# Why connect WordPress to SMTP

- Link: https://ip.ipdev2.cloud/why-connect-wordpress-to-smtp/
- Published: 2022-04-25T13:21:48+00:00
- Author: neilharner

## **What is SMTP**

SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. SMTP servers are used by web hosts
and other service providers to ensure a safe and secure delivery of emails. Some
work that SMTP servers do include, sending and receiving emails, relaying outgoing
mail and ensuring a high email delivery rate. If you want to ensure deliverability,
implementing the [WordPress SMTP plugin](https://wordpress.org/plugins/wp-mail-smtp/)
is the way to go.

## **How WordPress Natively Sends Outbound Emails and Why It can be an Issue**

WordPress natively sends outbound emails using the mail function in PHP. A lot of
hosting providers will either not have the mail function configured properly or 
they might have it disabled altogether to avoid customers abusing their services
and sending spam emails. Your WordPress emails will not be delivered in either case,
which poses a big issue. Both you and your users could potentially miss out on critical
communications if your WordPress site cannot use the PHP mail function. A few examples
of missed critical communication include:

 * Email change or sign up confirmations
 * Lost email passwords
 * Purchase confirmation emails
 * Email notifications from plugins
 * Update notification emails

**The recommended solution** to this issue is to use a third party email service,
such as Mailgun or Sendgrid, to send out your emails instead of using the PHP mail
function. You will need to pay for your account, but depending on how many users/
accounts you add and the number of emails you send, the cost will vary. Implementing
this alternative solution will decrease the number of headaches for your team in
the long run.

## **eCommerce Transactional Emails**

Customer trust is key when running any eCommerce business. If you are encouraging
customers to sign up for an account or make a purchase in your online store, email
becomes critical. A safe and secure method of sending these types of transactional
emails is essential, especially when you consider the fact that your customers are
trusting you and your business with personal information. A quick way to lose that
trust is by not being able to send these transactional emails. **Implementing a 
method, such as SMTP, ensures that your messages are delivered safely and securely.**

## **Recommended Platforms**

### Sendgrid

Sendgrid has multiple plans that you can choose from. A WordPress project manager
will recommend and help you choose which level of service would be best for you 
and your business. You can consistently create emails that your subscribers love
to engage with by utilizing Sendgrid’s optimization and analytics tools. Below is
a quick step-by-step guide on how to get started with Sendgrid.

 1. Signup for a Sendgrid account [here](https://signup.sendgrid.com/)
 2. Fill out your information
 3. Confirm your account email address
 4. Authenticate your sending domain
 5. Setup two-factor authentication
 6. Add a payment method
 7. Pick the best plan for you and your business

### Mailgun

Mailgun also provides multiple plans for you to pick from. A WordPress project manager
will recommend and help you choose which level of service would be best for you 
and your business. Be sure to also utilize Mailgun’s optimization and analytics 
tools. Below is a quick step-by-step guide on how to get started with Mailgun.

 1. Signup for a Mailgun account [here](https://signup.mailgun.com/new/signup)
 2. Activate your account
 3. Add & verify your email sending domain
 4. Pick the best plan for you and your business

The days of relying on the built-in WordPress PHP mail function and missed communication
are gone. By implementing the quick and easy way of SMTP on your WordPress site,
you can ensure that your emails are delivered safely and securely.