Can my website and email be at different companies?
Yes, and many people prefer it. The website uses the A and AAAA records, and the mail provider uses the MX records plus SPF, DKIM and DMARC. Just make sure that when you change the website's host, you do not accidentally change or delete the mail records.
How do I know if my email is being blocked?
Send test messages to a few different providers and read the bounces. Use an email testing service to check SPF, DKIM, DMARC and blocklists. Look at your DMARC reports if you have them turned on. Silent spam-folder delivery is harder to see, which is why you should test with real inboxes, too.
Why are my emails going to spam even with SPF and DKIM set up?
Authentication is necessary but not sufficient. Reputation of the sending address, content, links, the volume you send and recipient engagement all play a part. Check blocklists, test with a mail-checking service, and send to engaged recipients first.
What is the difference between IMAP and POP3?
IMAP keeps messages on the server and synchronises devices, so folders and read status match everywhere. POP3 typically downloads messages to one device. Use IMAP unless you have a particular reason not to.
Why can I receive email but not send it?
Common reasons: the outgoing server settings are wrong, your internet provider blocks port 25, authentication is missing, or the provider rate-limits you. Use your host's submission port (usually 587 or 465) with login details.
How do I stop my own domain's email being forged?
Publish SPF and DKIM, then add a DMARC record and move gradually to a quarantine or reject policy. Read the aggregate reports to find legitimate sources you forgot about, such as invoicing tools.
Should I use my hosting email or a separate service?
Hosting mailboxes are fine for small, low-volume use. A separate provider gives better deliverability, collaboration tools, spam filtering and support, and keeps mail working if you change web host.
What is a catch-all mailbox and should I use one?
It receives mail sent to any address at your domain that does not exist. It saves you missing mistyped addresses, and it also collects huge amounts of spam. Most people are better off creating the specific addresses they need.