Why do I need SMTP for my WordPress Website?

If you run a WordPress website, you may have encountered issues with emails not being delivered to your users’ inboxes. A new change implemented at the beginning of the year has triggered a big issue with emails not landing where they should. This can be frustrating, especially when these emails include password resets, order confirmations, or contact form submissions. The solution to this problem lies in a crucial but often overlooked aspect of website management: SMTP.

Let’s dive into why you need SMTP for your WordPress website and how it can significantly improve your email deliverability.

Understanding SMTP

SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. It is a protocol used to send emails from one server to another. Unlike PHP mail, which is the default method used by WordPress to send emails, SMTP provides a more reliable and secure way to ensure your emails reach their intended recipients.

The limitations of PHP Mail:

Out of the box, WordPress uses the PHP mail function to handle email delivery. While this is convenient, it comes with several drawbacks:

1. Deliverability issues: Emails sent via PHP mail are often flagged as spam because they are sent from your web server instead of a verified email server. This can result in your emails being blocked or ending up in the spam folder.
2. Lack of authentication: PHP mail lacks proper authentication methods, which makes it easier for your emails to be spoofed or rejected by recipient servers.
3. Server limitations: Many web hosting providers impose strict limits on the number of emails you can send using PHP mail, affecting your ability to communicate with your audience effectively.

Benefits of using SMTP:

Switching to SMTP for your WordPress emails offers several advantages:

1. Improved Deliverability: SMTP ensures that your emails are properly authenticated, significantly reducing the chances of them being marked as spam. This means your emails are more likely to reach the inbox of your recipients.
2. Enhanced Security: SMTP supports various authentication mechanisms (such as SSL/TLS) to ensure that your emails are sent securely, protecting both your data and your users’ information.
3. Reliable Performance: With SMTP, you can leverage the infrastructure of dedicated email service providers (ESPs) like SendGrid, Mailgun, or Gmail, which are optimized for sending large volumes of emails reliably and efficiently.
4. Detailed Logging and Tracking: SMTP services often provide detailed logs and tracking features, allowing you to monitor the status of your emails, troubleshoot delivery issues, and gain insights into your email campaigns.

How to Set Up SMTP on Your WordPress Site

Setting up SMTP on your WordPress site is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose an SMTP service provider: Select an SMTP service provider that suits your needs. Popular options include SendGrid, Mailgun, Amazon SES, and Gmail.
2. Consider the email address: If using Gmail (Via Google Workspace) set up a noreply@, orders@ or website@ email address. This means that you can have an inbox seperate to your normal day to day email.
3. Install an SMTP plugin: There are several plugins available that make it easy to configure SMTP on your WordPress site. Some popular options are WP Mail SMTP, Easy WP SMTP, and Post SMTP.
4. Configure the plugin: Once the plugin is installed, you’ll need to enter your SMTP server details. This typically includes the SMTP host, port, encryption type, and your SMTP username and password. These details are provided by your SMTP service provider.
5. Test your configuration: After configuring the plugin, it’s important to send a test email to ensure everything is working correctly. Most SMTP plugins have a built-in feature for this purpose.

Incorporating SMTP into your WordPress website is a non-negotiable step towards ensuring your emails are delivered reliably and securely. This is now a service I offer as standard to all Oohlala Studio built websites. By overcoming the limitations of PHP mail, SMTP enhances your email deliverability, security, and overall user experience. Whether you run a small blog or a large e-commerce site, investing in a robust SMTP solution is a smart move that will pay off in the long run. Setting up SMTP for your WordPress site should be a priority to alleviate any headaches for your users (and your inbox) will thank you for it!