SMTP Credentials

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What Are SMTP Credentials?

SMTP credentials allow SEO Utils to send automated emails through your email server. This is essential for automating report delivery to clients and team members.

Setting Up SMTP Credentials

To configure email sending capabilities, navigate to SMTP in the left sidebar and click Add Credential.

Figure: SMTP Credentials management interface

Configuration Fields

Fill in the following settings based on your email provider:

Basic Settings:

• Credential Name: A friendly name to identify this configuration (e.g., "Main Gmail Account")
• Default Credential: Toggle on to use this as the default for all email automations

Server Settings:

• SMTP Host: Your email server address (see provider settings below)
• Port: Usually 587 for TLS or 465 for SSL
• Encryption: Select TLS/STARTTLS (recommended) or SSL

Authentication:

• Username: Your email address or username
• Password: Your email password or app-specific password

WARNING

Gmail Users: You must use an App Password instead of your regular password. Enable 2-factor authentication first, then generate an app password.

Sender Information:

• From Email: The email address that appears as sender
• From Name: Optional display name (e.g., "SEO Reports")

Testing Your Configuration

Before saving, always test your SMTP settings:

1. Enter a Test Email Address where you can receive mail
2. Click Send Test Email
3. Check your inbox for the test message
4. If successful, click Create Credential

Figure: Test your SMTP configuration before saving

Common Email Provider Settings

Gmail

• Host: smtp.gmail.com
• Port: 587
• Encryption: TLS
• Username: Your Gmail address
• Password: App Password (not regular password)

Microsoft 365/Outlook

• Host: smtp.office365.com
• Port: 587
• Encryption: TLS
• Username: Your email address
• Password: Your password

SendGrid

• Host: smtp.sendgrid.net
• Port: 587 (or 465 for SSL, 2525 as alternative)
• Encryption: TLS
• Username: apikey (literal string, not your username)
• Password: Your SendGrid API key

Mailgun

• Host: smtp.mailgun.org
• Port: 587 (or 2525 as alternative)
• Encryption: TLS
• Username: Your Mailgun email address
• Password: Your Mailgun API key

INFO

Tip: Port 2525 is an alternative port offered by SendGrid and Mailgun if your ISP blocks standard ports. It works identically to port 587 with TLS encryption.

Custom/Business Email

Contact your IT administrator or hosting provider for:

• SMTP server address
• Port number
• Authentication requirements
• Encryption method

Using SMTP in Automations

Once configured, your SMTP credentials are automatically available in the Automations tool. When creating an email action, simply:

1. Select Send Email as the action type
2. The system will use your default SMTP credential
3. Configure recipient, subject, and message content
4. Add attachments using variables like {{pdf_export_path}}

See the Automations guide for detailed examples of email automation workflows.

Troubleshooting

Test email fails:

• Verify your username and password are correct
• For Gmail, ensure you're using an App Password
• For SendGrid, use apikey as username (not your email)
• Check if your email provider requires specific security settings
• Try alternative ports (2525 for Mailgun/SendGrid if 587 is blocked)

Emails not sending in automations:

• Confirm the SMTP credential is marked as default
• Check automation execution logs for specific error messages
• Verify recipient email addresses are valid

Connection timeout:

• Your firewall or ISP may be blocking the SMTP port
• Try port 2525 as an alternative for SendGrid/Mailgun
• Try using port 465 with SSL encryption instead of 587/TLS