubleshooting steps, there are other avenues for support should issues persist with your calendar syncing. 

  1. GoHighLevel Community Forum: This is a great place to connect with other GoHighLevel users. You can post your queries and get input from individuals who have encountered similar issues. Access the forum here.
  2. GoHighLevel Webinars: These webinars often address common issues, including troubleshooting syncing problems. Keep an eye on the schedule to catch relevant sessions. Find the upcoming webinars here.
  3. Google Support: Google offers comprehensive support for Google Calendar. You can find articles, guides, and community forums to get help. Visit Google’s Help Center here.
  4. Contact Support: If you’re still facing issues after exploring these resources, consider reaching out to GoHighLevel’s customer service directly via email or phone call. They can provide personalized assistance to resolve your problem. Contact details can be found here.

Remember, the goal is to ensure your calendar syncs seamlessly, enhancing your productivity and scheduling efficiency. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you encounter any issues.

​Maximizing Your Calendar Integration

To truly make the most of your Google Calendar and GoHighLevel integration, here are some effective tips:

  1. Check for Conflicts: When syncing your Google Calendar in the profile screen, you can also set up your calendar to check for conflicts.
  2. Utilize Color-Coding: Use different colors for different types of events or tasks. This helps in identifying and prioritizing tasks at a glance. 
  3. Set Reminders: Make good use of the reminder feature. Set reminders for important meetings, deadlines, or tasks.
  4. Use Description Fields: When creating an event, use description fields to note down key points about the meeting or task. This will serve as a quick reference later.
  5. Share Your Calendar: If you’re working with a team, share your calendar with them. This will not only keep everyone informed but also help avoid scheduling conflicts.

Leverage Third-Party Integrations: GoHighLevel integrates with numerous third-party applications. Leverage these integrations to maximize efficiency.

That's it!

You have successfully connected your Google Calendar to GoHighLevel. All of the events in your calendar will now be synced and you’ll never miss another important meeting or event again. 

GoHighLevel also offers a wide range of features that make managing your calendar even easier, such as the ability to view and add events to multiple calendars at the same time, create reminders for upcoming events, and access event details quickly.

Now that you have connected your Google Calendar to GoHighLevel, why not take advantage of some other features?

You can create and schedule tasks directly from your calendar, as well as set reminders for yourself to stay on top of your to-do list. You can also integrate with third-party applications, such as Slack and Zoom, to help streamline communication among teams. 

Remember, efficient use of integrated calendars can significantly boost your productivity and streamline your workflow, saving you valuable time and effort.

With GoHighLevel’s calendar integration features, you’ll have everything you need to stay organized and on top of your daily tasks! Try it out today! We hope you enjoy the convenience of syncing your Google Calendar with GoHighLevel! 

Let us know if you need help with getting your calendar synced with GoHighLevel by contacting si@iftsdesign.com!