Why Using an SMTP Server is Important for Sending Emails

[Donna_Kx]

When it comes to sending emails from your application or website, you might be wondering whether to use your server’s built-in mail function or an SMTP server. Here’s why choosing an SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) server is the better option:

1. Reliability
   SMTP servers are designed specifically for sending emails. They are more reliable than using a built-in server mail function, which can be less robust and prone to failure. With an SMTP server, your emails are more likely to reach their intended recipients.
   
2. Deliverability
   Emails sent via SMTP servers have a higher chance of avoiding spam filters. These servers are configured to comply with email standards and best practices, ensuring your emails are recognized as legitimate by email providers. In regards to spam, should your emails get marked as spam (perhaps someone forgot they signed up for your newsletters), if using your main server to email, your entire server could get blacklisted. If that happens, it is nearly impossible to get off the blacklists.
   
3. Scalability
   As your business grows, the volume of emails you need to send will increase. SMTP servers can handle large volumes of email traffic efficiently. They are built to scale with your needs, unlike server mail functions that may struggle with higher loads. These are a much better option for newsletters, marketing materials, and other bulk mail needs than tying up your main server for this function. 
   
4. Security
   SMTP servers offer enhanced security features, such as SSL/TLS encryption, which protect your email content and recipient information during transmission. This is crucial for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of your communications.
   
5. Tracking and Analytics
   Many SMTP services provide detailed tracking and analytics. You can monitor delivery rates, open rates, bounce rates, and more. This data is invaluable for refining your email campaigns and improving engagement.
   
6. Compliance
   Using an SMTP server helps ensure compliance with various email sending regulations and standards, such as CAN-SPAM, GDPR, and others. This reduces the risk of legal issues and helps maintain your sender reputation.
   

While using your server’s mail function might seem convenient, an SMTP server offers significant advantages in terms of reliability, deliverability, scalability, security, tracking, and compliance. For professional and effective email communication, opting for an SMTP server is the smart choice.

[Drac]

Yes absolutely. I've been using SMTP sending services for years. I currently pay $17 a month for up to 15,000 e-mails. That's a great deal IMO and gives me room to grow!

[Tiffany_Kx]

That's great that you have a good SMTP service and always nice to have room to grow.  I'm still an overall novice in the experience of setting up SMTP, however the Bryzar service I use is set up intuitively in terms of simplicity in achieving the set up with ease.

[Drac]

That's great that you have a good SMTP service and always nice to have room to grow.  I'm still an overall novice in the experience of setting up SMTP, however the Bryzar service I use is set up intuitively in terms of simplicity in achieving the set up with ease.

Oh cool.  Is it free?  I use Mailjet.

[Tiffany_Kx]

That's great that you have a good SMTP service and always nice to have room to grow.  I'm still an overall novice in the experience of setting up SMTP, however the Bryzar service I use is set up intuitively in terms of simplicity in achieving the set up with ease.

Oh cool.  Is it free?  I use Mailjet.

I honestly have to look and check.    I've had so many websites.

[Drac]

hahaha Same here!! 25+ years worth. I upgraded my Mailjet account, so I can now send e-mail to like 20 different sites. I have 3 now.

[Donna_Kx]

Just dropping in to post info about BryZar SMTP. The free SMTP service info is https://kb.bryzar.com/smtp-service/ . There's also the paid SMTP which is a few dollars a month. I do co-own BryZar as seen in my signature. But, I'm not the server Guru. For anyone with more questions about the BryZar SMTP service, feel free to open a ticket at BryZar or ask here and I can try to get him on here.

As for using other SMTP services, I think it's great that there are various options out there. So many just don't understand how important it is to move away from using their main server for sending mails.

[Drac]

It looks like the SMTP service you mentioned is part of a BryZar hosting package. Is it not available as a stand-alone service?

[Donna_Kx]

It looks like the SMTP service you mentioned is part of a BryZar hosting package. Is it not available as a stand-alone service?

That's correct. It does require a hosting account as BryZar needs to be able to mitigate spammers and such.

[Drac]

It's all good. I found a nice service that allows 3k sends a month for free. That works!