Sending a test email is a crucial step when setting up a new contact form, confirming order notifications, or simply verifying that your email system is working correctly.
This practice helps prevent missed connections and user frustration, while also avoiding issues like undelivered emails or messages landing in spam folders.
At CanadaCreate, we regularly launch newsletters, build email lists, and send various types of emails to our audience. Before starting any campaign, we always send a test email to ensure everything operates smoothly.
In this article, we will guide you through the simple process of sending a test email from WordPress, ensuring your email setup is free of issues.
Why Is It Important to Test Your WordPress Email Functionality?
Many users report difficulties with WordPress not sending emails, which can disrupt the smooth operation of your website or eCommerce store.
For instance, your site sends emails to welcome new users, reset forgotten passwords, deliver order confirmations, and notify you when a new user registers or submits a contact form.
There are several strategies you can implement to enhance the reliability of your WordPress email system.
We suggest using a trustworthy SMTP service provider to send your emails and setting up logs to track the emails sent from your website, allowing you to monitor their performance.
When you initially configure your website or SMTP service, it’s a good idea to send a test email to verify that the email functionality is working properly.
Now, let’s explore how to effortlessly send a test email from WordPress.
Steps to Send a Test Email from WordPress
You can easily send a test email from WordPress by using the WP Mail SMTP plugin. This is the top SMTP plugin for WordPress, designed to enhance your email deliverability.
We personally use this plugin to ensure our emails do not land in spam folders. For further details, feel free to check our WP Mail SMTP review.
To begin, install and activate the WP Mail SMTP plugin. For detailed instructions, refer to our comprehensive guide on installing a WordPress plugin.
📒 Important Note: WP Mail SMTP also offers a free version that you can utilize. However, this tutorial will focus on the premium version.
Next, you will need to configure the plugin to work with your chosen SMTP service.
The WP Mail SMTP setup wizard guides you through each step of the configuration process. You can also check our beginner’s guides for setting up WP Mail SMTP with services like Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, Amazon SES, SendGrid, Mailgun, or your web hosting provider.
After completing the plugin setup, you can send a test email to verify that everything is configured properly.
To do this, navigate to the WP Mail SMTP » Tools section in your WordPress dashboard.
On this page, you will find the ‘Email Test’ option. By default, the test email will be sent to your site’s administrator email address, but you can change this by entering a different email address in the ‘Send To’ field.
We suggest keeping the ‘HTML’ setting enabled, but if you prefer to send a plain text email, you can disable it.
Once you are satisfied with your settings, simply click the ‘Send Email’ button to send the test email to the address you specified.
Checking the Email Test Results
After WP Mail SMTP tries to send the test email, it will provide immediate feedback on whether the test was successful.
If your WordPress email configuration is correct, the test email will be sent without any issues, and you will see a success message on the screen.
Now, check if the test email arrived at the designated email address.
You should see an email similar to the one below in your inbox. If you do, congratulations! Your email is functioning correctly on your WordPress site.
If there are issues with your email configuration, the test email may not be sent.
You will receive a notification detailing the error along with steps to resolve it.
After addressing the issue, send another test email to verify that your WordPress email is now operational.
If Changes to Domain Settings Are Required
Even if the test email was successful, you might receive a notification highlighting some issues. This occurs because the test checks if the domain of your ‘from’ address is correctly configured in your DNS records.
Correct domain settings can enhance email deliverability, preventing it from being blocked or sent to the spam folder.
The notification will outline any issues and provide links to guides that will assist you in properly configuring your DNS records.
After resolving the issues, send another test email to confirm authentication and ensure everything is functioning correctly.
If You Require Professional Assistance
Many newcomers struggle with setting up email in WordPress. Fortunately, if you’re having trouble getting your WordPress email to work, you can hire a professional to assist you.
The great news is that a WP Mail SMTP Elite license comes with a White Glove Setup service. This means a member of their expert team will handle the configuration of your email settings to ensure successful email delivery.
Bonus: Grow Your Email List in WordPress
Now that your WordPress site’s email deliverability is working properly, it’s time to start building your email list.
Creating an email list is crucial as it enables you to send targeted communications to your audience through email marketing services.
This approach can enhance your site’s visibility, boost conversion rates, and encourage repeat visits from customers.
To capture email leads, consider using plugins like OptinMonster and Thrive Leads.
These plugins enable you to design popups and banners on your website that invite users to subscribe or sign up for your email newsletter.
For additional strategies, check out our tutorial on effective and proven methods to accelerate your email list growth.
Another suggestion is to create a contact form using WPForms, allowing users to easily get in touch with you by submitting their information.
You can also grow your email list by organizing giveaways with RafflePress.
For instance, if you run a WooCommerce store, you could offer some of your products as prizes to users who enter the competition.
For more information, check out our guide on how to host a giveaway or contest to expand your email list.
We hope this article has helped you understand how to send test emails from WordPress. You might also find our beginner’s guide on adding HTML forms in WordPress and our best practices for contact form design useful.
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