How to Set Up a Dedicated Email Domain in GoDaddy DNS

By Sparkforge Support Team ·Last reviewed May 3, 2026

To use a dedicated Sparkforge email domain on GoDaddy, add five DNS records — two TXT (SPF and DKIM), two MX, and a tracking record — to either your root domain or a subdomain. Use a subdomain if Google Workspace already owns the root.

A dedicated email domain in Sparkforge improves deliverability by sending from an address you control instead of the shared platform domain. The setup happens in two places: add the domain in Sparkforge, then add five DNS records at GoDaddy.

Decide: Root Domain or Subdomain

  • Root domain (example.com) — only use this if no other email service handles mail for the domain. If Google Workspace or any other provider sends from the root, do not use it for Sparkforge.
  • Subdomain (replies.example.com, support.example.com) — safe choice when the root is already in use. Sparkforge handles mail on the subdomain while Google Workspace continues to handle mail on the root.

Add the Domain in Sparkforge

  1. In the sub-account, open Settings > Email Services > Dedicated Domain.
  2. Click + Add Domain and enter the root or subdomain you decided on.
  3. Click Add & Verify. Leave the resulting DNS records screen open.

Add the DNS Records at GoDaddy

Sign in to GoDaddy, open Domain Portfolio, click the three dots next to your domain, and choose Edit DNS.

1st TXT Record (SPF)

  • Type: TXT
  • Host: the subdomain prefix only (for replies.example.com use replies); use @ for a root-domain setup
  • Value: v=spf1 include:mailgun.org ~all

2nd TXT Record (DKIM)

  • Type: TXT
  • Host: copy the prefix Sparkforge shows, stripping the root domain (for example mx._domainkey.helpdesk for a subdomain or mailo._domainkey for a root)
  • Value: the long DKIM string Sparkforge generates

1st MX Record

  • Type: MX
  • Host: subdomain prefix or @ as above
  • Points to: mxa.mailgun.org
  • Priority: 10

2nd MX Record

  • Type: MX
  • Host: same as the first MX
  • Points to: mxb.mailgun.org
  • Priority: 10

Tracking CNAME

  • Type: CNAME
  • Host: the value Sparkforge generates (typically email. plus your subdomain prefix)
  • Points to: the Mailgun tracking host Sparkforge displays

Verify and Go Live

  1. Save every record at GoDaddy and wait two to fifteen minutes for propagation.
  2. Return to the Sparkforge DNS records screen and click Verify.
  3. Once all records turn green, the domain is live for outbound email.

Common Pitfalls

  • Including the root domain in the Host field — GoDaddy adds it automatically.
  • Using the root for both Workspace and Sparkforge — pick a subdomain instead.
  • Conflicting SPF records — keep one combined SPF record per host. If Workspace already added an SPF record at the same host, merge them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep Google Workspace and use Sparkforge on the same domain?
Use a subdomain for Sparkforge. Workspace handles the root, Sparkforge handles a subdomain like replies.example.com, and the two never conflict.
Why do my MX records keep failing verification?
Most often the Host field includes the root domain, which GoDaddy then duplicates. Strip the root and re-save.
How long does verification take?
Two to fifteen minutes is typical, but DNS can take up to 24 hours depending on your TTL.
Do I need both MX records?
Yes. The two MX records provide redundancy; using only one will cause inbound replies to drop intermittently.

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