How Zenda Setup Works

Setting up Zenda is simple — we handle the technical part, while you stay in full control of your infrastructure.

1. What you need before we start

Before we begin the setup, you need:

  • A domain (e.g. yourcompany.com)

  • A properly structured website associated with that domain

Your website should include:

  • Clear information about your business

  • Contact details

  • Basic legal pages (Privacy Policy, Terms of Service)

This is important because your domain will later be reviewed by your email provider.

2. Email provider verification (SES)

Zenda uses modern email infrastructure providers such as Amazon Web Services (SES).

Before you can send emails at scale, your account must pass a verification process.

This verification is:

  • A standard security measure

  • Designed to prevent spam and abuse

  • Required by all serious email providers

During this process, the provider reviews:

  • Your website

  • Your use case

  • Your email practices

We guide you through this step, but approval is handled entirely by the provider.

3. DNS configuration

To enable email sending, several DNS records must be added to your domain.

  • We provide exact instructions for all required DNS changes

  • If you are using Route53, we can configure everything automatically for you

  • For other providers, the setup usually takes just a few minutes

No advanced technical knowledge is required.

4. Server setup

We take care of the entire server setup for you.

  • We provision and configure a server using a trusted European hosting provider (e.g. Hetzner)

  • We install and configure Zenda

  • We secure and optimize the environment

You don’t need any DevOps knowledge — we handle everything.

5. Transfer of ownership

Once everything is ready:

  • The server is transferred to your account

  • You receive full access and control

  • No vendor lock-in — the system is entirely yours

This means:

  • You own your infrastructure

  • You control your data

  • You are not tied to us or any platform

6. Timeline

  • Initial setup: typically completed within 2 business days

  • SES verification: may take additional time depending on provider review

In most cases, the verification process takes longer than the technical setup.

7. What is included (and what is not)

Included:

  • Zenda installation and setup

  • Server configuration

  • Email infrastructure integration

  • DNS guidance (or automatic setup with Route53)

  • Guidance during setup

Not included:

  • Server hosting costs

  • Email sending costs (e.g. SES)

  • Third-party service fees

These are billed directly to you by the providers.

8. After setup

After the setup is complete:

  • Your system is fully operational

  • You can start sending emails

  • You can scale your infrastructure as needed

We remain available for support depending on your plan.

Summary

  • You provide a domain and a proper website

  • We handle the technical setup

  • You receive full ownership and control

Simple, transparent, and built for long-term scalability.