Set Up Email Branding for Professional Customer Emails

When sending customer notifications through the Bird Pickup & Delivery app using your own company email, proper email authentication is essential. Setting up DKIM and Return-Path records ensures that your emails are delivered reliably and recognized as legitimate.

1. Retrieve DKIM & Return-Path Details

1. Access Bird App Notification Settings

• In the Bird app, navigate to Settings → Notifications
• Add your company details such as email, name, logo, etc.
• Click Verify to see the Hostname and Value fields for both DKIM and Return-Path.

2. Copy the Hostname & Value
   

• DKIM: Usually a TXT record with a selector._domainkey format.
• Return-Path: A CNAME record used to handle bounces and ensure correct email routing.

2. Configure DKIM in Your DNS

1. Log in to Your DNS Provider
   

• Go to the domain’s DNS management page.

2. Add a New TXT Record
   

• Host/Name: Paste the Hostname you copied from Bird App(e.g., 20250319153404pm._domainkey.yourdomain.com).
• Type: TXT
• Value/Content: Paste the DKIM key value you copied from Bird App.

3. Save & Wait for Propagation

3. Configure Return-Path in Your DNS

1. Add a New CNAME Record
   

• Host/Name: Paste the Return-Path hostname from Bird App(e.g., pm-bounces.yourdomain.com).
• Type: CNAME
• Value/Points to: Paste the Return-Path value from Bird App(e.g., pm.mtasv.net).

2. Save & Wait for Propagation
   

• Again, allow time for the DNS to update.

4. Verify Your Records

After setting up the DNS records, return to the Bird app’s Notification settings and click Verify (or follow any provided instructions to confirm the setup). Verification ensures that:

• Your DKIM record is published and valid.
• The Return-Path CNAME record is correctly pointed.

5. Confirm DNS Setup via External Tools (Optional)

If the Bird app’s verification is delayed or you want additional confirmation, you can double-check your DNS records using third-party tools:

• DKIM Record Check with DKIMCore: Visit the DKIM Core DKIM lookup tool dkimcore.org. Enter your DKIM selector (the prefix from the Hostname, for example 20250319153404pm) and your domain (e.g. yourdomain.com), then initiate the lookup. The tool will fetch the TXT record; verify that it matches the DKIM value from the Bird app and is formatted correctly.
• Return-Path CNAME Check with WhatsMyDNS: Go to WhatsMyDNS.net and use its global DNS propagation checker whatsmydns.net. In the search box, enter your Return-Path subdomain (e.g. pm-bounces.yourdomain.com), select CNAME as the record type, and start the search. The results should show the CNAME resolving to the correct target (for example, pm.mtasv.net) across multiple servers worldwide, indicating the record is propagated correctly.

Useful Help Resources

• Resources for Adding DKIM and Return-Path Records to DNS for Common Hosts and DNS Providers
• DMARC Guide and Best Practices
• My DKIM Record Won’t Verify | Postmark Support Center
• My Return-Path Record Won't Verify | Postmark Support Center

Benefits of Proper Email Authentication

• Improved Deliverability: Authenticated emails are more likely to reach your customers’ inboxes.
• Brand Protection: Reduces the risk of spoofing and phishing attempts.
• Reputation Management: Maintains a positive sending reputation with ISPs and mail providers.

Once your DNS records have been verified, your company email will be fully authenticated to send customer notifications through the Bird Pickup & Delivery app.

Related Document: Ready for pickup and dispatch email notification

Updated on: 06/11/2025