Email Configuration

Types of Emails:

Email Requirements:

• SMTP server or email service
• Verified sender domain
• SPF/DKIM configuration (recommended)
• Dedicated sending address

Current Status:

View email status at Admin → Settings → Email

Setting Up SMTP:

1. Go to Admin → Settings → Email
2. Select SMTP as provider
3. Enter configuration:

Required Fields:

Security Options:

• TLS: Recommended for port 587
• SSL: For port 465
• None: Not recommended

1. Click Test Connection
2. Save settings if successful

Supported Providers:

SendGrid:

1. Get API key from SendGrid
2. Select SendGrid as provider
3. Enter API key
4. Set verified sender

Mailgun:

1. Get API key and domain
2. Select Mailgun as provider
3. Enter credentials
4. Configure sending domain

Amazon SES:

1. Set up SES in AWS
2. Verify sender identity
3. Get SMTP credentials
4. Enter in email settings

Postmark:

1. Create Postmark account
2. Get server token
3. Select Postmark provider
4. Enter token

Provider Comparison:

Why Authenticate:

• Improves deliverability
• Prevents spoofing
• Builds sender reputation
• Required by many providers

SPF Configuration:

Add DNS TXT record:

v=spf1 include:_spf.yourprovider.com ~all

DKIM Configuration:

1. Get DKIM key from provider
2. Add DNS TXT record
3. Verify in provider dashboard

DMARC Configuration:

Add DNS TXT record:

v=DMARC1; p=quarantine; rua=mailto:dmarc@company.com

Verification:

1. Send test email
2. Check email headers
3. Use authentication checker tool
4. Monitor in provider dashboard

Template Types:

Customizing Templates:

1. Go to Settings → Email → Templates
2. Select template to edit
3. Modify content
4. Preview changes
5. Save template

Template Variables:

• {{user.name}} - User's name
• {{idea.title}} - Idea title
• {{product.name}} - Product name
• {{action_url}} - Call to action link
• {{company.name}} - Your company

Email Notification Types:

User Notifications:

• Idea status changes
• Responses to comments
• Votes on their ideas
• Weekly digest

Admin Notifications:

• New idea submissions
• Reported content
• System alerts
• Daily/weekly summaries

Configuring Notifications:

1. Go to Settings → Notifications
2. Enable/disable notification types
3. Set delivery frequency
4. Configure recipients for admin alerts

User Preferences:

Users can configure in their profile:

• Which notifications to receive
• Preferred frequency
• Digest vs immediate
• Unsubscribe options

Test Connection:

1. Go to Settings → Email
2. Click Test Connection
3. Verify SMTP connectivity
4. Check for errors

Send Test Email:

1. Enter recipient address
2. Click Send Test
3. Check inbox for email
4. Verify delivery and formatting

Troubleshooting:

Debug Mode:

Enable email logging to troubleshoot:

1. Go to Settings → Email → Advanced
2. Enable Debug Logging
3. Send test email
4. Check logs for details

Email Dashboard:

View at Admin → Analytics → Email

Metrics:

Bounce Handling:

• Soft bounces: Temporary, retry
• Hard bounces: Permanent, remove
• Auto-cleanup option available

Best Practices:

✓ Monitor bounce rate (keep < 2%)

✓ Clean email list regularly

✓ Handle unsubscribes properly

✓ Watch for spam complaints

✓ Maintain sender reputation

Email Not Delivered:

1. Check spam/junk folder
2. Verify sender authentication
3. Review bounce messages
4. Check provider logs

Slow Delivery:

• Check rate limits
• Verify server response
• Consider async sending
• Review queue status

Formatting Issues:

• Test in multiple clients
• Use inline CSS
• Keep templates simple
• Test dark mode

Authentication Errors:

• Verify credentials
• Check special characters
• Confirm account status
• Review firewall rules

Getting Help:

• Check provider status page
• Review error logs
• Contact provider support
• Post in community forum