Glossary
SPF, DKIM, DMARC
The three email authentication standards required by major inbox providers.
Definition
SPF (Sender Policy Framework) lists the servers allowed to send on behalf of your domain. DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) cryptographically signs each message so recipients can verify it wasn't tampered with. DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance) tells receiving servers what to do when SPF or DKIM checks fail, and where to send aggregate reports.
Why it matters
Google and Microsoft enforce all three for bulk senders. Misconfigured authentication is the most common reason cold email lands in spam.
More terms
ICP (Ideal Customer Profile)
The exact firmographic, persona and trigger combination of the accounts most likely to buy from you.
SDR (Sales Development Representative)
The role responsible for prospecting and booking qualified meetings for closers.
BDR (Business Development Representative)
An outbound prospecting role, often used interchangeably with SDR.
MQL (Marketing Qualified Lead)
A lead that has shown enough interest in your marketing to be worth a sales follow-up.
SQL (Sales Qualified Lead)
A lead that sales has accepted and confirmed is worth working toward a deal.
SAL (Sales Accepted Lead)
The intermediate step between MQL and SQL where sales accepts ownership.
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