How Authentication Alignment Unlocks Outlook/Hotmail Inbox Placement

Outlook and Hotmail doesn’t just want SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to pass. It wants them perfectly aligned.

What does alignment mean? It means the domain in your From address matches the domains authorized in SPF and DKIM records. If there’s a mismatch, Outlook gets suspicious and may send your email to spam.

Many ESPs sign emails with their own DKIM keys or send from generic domains. This breaks alignment and hurts your deliverability.

Lemon Email insists on strict alignment. Every email is signed with your domain’s DKIM key, SPF is locked to your sending IPs, and DMARC policies are enforced to their fullest. This clear and consistent identity tells Outlook your emails are legitimate.

This level of alignment isn’t optional with Microsoft anymore. It’s a requirement. Without it, no matter how great your email content is, your messages are likely to be flagged.

Getting alignment right is technical but essential. Lemon Email’s infrastructure handles it for you, removing guesswork and ensuring your emails meet Microsoft’s strict standards.