#DNS #Domain #Email
In the fast-paced world of digital entrepreneurship, many business owners focus heavily on their website’s design or their social media presence. However, there is a complex “behind-the-scenes” infrastructure that determines whether your emails actually land in an inbox or if your website is even reachable.
In a recent episode of the Shepherds Loft’s Show, host David Grubb sat down with Jared from MBT Pro, a seasoned IT professional with over 15 years of experience. Together, they unpacked the technical “glue” that holds a business’s online presence together: the “DUDE” services—Domains, URLs, DNS, and Email. This post breaks down their expert insights into how these systems work and why neglecting them can paralyze your business communication.
From New Orleans to North Georgia: An Entrepreneurial Journey
Jared’s path to founding MBT Pro is a testament to resilience. Starting with a degree in Computer Engineering and a minor in business from Tulane University, Jared began his career as a consultant in South Louisiana. After Hurricane Katrina displaced 50% of his client base, he relocated to Georgia, eventually growing a business that serves clients from the Bayou to the Atlanta suburbs.
For Jared, IT isn’t just about cables and code; it’s about a God-given desire for independence and service. “I’m there for the project work, but I’m also there for the relationships,” Jared shared. “Clients want that personal touch of someone they can reach out to who is in their corner, fighting for them.”
What Exactly is DNS? The “Post Office” Analogy
To many, DNS (Domain Name System) sounds like alphabet soup. To simplify it, Jared uses a classic analogy:
“I like to describe the DNS service as a post office for your domain. If someone is looking for your email or website, the ‘internet powers that be’ send that request to your DNS post office. The server says, ‘Hey, where is that item located? Who’s hosting the email?’ and sends them in that direction.”
Without a properly configured DNS, your domain name is essentially a signpost pointing to an empty field. It is the translator that turns human-readable names like shepherdsloft.com into the numeric IP addresses that computers use to talk to one another.
The New Rules of Email: SPF, DKIM, and DMARC
One of the most critical takeaways from the discussion was the recent shift in email security. Around 2023 and 2024, major providers like Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft began strictly enforcing authentication records. If your business doesn’t have these set up, your emails may be blocked entirely.
1. SPF (Sender Policy Framework)
SPF is a list of “authorized senders” for your domain. If you use third-party services like Mailchimp, QuickBooks, or Constant Contact to send emails on your behalf, they must be included in your SPF record.
- Pro Tip: You can only have one SPF record. Adding multiple records instead of editing the existing one is a common mistake that can break your email flow.
2. DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
This adds a digital signature to your emails, acting as a “seal of authenticity” that proves the message wasn’t tampered with in transit.
3. DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance)
DMARC tells receiving servers what to do if an email fails SPF or DKIM checks—whether to let it through, put it in spam, or reject it entirely.
Why Timing Matters: Propagation and Caching
In the “old days” of the internet, changing a DNS record could take up to a week. Today, thanks to fiber optics and global connectivity, changes often propagate within minutes. However, David and Jared warned that “instant” isn’t always instant for the end user.
Local “caching” is often the culprit when a website doesn’t seem to update. Your local internet service provider (ISP) or even your own web browser might hold onto old information for several hours to save bandwidth. If you’ve made a change and don’t see it, try opening an incognito window or clearing your browser’s cache.
Protecting the “Internal” Network
While DNS manages your external presence, Jared emphasized that businesses with five or more employees should consider their internal infrastructure.
- Internal DNS & Active Directory: Helps local computers talk to each other securely and manages user logins.
- The “Edge” of the Network: This is where your internal office network meets the public internet. Jared recommends enterprise-grade firewalls rather than “off-the-shelf” home routers.
- Cybersecurity & Ransomware: “If you’re a tax firm or an accountant housing sensitive data, you will get targeted. It’s just a matter of time,” Jared warned. Having advanced security software like BitDefender can prevent “crypto-viruses” from locking down your files.
The Future of IT: AI as the New Interpreter
As the conversation turned toward the future, the duo discussed the rise of Artificial Intelligence. While some fear AI will replace IT professionals, Jared sees it as a tool for efficiency.
“Maybe we won’t be the ones doing the programming, but we’ll be the ones with the knowledge to tell the computer what needs to be done. We are the interface. The customer talks to us, and we interpret their needs into the language the machine understands.”
Summary and Next Steps
Managing your digital infrastructure doesn’t have to be a headache, but it does require precision. Whether it’s ensuring your SPF records are correctly formatted or securing your office with a robust firewall, these technical foundations are what allow your business to grow without interruption.
Key Takeaways:
- Verify your DNS: Ensure you have SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to keep your emails out of the spam folder.
- Consolidate where possible: Using the same provider for domains and email can sometimes automate technical setups.
- Prioritize Security: If you handle sensitive client data, invest in an enterprise-level firewall and anti-malware protection.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the technicalities of domain management or email authentication, you don’t have to do it alone. Shepherds Loft offers affordable DNS management services to ensure your “DUDE” services are always in sync.