Set Up a Sparkforge Email Dedicated Sending Domain on SiteGround

A dedicated sending domain gives Sparkforge email better deliverability and a sender domain you control. SiteGround manages your DNS through the DNS Zone Editor. You'll add five records: SPF, DKIM, two MX records, and one CNAME.

Decide: main domain or subdomain

If your domain is companyname.com:

• Main domain (companyname.com): only if it's not used with Google Workspace or any other email provider.
• Subdomain (replies.companyname.com, support.companyname.com): pick anything before the dot.

If you receive email at the main domain through Google Workspace, use a subdomain for Sparkforge.

Add the domain in Sparkforge

1. Open the sub-account.
2. Go to Settings > Email Services > Dedicated Domain > + Add Domain.
3. Enter the domain or subdomain.
4. Click Add & Verify.

Sparkforge shows the five DNS records to add. Keep this screen open.

Add the DNS records in SiteGround

Log into SiteGround, then go to Site Tools > Domain > DNS Zone Editor. The host name field never includes the root domain.

1. First TXT record (SPF)

1. Click the TXT tab.
2. Name: the subdomain part only. For lc.companyname.com use lc; for replies.companyname.com use replies; for the main domain use @ or leave empty.
3. Value: v=spf1 include:mailgun.org ~all
4. Click Create.

2. Second TXT record (DKIM)

This one's trickier — each domain gets a unique hostname and value from Sparkforge.

1. Click + Add Record, then the TXT tab.
2. Name: copy from Sparkforge starting at the beginning, stopping before the root domain.
   Subdomain example: mx._domainkey.helpdesk
   Main domain example: mailo._domainkey
3. Value: copy the second TXT value from Sparkforge.
4. Click Create.

3. First MX record

1. Click the MX tab and select Add your own MX records.
2. Name: subdomain only (lc, replies, or @ for the main domain).
3. Priority: 10
4. Destination: mxa.mailgun.org
5. Click Create.

If your main domain handles incoming mail through Google Workspace, do not point its MX records at Mailgun. Use a subdomain for the Sparkforge sending domain instead.

4. Second MX record

1. Add another MX record.
2. Name: same as the first MX (lc, replies, or @).
3. Priority: 10
4. Destination: mxb.mailgun.org
5. Click Create.

5. CNAME record

1. Click the CNAME tab.
2. Name: Sparkforge gives you a tracking hostname. Copy from the start to the subdomain part — not the root domain.
   For lc.companyname.com: email.lc
   For replies.companyname.com: email.replies
   For the main domain: email
3. Resolves to: mailgun.org
4. Click Create.

Verify in Sparkforge

Back in Sparkforge, click Verify DNS Settings. Hit it again if records still show pending. Once all five are green, confirm the SSL certificate for the dedicated sending domain is set up. Then send a test email through Conversations to confirm everything works.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the main domain for both Sparkforge and Google Workspace?

No. The main domain's MX records can only point one way. Use a subdomain like mail.companyname.com for Sparkforge and keep the root domain on Workspace.

How long do DNS changes take to propagate?

Usually minutes to a few hours. If verification still fails after a few hours, double-check the host name doesn't include the root domain.

What if a record won't verify?

Most often the host name field includes the root domain by mistake. SiteGround appends the root domain automatically. Re-enter the host name with only the subdomain part (or @ for the main domain).

Do I need both MX records?

Yes. The two MX records (mxa.mailgun.org and mxb.mailgun.org) provide redundancy. Both must be present for full delivery and verification.