When running a WordPress website, one of the most essential yet often overlooked aspects is email functionality. Whether it’s sending a new post notification, a user registration email, or a password reset request, reliable email delivery is key. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of setting up SMTP for your WordPress site, ensuring better email deliverability and reducing the chances of your emails being marked as spam.

Why Do You Need SMTP for WordPress?

By default, WordPress uses the PHP mail function to send emails. While this works in some cases, it often runs into deliverability issues. Emails sent via PHP aren’t authenticated, and as a result, email providers may treat them as suspicious or spam. Click here SMTP is a far more reliable method. It requires authentication through a server, ensuring that the emails are legitimate and thus improving the chances of your emails landing in the inbox instead of the spam folder.

Step 1: Choose an SMTP Service Provider

Before diving into the technical setup, you first need to select an SMTP service provider. This is a critical decision since the provider will handle your outgoing emails. Some popular SMTP services include:

  • Google’s Gmail SMTP: A reliable option, especially if you’re already using Gmail for your domain.
  • SendLayer: A dedicated service offering strong deliverability features.

  • SMTP.com: A trusted choice with solid customer support.

  • Mailgun: A robust service known for its email delivery capabilities.

Each of these providers has their own advantages, but the goal is to choose one that fits your needs in terms of pricing, ease of use, and scalability. Many services offer free tiers, but if you plan to send a high volume of emails, opting for a paid plan can offer more features and better support.

Step 2: Install a WordPress SMTP Plugin

Once you’ve selected your SMTP service, the next step is to install an SMTP plugin on your WordPress site. The most widely used SMTP plugin is WP Mail SMTP by WPForms. This plugin simplifies the setup process and integrates with multiple SMTP services, making it the go-to choice for many WordPress users.

To install the plugin:

  1. Navigate to the Plugins section in your WordPress dashboard.

  2. Search for WP Mail SMTP.

  3. Click Install and then Activate.

Once activated, the plugin will appear in your WordPress dashboard under the WP Mail SMTP menu, where you can configure the settings.

Step 3: Configure Your SMTP Settings

Now, you’re ready to configure your SMTP settings. This involves entering the required details from your chosen SMTP service provider. Here are the common fields you’ll need to fill out:

  1. From Email Address: This is the email address that will appear in the From field when emails are sent from your WordPress site. Make sure this is a legitimate email address associated with your domain.

  2. From Name: This is the name that will be displayed as the sender in email notifications.

  3. Mailer: In this section, select your chosen SMTP service provider. Most SMTP plugins, like WP Mail SMTP, support a wide range of mailers such as Gmail, SendLayer, and SMTP.com.

  4. SMTP Host: Enter the SMTP host provided by your service provider. For Gmail, it’s smtp.gmail.com; for SendLayer, it’s smtp.sendlayer.com, and so on.

  5. SMTP Port: The SMTP port varies depending on the provider. Click here Typically, port 587 is used for TLS, while port 465 is used for SSL. Check your provider’s documentation for the exact port.

  6. Encryption: Choose the type of encryption your provider uses. Most services support TLS or SSL encryption to ensure secure email transmission.

  7. Authentication: You’ll need to provide your SMTP username (usually the email address you’re using for outgoing emails) and your SMTP password or API key.

Step 4: Authenticate Your Domain

One of the most important steps in setting up SMTP is authenticating your domain. This prevents your emails from being flagged as spam by email providers. Depending on the SMTP service you choose, you may need to configure certain DNS records (such as SPF and DKIM) on your domain. For example, if you’re using SendLayer, you’ll need to add TXT records to your DNS settings to verify your domain. These records prove that you’re the legitimate sender of the emails and help boost email deliverability.

Step 5: Test Your SMTP Connection

After configuring all the SMTP settings, it’s time to test your setup. The WP Mail SMTP plugin provides a built-in test feature to send a test email. Navigate to the plugin’s settings and click on the Email Test tab. Enter an email address where you want the test email to be sent and hit Send Test Email.

If the test email is delivered successfully, congratulations! Your SMTP setup is complete. However, if there are any issues, check your SMTP settings and ensure that the credentials are entered correctly. Also, make sure your server allows outgoing email connections via SMTP.

Step 6: Troubleshoot Common SMTP Issues

While the setup process is straightforward, there may be times when emails fail to send or are marked as spam. Here are a few common issues and their solutions:

  • Emails Are Going to Spam: If your emails end up in the spam folder, make sure you’ve authenticated your domain. Adding SPF and DKIM records to your DNS settings is crucial to passing email security checks.

  • SMTP Test Fails: If your SMTP test fails, ensure that the SMTP host, port, and encryption type are correct. Click here Double-check your email credentials and any firewall settings that might be blocking the SMTP connection.

  • No Emails Being Sent: If emails aren’t being sent at all, verify your SMTP server settings and check if there are any restrictions on your hosting account. Some shared hosting providers block SMTP connections, so you may need to contact them for assistance.

Step 7: Send Emails and Monitor Deliverability

Once everything is set up and working properly, your WordPress site will now send emails through SMTP. It’s essential to monitor your email deliverability regularly, especially if you’re running an online store or a membership site. If you notice issues like emails not being received or going to spam, revisit your SMTP settings and adjust accordingly.

Some SMTP services also offer additional features like email logs and analytics, which allow you to track delivery status and troubleshoot any problems effectively.