How To Use SMTP For WordPress Emails Delivery For Free?

Would you like an accessible SMTP server to send your WP site emails? Typically, WordPress uses the PHP email feature, which is unreliable and often marks your emails as spam. So, an SMTP server is the best way to ensure the sending of your emails from the WordPress website. In this comprehensive guide you’ll learn how to use SMTP server for WordPress emails delivery and send for free.

Understanding SMTP and Its Benefits

SMTP is a protocol used for sending emails across the Internet. Unlike PHP mail() function which is the default in WordPress, SMTP uses proper authentication and connects directly to a mail server. Here are some benefits of using SMTP for WordPress emails:

• Reliability: SMTP reduces the chances of your emails landing in the spam folder.
• Authentication: It uses proper credentials to authenticate the sender.
• Scalability: Handle large volumes of emails efficiently.
• Error Handling: Provides better error handling and troubleshooting capabilities.

SMTP Server For WordPress Emails Delivery For Free

First, install a plugin named WP Mail SMTP by following the instructions in our tutorial on installing WordPress plugins. Once the plugin is read and active, a new item will appear under the Settings section ”Email”. You must navigate to it to configure WordPress to work with SMTP.

WordPress Free Plugin Setup

On this page, you will see several configuration options available. So, here’s a list of all of them and what do they configure:

From Email: The email address you want to send emails from. As an example, email@yoursite.net.

From Name: The name that your emails will display.

Mailer – choose whether to use the default PHP mail() function, a Gmail/G Suite account, Mailgun, SendGrid, or other SMTP WordPress servers.

Selecting the Default mode would send the messages using the PHP mail() function without SMTP authentication. The Gmail/G Suite, Mailgun, and SendGrid options require additional info such as Client ID and Client Secret or API key that should get on the respective provider. The other SMTP server option would prompt you to enter additional configuration details, which we will describe below.

Extra SMTP WordPress Options

Return Path: Check if you want to match the return path for your emails to the sending email. Moreover, If you choose other SMTP servers as a mailer, you will be prompted to add the SMTP WordPress server’s configuration settings. Keep reading this guide to learn how to use SMTP server for WordPress emails delivery and send for free, Follow this setup tutorial.

1. SMTP Host: The hostname for your SMTP server.
2. SMTP WordPress Port: The ports your server works on.
3. Encryption: If SSL/TLS encryption is available for that hostname, select it here.
4. Auto TLS: if your server supports TLS encryption. So, enable this option.
5. Authentication: check if your SMTP server requires authentication.
6. Username: the username for your SMTP server.
7. Password: Finally, the password for your SMTP server.
8. Once you configure those parameters, click Save Settings at the bottom of the page.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Email Not Sending

• Authentication Errors: Double-check your username and password.
• Less Secure Apps: Ensure it is enabled if not using App Passwords.
• Firewall/Antivirus: Ensure they are not blocking the SMTP connection.

Email Going to Spam

• DKIM/SPF Records: Ensure these are properly set up in your domain’s DNS settings.
• Email Content: Avoid spammy words and ensure your email content is relevant and valuable.
• From Name/Email: Ensure consistency in your sender details.

Enhancing Deliverability: SMTP WordPress Emails Delivery

To further enhance email deliverability, consider the following best practices:

1. Use a Professional Email Address: Instead of using gmail.com, consider using your domain’s email address.
2. Set Up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC: These DNS records help authenticate your emails and improve deliverability.
3. Monitor Your Sender Reputation: Tools like Google Postmaster Tools can help monitor and improve your sender reputation.

Using OAuth 2.0 for Gmail SMTP

For added security and to avoid the less secure apps issue, you can configure Gmail SMTP to use OAuth 2.0. This method doesn’t require storing your Gmail password in your WordPress settings.

1. Create a Project in Google Cloud Console: Go to the Google Cloud Console and create a new project.
2. Enable Gmail API: Navigate to the API & Services > Library and enable the Gmail API for your project.
3. Create OAuth Credentials: Go to API & Services > Credentials, and create OAuth 2.0 credentials. You must configure the consent screen and add your website’s domain.
4. Configure WP Mail SMTP: In the WP Mail SMTP settings, select Gmail as the mailer and enter the Client ID, Client Secret, and other necessary details obtained from the Google Cloud Console.
5. Authenticate: Follow the on-screen instructions to authenticate with your Google account.

Conclusion

Setting up SMTP for WordPress emails is a straightforward process significantly improving email deliverability and reliability. Following this guide, you can leverage free SMTP servers to ensure your emails reach their intended recipients, enhancing user experience and engagement. Whether you choose Gmail or another free SMTP provider, the key is to ensure proper configuration and adherence to best practices for optimal results. Start improving your WordPress email delivery today with SMTP!