External Domain - Change Your Email Sending Domain in the CRM to a custom domain you purchased elsewhere

Setting Up Your Custom Sending Domain

When it comes to using a custom sending domain inside the LSS CRM, you have three options:

1. Purchase a new domain directly inside LSS CRM

   • This is the fastest and simplest route.

   • Your domain will be automatically integrated into your account for use with websites, funnels, and email sending.

2. Transfer your existing domain into LSS CRM

   • If you already own a domain from another provider (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Squarespace, etc.), you can transfer it into LSS CRM.

   • Once transferred, LSS CRM becomes your domain registrar. You’ll manage renewals, billing, and DNS directly inside your CRM dashboard — no more logging into a separate platform.

3. Keep your domain at your current registrar and connect it

   • If you prefer to leave your domain where it is, that’s fine too.

   • In this case, you’ll follow the steps in this article to update your DNS records so LSS CRM can send emails on your behalf.

Important: If you choose option 3 (keeping your domain with your current registrar), the rest of this help article will walk you through how to connect it by updating DNS records.

If you’d like to purchase a domain inside LSS CRM or transfer your existing one in, check out the dedicated help articles:

• [Purchasing a Domain in LSS CRM]

• [Transferring Your Domain into LSS CRM]

How to Set Up Your Custom Sending Domain

When you first start sending emails through the CRM (LSS Marketing Software), your account is automatically assigned an internal sending domain provided by the platform. This is a “shared” domain managed by the CRM (for example: @certifiednotarynearme.com). While this works out-of-the-box, it has limitations:

• Emails are technically being sent “on behalf of” your business from the CRM’s shared domain.

• Branding is generic, not tied to your business.

• Deliverability is weaker, since shared domains are used by thousands of accounts.

To establish your own professional email identity and improve deliverability, you’ll need to set up an external custom sending domain.

IMPORTANT:

Internal vs External Domain Setup

Internal (Default CRM Domain)

• What it is: A generic domain purchased and managed by the CRM provider.

• Example: agent@certifiednotarynearme.com.

• Limitations: You cannot customize the domain name, branding is generic, and reputation is shared across all users.

External (Custom Domain You Purchase)

• What it is: A domain you buy from a registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains, Squarespace, SiteGround).

• Example: info@yourbusiness.com.

• Requirements:

  1. Purchase a domain from a registrar.

  2. Access your registrar’s DNS management panel.

  3. Add the TXT, CNAME, and MX records provided by the CRM.

• Benefits:

  • Professional branding (you@yourbusiness.com).

  • Improved email deliverability.

  • Reputation tied to your domain, not the shared pool.

  • Greater trust with clients.

Important: You cannot use free personal addresses like @gmail.com, @yahoo.com, @aol.com, or @outlook.com. A purchased domain is required.

Updating DNS Records (External Registrars)

Every registrar has a slightly different interface, but the process is the same:

1. Log into your registrar.

2. Find DNS settings (sometimes called “DNS Zone Editor” or “Domain Manager”).

3. Add the records provided by the CRM exactly as shown.

Here are links to registrar-specific help docs for editing DNS records:

• GoDaddy – Manage DNS Records

• Google Domains – Manage Resource Records

• Squarespace – Managing DNS Records

• Namecheap – Managing DNS Records

• SiteGround – Managing DNS

• Kinsta – Adding DNS Records

Wix Limitation: Wix does not allow multiple custom email-sending platforms. If you plan to send through the CRM, you cannot use Wix for DNS hosting. Instead, transfer your domain to another registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, SiteGround, etc.) for proper setup.

What’s Required Before Setup

• Your domain login credentials (registrar account login).

• Permission to add/edit DNS records.

• The list of DNS records (TXT, CNAME, MX, DMARC) provided by the CRM when you initiate setup.

Watch The Full Step By Step Tutorial Here:

Step 1: Navigate to Email Services

1. Log into your CRM.

2. Go to Settings → Email Services.

3. If you see a message stating “No dedicated sending domain is set up”, you’re ready to proceed.

Step 2: Add a Subdomain

Critical Step: Do not use your root domain (e.g., yourbusiness.com) as the sending domain — this can break your site.
Instead, create a subdomain. Examples:

• mail.yourbusiness.com

• lc.yourbusiness.com

• go.yourbusiness.com

1. Click Add New Domain.

2. Enter your chosen subdomain (e.g., lc.yourbusiness.com).

3. Click Add & Verify.

Step 3: Connect Your Domain

Depending on your registrar:

• GoDaddy/Google Domains: Records may auto-populate.

• Other hosts: You must manually add DNS records.

You’ll typically be provided with 5–6 records to add.

Step 4: Add DNS Records

Each DNS record contains three parts:

1. Type (TXT, CNAME, MX, etc.)

2. Host name (e.g., email.lc)

3. Value/Points to (long string provided by CRM)

Common Records:

• TXT Records: Authentication keys.

• CNAME Records: Link subdomain to sending servers.

• MX Records: Enable mail routing.

• DMARC (optional but recommended): Extra protection against spoofing.

Add each record in your DNS manager:

1. Choose the correct record type.

2. Paste the host name.

3. Paste the provided value.

4. Save.

5. Repeat for all records.

Tip: Some hosts auto-append your domain. Make sure you don’t accidentally duplicate (e.g., lc.yourbusiness.com.yourbusiness.com).

Step 5: Verify DNS Setup

1. Return to your CRM.

2. Click Verify Records.

3. If all indicators turn green, your domain is active.

   • DNS propagation can take a few hours.

   • If it doesn’t verify right away, wait and retry.

Step 6: Configure Headers & Tracking

1. In your CRM, open the domain’s options menu.

2. Set the From Name (e.g., “Your Company”) and From Email (info@yourbusiness.com).

3. Enable Click Tracking and Open Tracking.

Step 7: Domain Configuration

1. Go to Domain Configuration.

2. Apply your new sending domain to:

   • Workflows

   • Campaigns

   • Bulk emails

   • Conversations

This ensures all outgoing emails use the verified domain.

Step 8: Configure Reply & Forwarding

1. Go to SMTP Services → Reply & Forward Settings.

2. Set a Forwarding Address (where replies should go).

3. (Optional) Add a BCC email for record-keeping.

4. Update your Reply-To Address to match your domain.

5. Save changes.

Step 9: Test Your Setup

1. Send a test email to a personal inbox.

2. Confirm:

   • The email shows your custom domain.

   • Replies arrive in your CRM and forwarding inbox.

   • The email is signed by your domain (check in Gmail headers under mailed-by and signed-by).

Troubleshooting

• Still Pending?: Wait up to 24 hours for DNS propagation.

• Wix Hosting: Not supported. Move domain hosting to another provider.

• Verification Fails: Double-check host names and ensure you didn’t use the root domain.

• Emails Landing in Spam: Ensure DMARC, SPF, and DKIM records are correctly set.

Key Takeaways

• Always use a subdomain for sending (not your root domain).

• Complete all DNS records exactly as provided.

• Verification may take time — patience is normal.

• Once active, your emails will look professional and build trust with recipients.