What is SMTP?
It’s a protocol used for sending emails across the Internet. It is responsible for setting up communication rules between servers, ensuring that emails can be sent from an email client (like Outlook or Gmail) to a receiving email server, and then forwarding those emails to the recipient’s email server.
When you send an email, it works in the background to route your message from your email client through the email sending server, then to the recipient’s email server, and finally into the recipient’s inbox. It operates on port 25 for standard communications and port 587 for secure communications (using STARTTLS).
SMTP is paired with either POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3) or IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) for receiving emails, where SMTP handles sending out emails and POP3/IMAP handles receiving and storing them for the end user to access.
Why we need SMTP in WordPress?
Using Simple Mail Transfer Protocol in WordPress is important for improving the reliability and deliverability of emails sent from your WordPress site. The default WordPress email function relies on PHP mail, which lacks authentication and often results in emails being caught in spam filters or not delivered at all.
By using SMTP, which requires proper authentication, you significantly improve the chances of your emails reaching their intended recipients. Moreover, it allows you to send emails from your own domain, enhancing your brand’s professionalism and trustworthiness. It also offers added security through email encryption, protecting sensitive information during transmission.
Furthermore, SMTP services provide detailed error reporting, helping you quickly identify and resolve issues with email delivery. Lastly, choosing a dedicated SMTP service helps avoid the risk of your site’s IP being blacklisted due to spam from other sites on the same server, ensuring your communications remain effective and secure. Overall, it is a critical component for maintaining the efficiency, security, and professionalism of email communications in WordPress.
How to Setup SMTP in WordPress?
Step 1 - Install Easy WP SMTP in WordPress Plugin
- Click the “Plugins” section in the side menu of your WordPress dashboard.
- Click on “Add New Plugin”.
- From there, search for “SMTP” and install “Easy WP SMTP by SendLayer” Plugin to enhance your site’s email capabilities.
Step 2 – Ensure that Easy WP SMTP appears in the "Installed Plugins" section.
- Click “Installed Plugins” section to verify that Easy WP SMTP has been successfully installed among your plugins.
Step 3 – Select Other SMTP
- Click on “Easy WP SMTP” and then choose “Settings”.
- Afterward, scroll down to the mailer settings and opt for “Other SMTP”.
Step 4 – Fill in SMTP Information
- Enter your SMTP Host (depending on your server URL).
- Choose “SSL” as the Type of Encryption.
- Input the SMTP Port corresponding to your mail server.
- Provide your SMTP username (Sender Email Address), such as info@xxxxx.com.
- Enter your SMTP password (Sender Email Password).
Step 5 – General Settings
- Ensure that the “From Email Address” matches your “SMTP Username”.
- Enter your Company Name (eg. Latitude Innovation), which will be displayed as the sender of the emails.
- Once all inputs are completed, click on “Save Settings” to preserve your configurations.
Step 6 – Send a Test Email
- Click “Send a Test”.
- Type your email and Click “Send Test Email” to assess whether the email successfully sends to your designated address.
Step 7 – Check Your Email
- Verify whether you have received the test email in your inbox.
Setting up SMTP in WordPress using the Easy WP SMTP plugin is a straightforward process that significantly enhances the email delivery capabilities of your WordPress site.
By following the detailed steps outlined in the document “From installing the plugin and verifying its installation, to configuring SMTP settings and sending a test email.” You can ensure that your emails are reliably sent from your WordPress site.
The importance of reliable email delivery cannot be understated, and this guide provides a clear path to achieving that goal.
If you encounter any issues or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.