Email Delivery: Understanding Your Options

9 Jan ‘24

In: Innovation, Web Design & Development, / By: Ripe Media

In the world of websites, email delivery is a routine yet crucial function. Whether it’s for notifications, newsletters, or customer correspondence, the way emails are sent can impact their deliverability and reliability. With recent updates to Google and Yahoo’s policies, it’s more important than ever to choose the right method for email delivery from your WordPress site.

Here, we’ll explore three common methods: the built-in mail function, using SMTP with an actual mailbox, and employing SMTP services like Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) and SendGrid. Let’s break down each option, discussing their pros, cons, and how to set them up.

1. Built-in WordPress Mail Function

The most straightforward method is using the built-in WordPress wp_mail() function. This method doesn’t require additional setup or plugins, making it a simple choice for beginners.

Pros:

• Easy to set up; requires no additional plugins or configurations.
• Ideal for websites with low email volume.

Cons:

• Reliability issues: Emails might end up in spam or not get delivered at all.
• Limited control over email authentication and deliverability.

Setup and Caveats:

• Modify your SPF (Sender Policy Framework) records to improve deliverability. This tells web servers that your site is authorized to send emails.
• Keep an eye on email deliverability and consider an alternative if issues are encountered.

2. SMTP Using an Actual Mailbox for Email Delivery

SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) with a real email account offers more reliability. This involves configuring WordPress to send email through an account you own, like Gmail or Outlook.

Pros:

• Higher deliverability and less likely to be marked as spam.
• Easy to monitor and manage through your email account.

Cons:

• Requires SMTP configuration which can be slightly technical.
• Your email account’s sending limits apply, which might be restrictive for high-volume sites.

Setup and Caveats:

• Install an SMTP plugin like WP Mail SMTP.
• Configure the plugin with your email account’s SMTP settings (server, username, password, etc.).
• Test to ensure emails are sending correctly. Be mindful of your email provider’s sending limits.

3. SMTP Services (Brevo, SendGrid, etc.)

SMTP services are third-party email delivery services, perfect for bulk email sending and achieving high deliverability. While Brevo and SendGrid are popular choices, there are several other noteworthy services, each offering unique features:

• Mailgun: Ideal for developers with robust APIs for email integration.
• Mailchimp Transactional Email: Great for those already using Mailchimp, focusing on transactional emails.
• Amazon SES: A cost-effective and scalable service, part of Amazon Web Services.
• Postmark: Known for rapid and reliable transactional email delivery.
• SparkPost: Offers high deliverability rates for both marketing and transactional emails.
• Elastic Email: A user-friendly platform for both email marketing and transactional services.
• Pepipost: Provides AI-driven email delivery with real-time analytics.

Pros:

• High deliverability and reliability.
• Suitable for handling large volumes of emails.
• Detailed analytics and email tracking options.

Cons:

• Can be costly depending on email volume.
• May require DNS modifications for domain authentication.
• Most involved setup time and effort of all the options

Setup and Caveats:

• Choose a service that aligns with your needs.
• Install their WordPress plugin and configure it using the provided API key.
• Set up DNS settings for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for email authentication.
• Keep track of your usage to manage costs and plan limits.

Final Thoughts about Email Delivery

Choosing the right email delivery method for your WordPress site depends on your specific needs and technical comfort. For low-volume, simple sites, the built-in mail function might suffice. However, for better deliverability and management, especially for larger sites, SMTP via an actual mailbox or dedicated SMTP services are more reliable choices.

Remember, with changes in email policies from providers like Google and Yahoo, ensuring that your emails are properly authenticated and conform to best practices is vital. Whichever method you choose, regular monitoring and adjustments are key to maintaining effective email communication through your website.

You Might Also Like