I've briefly covered email set-up and connection before for mail programs and users but did you know your website should also be using a secure connection?
You’ve set up a contact form, maybe a booking system or an eCommerce checkout. Everything looks great—until a client tells you that they never received a confirmation email from your website. Or worse, you didn’t get their enquiry!
The problem often isn’t the form or website itself. It’s your website’s email delivery method.
That’s where SMTP comes in.
What Is SMTP?
SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, and it’s the industry standard for sending emails across the internet. When your website is configured with SMTP, it sends email through a verified, secure mail server using real login credentials—just like your email client does.
This is what gives your messages legitimacy in the eyes of modern spam filters.
The Problem with PHP mail()
By default, many websites use the built-in PHP mail() function to send emails. While it’s simple and requires no configuration, it has a major downside:
PHP mail doesn’t authenticate the sender.
It pretends to send email from your domain (e.g.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) without using any login credentials.
To spam filters and inbox providers like Gmail, this looks suspicious—and often results in your messages getting blocked, marked as spam, or silently dropped.
Why SMTP Is the Better Option
SMTP fixes all of this by sending email through a trusted, authenticated server. Benefits include:
- Your email is sent from a verified account
- You avoid being flagged as spam
- Your messages are encrypted and traceable
- Delivery is more reliable, especially with services like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo
If your website relies on emails (and most do), SMTP ensures they actually reach their destination.
When Should You Use SMTP?
If your website sends any kind of automated email, you should be using SMTP. This includes:
- Contact form submissions
- Online orders and eCommerce receipts
- Booking confirmations or alerts
- Newsletter subscriptions
- Account verification or password reset emails
If you're not receiving notifications—or your customers are missing important messages—SMTP setup should be your first step.
SMTP Setup Requirements
To set up SMTP on your website, you’ll need the following:
1. SMTP Credentials from Your Email Provider
Most providers offer SMTP access as part of their service. Here are some commonly used SMTP hosts:
- SendGrid
- SMTP2GO
- Mailjet
- Gmail
Each provider has its own authentication method—usually requiring an API key or app password if 2FA is enabled.
2. A Domain-Based Email
An Email Address You Control, ideally use a domain-based email like
3. Integration with Your CMS or Forms Plugin
Use tools like:
- WP Mail SMTP (WordPress)
- Joomla send setting
- PHPMailer
- Drupal SMTP Module
Bonus: Use SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for Maximum Deliverability
Even with SMTP set up, your domain should also be protected and authenticated via:
- SPF (Sender Policy Framework)
- DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail)
- DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication)
These DNS records help email services confirm that your website is allowed to send on your domain’s behalf.
What Can Go Wrong Without SMTP?
If SMTP isn’t properly configured—or if you’re relying on PHP mail—you may face:
- Missing form submissions
- Failed order confirmations
- Password reset emails that never arrive
- Messages consistently hitting spam folders
You may not even know it’s happening until a client mentions it—or leaves.
Need Help With SMTP Setup?
If you're unsure whether your website is sending mail reliably—or if you've recently changed email hosts or forms—it's a good time to review your setup.
Contact me for a quick SMTP audit or configuration. I’ll help ensure your site’s emails are authenticated, secure, and hitting inboxes—not spam folders.