Why You Need a Branded Sending Domain for Klaviyo (And How to Set One Up Yourself)

If you’re sending marketing emails from Klaviyo, you might have noticed that they sometimes say “via klaviyo.com.”

That little detail can quietly hurt your deliverability and make your emails look less trustworthy.

Setting up a branded sending domain is one of the simplest ways to look more professional, protect your reputation, and keep your emails out of spam. Here’s what you need to know without the tech overwhelm.

What’s a Branded Sending Domain?

Put simply, a branded sending domain means your emails come from your own domain, not Klaviyo’s.

For example, instead of this:
hello@yourbrand.com via klaviyo.com

…it will just show:
hello@yourbrand.com

This small change tells inbox providers (like Gmail) that you’re legitimate and helps your subscribers recognise you instantly.

Why It Matters for Your E-Commerce Store

• Boosts Trust
  Customers are far more likely to open emails that look familiar.
• Improves Deliverability
  Branded domains help prove you’re not a spammer, so more emails land in inboxes.
• Protects Your Brand Reputation
  When you use Klaviyo’s shared domain, your deliverability can be affected by other senders. Using your own domain puts you in control.

How to Set Up Your Branded Sending Domain in Klaviyo

This process is simpler than it sounds. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Log into Klaviyo
   • Go to Account > Settings > Domains.
2. Click “Add Sending Domain”
   • Enter something like mail.yourbrand.com. (You can also use email.yourbrand.com.)
3. Copy the DNS Records Provided
   • These are like address labels telling inboxes you’re legit.
     
   • You’ll see CNAME records, don’t worry, you don’t have to memorise them.
4. Add DNS Records to Your Domain Host
   • Log in to where you bought your domain (e.g., GoDaddy, Crazy Domains, Shopify).
     
   • Look for “DNS Settings” or “Zone Editor.”
     
   • Paste the records exactly as shown in Klaviyo.
5. Verify Your Domain
   • Go back to Klaviyo and click Verify.
     
   • Sometimes it takes a few hours (up to 24).
6. Test It Out
   • Send yourself a preview email to see how it looks.

Tip:
If you’re not sure about the DNS step, your domain provider’s support can usually set it up in a few minutes. Just share the records with them.

Quick Tips to Make the Most of It

• Keep Your Sender Name Consistent
  Use your brand name so subscribers recognise you straight away.
  
• Warm Up Gradually
  Start by emailing your most engaged subscribers. This helps inboxes see you’re sending to people who want your emails.
  
• Monitor Your Deliverability
  Keep an eye on your open and bounce rates in Klaviyo’s reporting.

Want More Help?

Setting up a branded sending domain is one of the best ways to improve your email results long-term.

If you’d like more detail about authentication (like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC), check out our guide here: