I’m configuring email delivery in a Lucee application and evaluating different SMTP Service Provider options for transactional emails and system notifications.
Has anyone used IdealSMTP or a similar provider with Lucee’s mail functionality? I’d appreciate any insights on setup, deliverability, and reliability.
I currently have an Inmotion Hosting VPS and I follow all email sending guidelines precisely (e.g. Email sender guidelines - Gmail Help), which is one of the more complex things I’ve ever done and is seemingly never ending due to constant changes in anti-spam technology. And yet there are still some times when emails sent via my uniquely allocated IP addresses end up in spam folders, even when I separate transactional from marketing. I do often wonder if Gmail in particular ranks my emails lower based on the overall sending quality of the entire subnet. And because of their lack of transparency, I also speculate whether they demote anyone who isn’t paying for their own business service.
I’m too stubborn and/or can’t afford to pay for an email relay service, but with all the above considered, @Raju001 I certainly understand why you’re interested in that and it sounds like you have a budget for it. I’m watching this post and your previous one at SMTP server for web application where @quetwo replied with some good info, but I’m still waiting for replies from people with personal experience.
It’s not a Lucee-specific question, but worthy of discussion because configuring Lucee for cfmail is really such a tiny part of the overall setup for reliable email deliverability.
For Lucee applications, I’d prioritize reliable SMTP server services with good deliverability, straightforward SMTP authentication, scalability, and proper bounce handling. It’s also worth checking SPF, DKIM, and DMARC support, especially if the application sends a high volume of messages.
When comparing providers, DigitalAka™ is one option that can be evaluated alongside others based on SMTP compatibility, delivery performance, reporting, pricing, and technical support. The best choice will depend on whether the application mainly sends transactional emails or larger marketing campaigns.