Configuring Mailgun for Email Delivery

This guide shows you how to set up Mailgun to handle email delivery for your Web60 WordPress website.

Why Use Mailgun for Email

By default, WordPress websites send emails directly from the server. This often causes problems - emails go to spam folders or don't arrive at all. Mailgun is an email service that specialises in delivering emails reliably.

You'll need this setup if your contact forms aren't sending emails or if customers report they're not receiving notifications from your website.

Step 1: Create a Mailgun Account

1. Go to mailgun.com and click "Sign Up"
2. Choose the free plan (allows 5,000 emails per month)
3. Verify your email address
4. Complete the phone verification

Step 2: Add Your Domain to Mailgun

1. In your Mailgun dashboard, click "Add New Domain"
2. Enter your domain name (example: yourbusiness.ie)
3. Select "EU" as your region (important for Irish businesses)
4. Click "Add Domain"

Mailgun will show you DNS records that need to be added to your domain.

Step 3: Configure DNS Records

1. Log into your Web60 portal
2. Go to "Domain Management"
3. Click "DNS Settings" for your domain
4. Add the DNS records exactly as shown in Mailgun:
   • Add the TXT records for domain verification
   • Add the MX records for receiving emails
   • Add the CNAME record for tracking

DNS changes take 1-24 hours to take effect. You can check if they're working in your Mailgun dashboard - it will show "Verified" next to your domain when ready.

Step 4: Install an SMTP Plugin

You need a WordPress plugin to connect your site to Mailgun:

1. Access your WordPress admin dashboard
2. Go to "Plugins" > "Add New"
3. Search for "WP Mail SMTP"
4. Install and activate the plugin

Step 5: Configure the Plugin

1. Go to "WP Mail SMTP" in your WordPress admin menu
2. Choose "Mailgun" as your mailer
3. Enter your Mailgun details:
   • Domain Name: Your verified domain (yourbusiness.ie)
   • API Key: Found in your Mailgun dashboard under "API Keys"
   • Region: Select "EU"
4. Set your "From Email" to an address using your domain (info@yourbusiness.ie)
5. Set your "From Name" to your business name
6. Click "Save Settings"

Step 6: Test Email Delivery

1. In the WP Mail SMTP settings, go to the "Email Test" tab
2. Enter your email address
3. Click "Send Email"
4. Check your inbox (and spam folder) for the test email

If the test email arrives, your setup is complete. Try sending a message through your contact form to make sure everything works.

If you're still having issues with email delivery, contact Web60 support for assistance.

FAQ

Q: Is Mailgun free to use?

A: Mailgun offers 5,000 free emails per month, which is sufficient for most small business websites.

Q: How long does DNS verification take?

A: DNS changes typically take 1-4 hours but can take up to 24 hours to fully propagate.

Q: Can I use my existing email address with Mailgun?

A: Yes, you can set any email address as the "From" address, but it should use your domain name for best delivery rates.

Q: Will this fix my contact form emails going to spam?

A: Yes, Mailgun significantly improves email delivery and reduces the chance of emails being marked as spam.

Q: Do I need to change my existing email setup?

A: No, this only affects emails sent by your WordPress website. Your regular email (Gmail, Outlook, etc.) remains unchanged.

Q: What happens if I exceed 5,000 emails per month?

A: Mailgun will stop sending emails until you upgrade to a paid plan or wait for the next month's allowance.