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In the ever-evolving world of WordPress, ensuring reliable email delivery is paramount, whether you manage a simple blog, website, or a bustling WooCommerce store.
Although WordPress is a widely used and popular CMS platform, when it comes to sending emails, it does have its challenges and limitations, such as emails landing in spam folders or not being sent at all. WordPress uses the PHP mail function to send transactional emails by default, and this has long been the go-to method, but as online landscapes evolve, this has become a very unreliable option.
To improve your email deliverability, you can use Elastic Email and set up Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) easily. This article will guide you through the process of integrating Elastic Email with your WordPress or WooCommerce application using the WP Mail SMTP plugin, whether hosted on Cloudways Flexible or Autonomous.
What is Elastic Email
Elastic Email is a cutting-edge email service provider. Whether you're a startup or an enterprise business, Elastic Email provides fast, flexible, and affordable email services for all your needs, such as:
Marketing & Transactional Emails: They provide transactional and marketing email services and help you to take control of it.
Elastic Email API: It allows you to easily connect it with the SMTP service of your application using the API.
Domain Verification: You can verify your Elastic Email domain to avoid your emails landing in your recipient's spam.
Tip:
Transactional emails are automated messages triggered by user actions, such as signup confirmation, password resets, and order confirmations.
Therefore, Elastic Email is best for reliable and cost-effective email delivery – your perfect fit for hassle-free communication with your clients.
How to Integrate Elastic Email with Your WordPress Application
Step #1 — Activate Elastic Email and Verify Your Domain
Firstly, activate the Elastic Email add-on and verify your domains. You can check out our straightforward guide to complete this step.
Important
If you are using Cloudways Autonomous, then please skip step #3 from the guide provided above.
Step #2 — Install an SMTP Plugin
Next, you need to install a third-party SMTP plugin. For demonstration purposes, we are using the WP Mail SMTP plugin, but you can also use any other third-party SMTP plugin. Therefore, log in to the WordPress application using your admin credentials.
Tip
Not sure how to locate your WP admin credentials? Refer to this guide.
From the left-hand menu, select Plugins and click Add New Plugin.
Next, search for WP Mail SMTP in the search bar.
Once found, click Install Now.
Once the installation finishes, click Activate.
Step #3 — Configure WP Mail SMTP Plugin
After clicking Activate, you will land in the Plugins area. Now, you need to configure our WP Mail SMTP plugin. Therefore, navigate to the left-hand menu, select WP Mail SMTP, and click Settings.
Next, click Launch Setup Wizard to start configuring the plugin.
Next, click Let's Get Started.
Next, click Other SMTP and hit Save and Continue.
Next, fill out the form using the information provided below:
SMTP Host: smtp.elasticemail.com
Alternatively, you can also use smtp25.elasticemail.com.
Encryption: TLS
Elastic Email supports TLS 1.2 and SSL as well.
SMTP Port: 587
Elastic Email also supports 25, 2525, 587, 465 ports.
Authentication: Enabled
SMTP Username: (Your Elastic Email API Key)
You can refer to this guide to locate your Elastic Email API Key.
SMTP Password: (Your Elastic Email API Key)
Use the same API key that you entered in the SMTP Username field.
From Name: (Your Preferred Sender's Name)
The From Name is the sender's name that appears in recipients' inboxes. It adds a personal touch to your emails, helping establish trust and recognition among your audience.
Force From Name: Enabled
From Email: (Your Preferred Sender's Email)
The From Email is the sender's email address displayed to recipients. It not only identifies the email sender but also contributes to building credibility and trust in your communication.
Force From Email: Enabled
Finally, click Save and Continue.
Next, click Save and Continue to proceed further.
Next, click Skip this Step. If you prefer to receive suggestions and tips from the plugin developers, you may also click Save and Continue.
Next, click Skip this Step so you can continue with the free version of the plugin. If you have a license key for the plugin, you can enter it here.
Finally, it will take a few seconds to test your configurations. Once the test is successful, you will get a confirmation as shown in the snapshot below.
With your SMTP now in place, your emails are ready to roll seamlessly. Take the next step by diving into email campaigns and setting up transactional emails.
That’s it! We hope this tutorial was helpful. If you need any help, then feel free to search your query on Cloudways Support Center or contact us via chat (Need a Hand > Send us a Message). Alternatively, you can also create a support ticket.