How to use SMTP?

This article provides detailed instructions on using SMTP with Spotler MailPro, including the requirements, configuration, and settings for sending emails via an external SMTP server. This option allows businesses to send emails using their own email infrastructure or through specific external servers, making it useful for those who need more control over their email sending.

In this article, you will learn more about:

• What is Spotler MailPro SMTP?
• Requirements for Spotler MailPro SMTP
• Configuring Spotler MailPro SMTP
• SMTP Server Settings
• Advanced Settings

What is Spotler MailPro SMTP?

Spotler MailPro SMTP offers an alternative way to send emails through an external SMTP server, rather than using the standard Spotler MailPro email sending mechanism. This can be useful for businesses that want to use their own email infrastructure or send emails via specific external servers. The Spotler MailPro SMTP extension allows you to send individual emails using the SMTP API, with additional features such as encryption via STARTTLS and verification against the Spotler blacklist for cleaner sendouts.

The SMTP API functions as a simple SMTP relay but includes extra Spotler MailPro capabilities. Emails are sent using the defined sender address in the Spotler MailPro mailing, and the contact email addresses are verified against the Spotler MailPro blacklist. This helps ensure cleaner sendouts, even if contacts injected into the Spotler MailPro SMTP are in the spam complaints group.

Requirements for Spotler MailPro SMTP

• Your application must support SMTP with STARTTLS and Authenticated SMTP.
• A bounce processing address is required to handle Non-Delivery Reports (NDR) and filter out invalid email addresses.
• SMTP API sending requires specific mailing configuration in Spotler MailPro.

Configuring Spotler MailPro SMTP

Follow the steps below to set up and configure Spotler MailPro SMTP. This will guide you through the process, ensuring secure and efficient email delivery through the Spotler MailPro SMTP extension.

1. Step 1: License Check
   • Ensure that your current Spotler MailPro license allows for the use of the SMTP extension. If you don't have this feature, you will need to request it from Spotler MailPro support.
2. Step 2: Activating the SMTP Extension
   • With the assistance of a Spotler MailPro specialist, you will activate the SMTP extension for your license.
   • Once activated, the SMTP feature will be available for use in your Spotler MailPro account.
3. Step 3: User Authentication and Configuration
   • Work with a Spotler MailPro specialist to authenticate your SMTP users, allowing them to send emails securely.
   • Once the configuration is complete, you will receive your SMTP credentials (username and password) from your Spotler MailPro account manager.
4. Step 4: Creating an SMTP Campaign
   • Spotler MailPro will create a default SMTP campaign with the appropriate settings for email sending.
   • This campaign will be configured specifically for using the Spotler MailPro SMTP extension.
5. Step 5: Configuring SMTP Settings
   • Once the campaign is created, you can configure advanced SMTP settings such as sender domains and bounce processing through the Spotler MailPro administration interface.

Once all these steps are complete, you'll be able to start using Spotler MailPro SMTP to send your emails securely and efficiently.

SMTP Server Settings

For Europe:

Server Name	Port
prod-nl-smtp.webpower.eu	587 (STARTTLS recommended)

Supported Ports:

• 25 (STARTTLS)
• 465 (SSL/TLS)
• 587 (STARTTLS, recommended)
• 2525 (STARTTLS, recommended for Google Cloud)

Because some providers impose restrictions on port 25, port 587 is recommended for optimal deliverability.

Advanced Settings

Multi Sending Domains & Return-Path Domains

Spotler MailPro SMTP supports the use of multiple sending domains for email transmission.

Bounce Processing and Non-Delivery Reports (NDR)

Spotler MailPro SMTP handles bounce processing automatically. There are two types of bounces:

• Soft bounces: Temporary issues, such as a full mailbox.
• Hard bounces: Permanent errors, such as a non-existent email address.

Soft bounces will be retried, while hard bounces are filtered out. This ensures that problematic email addresses are excluded from future mailings, keeping your list clean and improving deliverability.

Handling Attachments

Spotler MailPro SMTP supports attachments, but they should be kept under 5MB for optimal performance. Larger attachments may impact the sending speed and reliability of email delivery.

Using Embedded Images

It is strongly advised not to use embedded images within emails as it can slow down the sending process for every email, due to the image data being included within the message itself. Instead, it is recommended to use URL-linked images to improve the email's performance.

Security Considerations

Spotler MailPro SMTP ensures security by enforcing encryption with the STARTTLS option in the SMTP transaction. Additionally, authentication via a username and password is required. Failing to use both will result in the SMTP sending being blocked. Spotler MailPro SMTP is not an open relay.