Why connect WordPress to SMTP
What is SMTP
SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. SMTP servers are used by web hosts and other service providers to ensure a safe and secure delivery of emails. Some work that SMTP servers do include, sending and receiving emails, relaying outgoing mail and ensuring a high email delivery rate. If you want to ensure deliverability, implementing the WordPress SMTP plugin is the way to go.
How WordPress Natively Sends Outbound Emails and Why It can be an Issue
WordPress natively sends outbound emails using the mail function in PHP. A lot of hosting providers will either not have the mail function configured properly or they might have it disabled altogether to avoid customers abusing their services and sending spam emails. Your WordPress emails will not be delivered in either case, which poses a big issue. Both you and your users could potentially miss out on critical communications if your WordPress site cannot use the PHP mail function. A few examples of missed critical communication include:
- Email change or sign up confirmations
- Lost email passwords
- Purchase confirmation emails
- Email notifications from plugins
- Update notification emails
The recommended solution to this issue is to use a third party email service, such as Mailgun or Sendgrid, to send out your emails instead of using the PHP mail function. You will need to pay for your account, but depending on how many users/accounts you add and the number of emails you send, the cost will vary. Implementing this alternative solution will decrease the number of headaches for your team in the long run.
eCommerce Transactional Emails
Customer trust is key when running any eCommerce business. If you are encouraging customers to sign up for an account or make a purchase in your online store, email becomes critical. A safe and secure method of sending these types of transactional emails is essential, especially when you consider the fact that your customers are trusting you and your business with personal information. A quick way to lose that trust is by not being able to send these transactional emails. Implementing a method, such as SMTP, ensures that your messages are delivered safely and securely.
Recommended Platforms
Sendgrid
Sendgrid has multiple plans that you can choose from. A WordPress project manager will recommend and help you choose which level of service would be best for you and your business. You can consistently create emails that your subscribers love to engage with by utilizing Sendgrid’s optimization and analytics tools. Below is a quick step-by-step guide on how to get started with Sendgrid.
- Signup for a Sendgrid account here
- Fill out your information
- Confirm your account email address
- Authenticate your sending domain
- Setup two-factor authentication
- Add a payment method
- Pick the best plan for you and your business
Mailgun
Mailgun also provides multiple plans for you to pick from. A WordPress project manager will recommend and help you choose which level of service would be best for you and your business. Be sure to also utilize Mailgun’s optimization and analytics tools. Below is a quick step-by-step guide on how to get started with Mailgun.
- Signup for a Mailgun account here
- Activate your account
- Add & verify your email sending domain
- Pick the best plan for you and your business
The days of relying on the built-in WordPress PHP mail function and missed communication are gone. By implementing the quick and easy way of SMTP on your WordPress site, you can ensure that your emails are delivered safely and securely.