To ensure that websites built with Website Pro function seamlessly—and that all associated emails are delivered reliably—it's important to understand how to configure domain records, manage email delivery settings, and verify DNS setup. This article provides a complete overview of how domains and email work with Website Pro.
Domain Name System (DNS) Basics
The Domain Name System (DNS) connects domain names (like mybusiness.com) to their actual locations on the internet. It works like a directory service that routes website traffic, email, and security verifications correctly.
Website Pro primarily concerns itself with three types of DNS records:
A Records (Address Records)
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Point a domain to a specific IP address.
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Example:
mybusiness.com➝216.239.38.21
CNAME Records (Canonical Name Records)
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Point a domain or subdomain to another domain.
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Example:
www.mybusiness.com➝mybusiness.com
Incorrect CNAME configurations can override A records or affect subdomain routing.
CAA Records (Certificate Authority Authorization)
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Control which Certificate Authorities are permitted to issue SSL/TLS certificates for your domain.
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If a CAA record is missing or not set, any CA may issue a certificate for that domain, which can cause issues with certificate validation.
SSL & Security (TLS Support)
All Website Pro websites include a free SSL certificate (via Let’s Encrypt), which is automatically installed. These certificates use Transport Layer Security (TLS) to encrypt traffic.
Supported TLS versions:
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TLS 1.1
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TLS 1.2
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TLS 1.3
TLS ensures private, secure communication between your site and its visitors.
Custom Domains and Website Pro
Website Pro supports both default and custom domains. If your client owns a domain already, it can be connected to a Website Pro site by updating the domain’s DNS records (typically the A and CNAME records). Domain ownership remains with the client, even if the site is hosted on Website Pro.
Note: Website Standard only supports default subdomains like
example.websitepro.hosting.
Email Delivery from Website Pro
Website Pro uses SendGrid by default to send transactional and marketing emails (e.g., contact forms, order confirmations). This built-in email service is pre-configured for ease of use, but you also have the option to use a different email plugin if desired.
Using External Email Plugins
If you prefer to use an external SMTP plugin (such as WP Mail SMTP), you’ll need to disable the built-in mail system in Website Pro.
Steps to disable Website Pro's built-in email system:
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Log into the WordPress Dashboard.
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Go to Settings > General.
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Locate and disable the “Website Pro Mail System” toggle.
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Click Save Changes.
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Install and configure your chosen SMTP plugin.
Important: Only disable the built-in mail system if you’re intentionally replacing it with a verified external email provider.
Preventing Emails from Going to Spam
To help ensure that emails sent from Website Pro are not flagged as spam, verify that your DNS records for email validation are configured correctly:
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SPF (Sender Policy Framework)
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DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
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DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance)
You can manage these settings in Business App > Administration > Email Configuration.
While verification greatly improves email deliverability, it does not guarantee spam immunity. A verified domain simply tells recipient mail servers that you’re authorized to send on behalf of that domain.
Summary
Setting up domains, DNS records, and email delivery correctly ensures that your client websites are fast, secure, and reliable. Website Pro provides a built-in email service and automatic SSL, while also supporting external customization for those with advanced needs. Taking time to verify DNS and email authentication settings helps avoid issues like misrouted traffic or spam filtering.