How to Setup Domain on DigitalOcean

Overview

This guide walks you through adding a primary domain or subdomain in DigitalOcean and configuring the DNS records required by Aurora SendCloud. It assumes you already have a DigitalOcean account.

If you encounter errors or issues when configuring DNS records in DigitalOcean, contact DigitalOcean's support team—they can identify and resolve the issue most quickly.

Choose a Primary Domain or Subdomain

Before proceeding, decide whether to use your primary domain or a subdomain. We recommend reviewing the following Aurora SendCloud article:

How to choose a sending domain

Here is a brief review of two key terms:

• Primary domains — for example, aurorasendcloud.com, mydnsexample.com, or google.com.
• Subdomains — for example, relay.aurorasendcloud.com, sc.mydnsexample.com, or mail.google.com.

Subdomains have an additional prefix (sometimes multiple prefixes) before the main domain. In most cases, using a subdomain with Aurora SendCloud is the preferred option.

Once you've made your decision, add the domain or subdomain to your Aurora SendCloud account, and our system will generate the various DNS records required.

Add a Domain

There are several ways to add a domain or subdomain to DigitalOcean:

Method 1: Register a new domain or subdomain with DigitalOcean.

Method 2: Transfer the registration of an existing domain or subdomain from another domain registrar to DigitalOcean.

Method 3: Configure the name servers of the existing domain or subdomain at your domain registrar to reference DigitalOcean instead of your current DNS provider.

This guide focuses on the first and third methods.

Register a New Domain (Method 1)

To create a new domain or subdomain hosted on DigitalOcean:

1. Log in to your DigitalOcean account.
2. Click Domain Management (or a similar option).
3. Click Add Domain.
4. Enter the domain you want to add.
5. Follow the prompts to complete the domain registration process.

Use an Existing Domain (Method 3)

If you have a domain or subdomain registered elsewhere and want to manage DNS with DigitalOcean:

1. Log in to your DigitalOcean account.
2. Add your existing domain to DigitalOcean's DNS management.
3. DigitalOcean will display the specific NS records you need to use at your domain registrar.
4. Update the name server records at your domain registrar to the values provided by DigitalOcean.

Configure the Domain

Once you have added the domain, access it by following these steps:

1. Log in to your DigitalOcean account
2. Go to Domain Management.
3. Find the domain you want to configure and click Manage.
4. Click Add Record (or a similar option) to configure the DNS records.

Configure SPF

SPF (Sender Policy Framework) records help protect your domain from spoofed email and reduce the likelihood of your messages being marked as spam.

SPF Record for a Primary Domain

In your DigitalOcean dashboard, enter the SPF record information shown in the Aurora SendCloud dashboard:

Note: If you already have an SPF record for this primary domain, insert include:sendcloud.org into the existing record. Place it after v=spf1 and before ~all.

SPF Record for a Subdomain

Configure DKIM

DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) records help verify your domain to prevent forged emails and reduce the likelihood of your messages being marked as spam.

DKIM Record for a Primary Domain

Note: Your DKIM host record may have a value such as default.domainkey or sc.domainkey. Use the value assigned by Aurora SendCloud for your domain.

DKIM Record for a Subdomain

Configure MX Records

MX records specify where emails sent to your domain should be delivered.

MX Record for a Primary Domain

Note: Ensure that only Aurora SendCloud MX records are configured for your domain. MX records for other email providers can cause unpredictable email delivery.

MX Record for a Subdomain

Configure DMARC

DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance) is an email authentication protocol that protects your domain from spoofing and phishing attacks. It builds on SPF and DKIM to provide policy guidance for inbox providers.

DMARC Record for a Primary Domain

Parameter Description:

• v=DMARC1: Protocol version
• p=none: Monitor mode (no enforcement)
• p=quarantine: Quarantine mode (messages that fail verification will be sent to spam)
• p=reject: Reject mode (messages that fail verification will be rejected)
• rua: Email address for aggregated reports
• ruf: Email address for forensic reports
• fo=1: Failure reporting option

DMARC Record for a Subdomain

Update Domain Registrar and Name Server Records

If you recently migrated from another DNS hosting provider (or are currently migrating) and your Aurora SendCloud DNS records fail to verify, you may need to update your domain's registration information.

When switching DNS hosting providers, you must update the name server (NS) records in your registrar's system. Your registrar is the company from which you purchased and registered your domain name.

If you need help identifying your registrar, use the ICANN WHOIS website.

Support

If you need help, contact the Aurora SendCloud support team from the Support page in your Aurora SendCloud control panel.

Important Notes

• The DNS record values in this guide are examples only. Refer to the actual values displayed in your Aurora SendCloud dashboard.
• After configuration, DNS records may take several minutes to several hours to propagate globally.
• Set the TTL to a low value (e.g., 300–600 seconds) for faster verification. After successful verification, you can increase it as needed.