How to send e-mail in WordPress?
Are you trying to figure out how to send an e-mail in WordPress? Well, WordPress has been one of the most preferred platforms for its extensive features and user-friendly dashboard. But it has certain limitations as well. WordPress doesn’t allow you to send emails beyond sending built-in emails for a password reset.
But there are several ways through which you can easily send e-mails. One of the easiest ways to do it is using the Gmail STMP server.
In this how-to guide, we will explain the steps to send an e-mail in WordPress. But first, let’s understand why using an STMP server is the best choice for sending email in WordPress.
What makes the SMTP server the best choice to send emails?
If you use WordPress, you must be aware that WordPress uses PHP mail functions to send emails. Though this function doesn’t always work as expected and does not offer great reliability.
It is when users can consider using SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) servers for sending emails. Using SMTP offer you great email deliverables, is highly reliable, and uses proper authentication.
Especially, if you want to send a few email notifications to yourself or to some of your website users, SMTP by Gmail makes for a great choice.
But if you need to send mass mails, this might not be the best option and you might consider looking for other alternatives like Mailgun.
Send emails through WordPress using SMTP
If you have decided to use G-suite, the first thing you would need to do is to configure your domain to make it work with Google Apps.
Below we are listing the steps to activate the WordPress Mail SMTP plugin.
1. Install the WP Mail SMTP plugin
To install the WordPress SMTP plugin, you will need to install the WP Mail SMTP Plugin and activate it. Once the installation is finished, go to the dashboard, then settings, and then to email for configuration.
2. Add the details of the sender
You must add an email address through which you would like to send the emails to configure new settings like [email protected].
3. Go to mailer settings
In mailer settings, select Other SMTP. Here, you will a check box for the return path. Check on it to ensure that you receive the notification for any undelivered emails to your email.
4. Move on to configuring SMTP options
Now you need to enter an SMTP host and port to complete the settings of your WordPress SMTP settings.
5. Add encryption
Adding encryption is vital and your hosting provider might recommend you to make use of SSL or TSL to ensure the security of the emails sent through the system.
6. Credentials & Authentication
Move on to the step of authentication and fill in your SMTP credentials. Remember your email address must be the same as your SMTP username and make sure you use the secure password.
7. Save the details and test
Save all changes and perform testing for your new settings. Head to your plugins setting page and click Email, then enter an alternate email account for testing. Next, click Send to ensure your SMTP settings are working.
Now save all the details you have filled in and do regular testing to confirm if the settings you have made are efficiently working. Make sure your settings are working fine.
Emails act as a crucial form of communication between you and your users, which is why you must use an efficient system. Switching to an SMTP server can speed up the email sending process and make your system highly reliable.
