How to setup an SMTP server to send emails from a WordPress website
CTS recommends using an SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server to send emails from a WordPress website to achieve a higher rate of delivery success to a recipient’s mailbox.
- SMTP servers use proper authentication methods, which significantly reduce the chances of your emails being marked as spam or rejected by email providers.
- Many WordPress hosting providers restrict the use of the PHP mail() function to prevent abuse and spam. Using an SMTP server helps you comply with these restrictions and ensures that your emails are sent without issues.
- SMTP servers support secure transmission protocols like SSL and TLS, which protect your emails from being intercepted or tampered with during transit.
If you already have a mail server (such as Microsoft 365 or Gmail), you may just need to setup an SMTP account.
- How to set up an SMTP server on Microsoft 365: How to set up a multifunction device or application to send emails using Microsoft 365 or Office 365 | Microsoft Learn
- How to set up an SMTP server on Google: Send email from a printer, scanner, or app - Google Workspace Admin Help
CTS does not recommend using a web browser’s email functionality due to the higher probability of the sent emails being blocked and not delivered. This risk can also affect users on a shared hosting account where one account on the server sends out spam messages resulting in all messages sent from the shared server to get blocked.