A significant part of a successful website is the ability to send emails. One might assume that this functionality is built into a website by default, but this is not always the case.
There are two essential parts of any email server. The first gives it the ability to send messages through SMTP or Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. The other enables the server to receive/process incoming messages (POP / IMAP).
In a website, the only functionality needed is outbound, so, Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP). These emails are how a website communicates with users, letting them know that they have completed a task, updating them on a transaction’s progress, or requiring further action.
To ensure that your site emails are running smoothly, always make sure of the following:
That your SMTP has a proper “return” or “from” email address.
That all emails sent can “unsubscribe” so that people who do not wish to receive the email can remove themselves.
Avoid using the same email address for marketing materials or notifications.
Regardless of the website or mail API you’re using (Gmail/Yahoo), installing SMTP will ensure that your site is always able to send automated emails.
To set this up, all you need to know is your username, password, hostname and port number. Your login details will be the same as that of your email account login. Further SMTP connection details will be available in your mail provider’s client portal or how-to documentation.