SMTP Configuration

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) provides more reliable email delivery than WordPress default mail. This guide covers SMTP configuration with popular email services.

Why Use SMTP?

Feature	WordPress Mail	SMTP
Deliverability	Low – often marked as spam	High – authenticated sending
Tracking	None	Delivery confirmations
Reliability	Depends on host	Dedicated email infrastructure
Speed	Variable	Consistent

Quick Setup

1. Go to WP Outreach → Settings → SMTP
2. Enter your SMTP server details
3. Test the connection
4. Enable SMTP in the Mailer settings

SMTP Settings

Setting	Description	Example
SMTP Host	Server address	smtp.gmail.com
SMTP Port	Server port	587 (TLS) or 465 (SSL)
Encryption	Security protocol	TLS (recommended)
Username	Authentication username	your@email.com
Password	Authentication password	App password or API key

Encryption Options

Type	Port	Description
TLS	587	Recommended – starts unencrypted, upgrades
SSL	465	Legacy – encrypted from start
None	25	Not recommended – no encryption

Popular SMTP Providers

Gmail / Google Workspace

Setting	Value
Host	smtp.gmail.com
Port	587
Encryption	TLS
Username	Your full Gmail address
Password	App Password (not your regular password)

Important: You must create an “App Password” in your Google Account security settings. Regular passwords do not work with SMTP.

1. Go to Google Account Security
2. Enable 2-Factor Authentication if not already
3. Click App passwords
4. Select “Mail” and your device
5. Click Generate
6. Use the 16-character password in WP Outreach

SendGrid

Setting	Value
Host	smtp.sendgrid.net
Port	587
Encryption	TLS
Username	apikey
Password	Your SendGrid API key

Mailgun

Setting	Value
Host	smtp.mailgun.org
Port	587
Encryption	TLS
Username	Your Mailgun SMTP username
Password	Your Mailgun SMTP password

Postmark

Setting	Value
Host	smtp.postmarkapp.com
Port	587
Encryption	TLS
Username	Your Postmark API token
Password	Your Postmark API token

Microsoft 365 / Outlook

Setting	Value
Host	smtp.office365.com
Port	587
Encryption	TLS
Username	Your full email address
Password	Your email password

Zoho Mail

Setting	Value
Host	smtp.zoho.com
Port	587
Encryption	TLS
Username	Your Zoho email address
Password	Your Zoho password or app password

Testing Your Configuration

After entering your settings:

1. Click Save Settings
2. Enter a test email address
3. Click Send Test Email
4. Check your inbox for the test message
5. If it does not arrive, check spam folder

Enable SMTP as Default Mailer

Once testing is successful:

1. Go to WP Outreach → Settings → Mailer
2. Select SMTP
3. Click Save Settings

All WP Outreach emails will now use SMTP.

Handle All WordPress Emails

Optionally route all WordPress emails through your SMTP:

1. Go to WP Outreach → Settings → Mailer
2. Enable Handle all WordPress emails
3. Click Save Settings

This routes password resets, comment notifications, and other WordPress emails through your SMTP server.

Troubleshooting

Connection Refused

• Verify host and port are correct
• Check if your host blocks outgoing SMTP (port 25, 465, 587)
• Try different ports (587 or 465)
• Contact your hosting provider about SMTP restrictions

Authentication Failed

• Double-check username and password
• For Gmail, ensure you are using an App Password
• Verify your email provider account is active
• Check if 2FA requires special app passwords

SSL/TLS Errors

• Try switching between TLS and SSL
• Ensure your server SSL certificates are valid
• Check PHP OpenSSL extension is enabled

Emails Going to Spam

• Set up SPF record for your domain
• Configure DKIM signing (if available)
• Use a “from” address that matches your domain
• Avoid spam trigger words in subject/content

Recommended Providers by Use Case

Use Case	Recommended	Why
Small lists (<1,000)	Gmail / Zoho	Free, easy setup
Medium lists	SendGrid / Mailgun	Good free tiers, reliable
High volume	Amazon SES	Best pricing at scale
Transactional focus	Postmark	Optimized for delivery speed

Security Best Practices

• Always use TLS/SSL encryption
• Use app-specific passwords when available
• Never share SMTP credentials
• Consider storing credentials in wp-config.php
• Regularly rotate passwords/API keys
• Monitor for unusual sending activity