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SendGrid

Account Setup Instructions

Step 1: Sign Up for SendGrid

  • Click here to go to the SendGrid website and click on "Sign Up" or "Start for Free" to create a new account.
  • Fill in the required information to create an account, including your email address, password, and other relevant details. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration process.
  • Once you've created an account and logged in, you'll be taken to the SendGrid dashboard.

Step 2: Verification

Domain verification (Step 2a) is the recommended method for authenticating your email sending domain. It offers enhanced security and better email deliverability. By verifying your domain, you establish trust with email service providers and reduce the chances of your emails being marked as spam.

However, if you don't have immediate access to DNS records, you can use Single Sender Verification (Step 2b) to start sending emails. Keep in mind that while Single Sender Verification is a quick way to begin, domain verification is the preferred method for long-term success.

Step 2a: Verify Your Domain (Domain Verification)

  • In the SendGrid dashboard, navigate to the "Settings" section.
  • In the "Settings" menu, select "Sender Authentication."
  • Click on "Get Started" under the "Domain Authentication" section.
  • Enter the domain you want to verify. Make sure you have access to the DNS records of the domain.
  • Click on the "Verify" button, and SendGrid will provide you with a set of DNS records that need to be added to your domain's DNS configuration.
  • Access your domain's DNS records through your domain registrar or DNS hosting provider. This may involve logging into your domain registrar's website or contacting your hosting provider for assistance.
  • Add the provided DNS records (TXT or CNAME records) to your domain's DNS configuration.
  • After adding the DNS records, return to the SendGrid dashboard and click on the "Verify" button next to your domain. SendGrid will check the DNS records, and once verified, your domain will be marked as authenticated.

Step 2b (Alternative): Single Sender Verification

If you don't have immediate access to DNS records, you can use Single Sender Verification to get started:

  • In the SendGrid dashboard, navigate to the "Settings" section.
  • In the "Settings" menu, select "Sender Authentication."
  • Click on "Get Started" under the "Single Sender Verification" section.
  • Follow the instructions to verify individual sender email addresses.

While Single Sender Verification provides an immediate way to start sending emails, we recommend domain verification for enhanced security and better email deliverability once you gain access to DNS records.

Step 3: Sign Up for the Essentials Plan

  • From the SendGrid dashboard, go to "Settings" and select "Billing & Upgrade."
  • On the "Billing & Upgrade" page, locate the "Essentials" plan and click on the "Upgrade" or "Get Started" button associated with it.
  • Follow the prompts to provide the necessary billing and payment information.
  • Once the payment details are provided, confirm the purchase, and your account will be enrolled in the Essentials plan.

Step 4: Obtain an API Key

  • From the SendGrid dashboard, go to "Settings" and select "API Keys."
  • Click on "Create API Key" and provide a name for the key.
  • Select "Full Access" or grant the necessary permissions to the key.
  • After configuring the permissions, click on the "Create & View" button. SendGrid will generate an API key for you.
  • Make sure to copy the API key and store it securely. This key will be used in your software to integrate with SendGrid's services.

Step 5: Set Up Forward Bounce Messages

  • From the SendGrid dashboard, navigate to "Settings" and select "Mail Settings."
  • Under "Event Settings," locate "Forward Bounce Messages" and click on it.
  • Toggle the switch to enable "Event Notification" for bounces.
  • In the "Forward Bounce Emails To" field, enter the email address where you want to receive bounce notifications.
  • Configure any other settings as needed, such as selecting the bounce categories you want to receive notifications for.
  • Click "Save" to save your bounce message forwarding settings.

Configuring bounce message forwarding ensures that you receive notifications about bounced emails, allowing you to manage email delivery issues effectively.

Step 6 (Optional): Set Up Forward Spam Reports

Setting up spam report forwarding is optional but can be useful for monitoring and addressing potential email deliverability issues caused by spam reports. By configuring this feature, you can receive notifications about emails that recipients mark as spam, allowing you to take corrective actions to improve your email sending practices and user engagement. This step helps you maintain a healthy email sender reputation and ensures that your emails are more likely to reach the recipients' inboxes instead of their spam folders.

  1. From the SendGrid dashboard, navigate to "Settings" and select "Mail Settings."
  2. Under "Event Settings," locate "Forward Spam Reports" and click on it.
  3. Enter the email address where you want to receive spam report notifications.
  4. Configure any other settings as needed, such as selecting the spam report categories you want to receive notifications for.
  5. Click "Save" to save your spam report forwarding settings.

By following these optional steps, you can proactively manage spam reports and ensure that your email campaigns maintain a high level of deliverability and user satisfaction.

After completing these steps, you'll have a verified domain, be signed up for the Essentials plan with a full-access API key.

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