Looking to get your emails out of the spam folder and into the inbox? If you're running your own SMTP server and want to see real improvement in deliverability, connecting it to Inboxally is a smart move. This guide is for folks who manage their own email servers (or at least have access to them), want more control over their email reputation, and are tired of vague advice that never quite works.
We'll go step-by-step through the setup. I'll tell you what actually matters, what you can skip, and how to avoid the most common headaches. If you're not afraid to poke around your SMTP settings, you'll be fine.
What is Inboxally (and What Isn't It)?
If you haven't already, check out Inboxally — it's a deliverability tool that works by sending real, engaged interactions to your campaigns. It doesn't just "warm up" your domain with fake opens; it actually trains mailbox providers that your emails belong in the inbox.
But let's be clear: Inboxally won't save a bad list, fix broken DNS, or let you ignore best practices. It's a tool, not a magic wand.
Before You Start: What You Really Need
Don't waste time if you don't have these basics sorted:
- Admin access to your SMTP server. If you can't change server settings or see logs, stop now.
- An active Inboxally account. You need login credentials and at least one available seed list.
- Your sending domain’s DNS access. For SPF/DKIM/DMARC records. If you don’t control your DNS, you’re in for a rough time.
- A working email list and real campaigns. If you're still testing, connect a test domain first.
Pro tip: If you use a third-party sender (like SendGrid, Mailgun), you’ll connect through their SMTP credentials, but your options are more limited because you can’t control their server config.
Step 1: Get Your SMTP Details Ready
You’ll need:
- SMTP server hostname or IP (e.g., smtp.yourdomain.com)
- Port (usually 587 for TLS, 465 for SSL, or 25 for plain)
- SMTP username and password (or API key)
- Supported authentication methods (PLAIN, LOGIN, etc.)
Don’t have these? Check your server docs or ask your hosting provider. If you’re using Postfix, Exim, or another on-prem server, you should know this already.
Step 2: Log Into Inboxally and Find the SMTP Integration
- Log in to your Inboxally dashboard.
- Navigate to the “SMTPs” or “Integrations” section. (It’s usually in the sidebar.)
- Click “Add SMTP” or “Connect New SMTP.”
Note: The UI changes now and then, but it’s always labeled as SMTP, not API.
Step 3: Enter Your SMTP Server Credentials
You’ll see a form asking for:
- SMTP Host: Your server’s hostname or IP (don’t use “localhost” unless the server is on the same machine as Inboxally)
- Port: 587, 465, or 25
- Encryption: Choose TLS or SSL if available; avoid “None” unless you know your server is on a secure network
- Username & Password: Use a dedicated user, not your main admin account if possible
What works: Inboxally usually connects without drama if you have standard authentication and encryption.
What doesn’t: Non-standard ports, weird authentication plugins, or old, unpatched servers. If you’re running some 2012-era Exchange box, expect issues.
Don’t ignore: Some hosts block outbound SMTP by default to prevent spam. If Inboxally can’t reach your server, check firewalls and outbound rules.
Step 4: Verify the Connection
Hit “Test Connection” or “Save & Test.” Inboxally will try to send a message using your details.
- If it works, you’ll see a success message. Move on.
- If not, you’ll get an error. Read it carefully.
- Auth failed: Double-check credentials.
- Connection timed out: Firewall or port issue.
- SSL/TLS handshake failed: Try a different encryption setting or update your certs.
Pro tip: Use a tool like telnet or openssl s_client from your own machine to test connectivity before blaming Inboxally.
Step 5: Add Inboxally’s Seed List to Your Campaigns
This is where the actual “magic” happens:
- In Inboxally, find your assigned seed list (these are real mailboxes they control).
- Download the list as a CSV or copy/paste the addresses.
- Add these addresses to your outgoing campaigns, ideally as a separate segment or list.
Why? Inboxally monitors and interacts with these mailboxes. When your campaign hits their seeds, they open, reply, and move messages to the inbox—signals mailbox providers notice.
Don’t:
- Blast the seed addresses outside of real campaigns—keep the interactions looking natural.
- Send only to the seed list. It won’t help your reputation if you’re not mailing real people.
Step 6: Configure Sending Frequency and Volume
Inboxally works best when your sending volume looks real. Don’t send 10,000 emails to the seed list in 10 minutes.
- Warm up slowly: Start with low volume, increase over days/weeks.
- Mix seeds with real emails: Never send to seeds only.
- Avoid sudden spikes: ISPs hate surprises.
If you’re running multiple domains or IPs, stagger your warm-up. Don’t try to do everything at once.
Step 7: Monitor Results (and Don’t Freak Out)
Check Inboxally’s dashboard. You’ll see inbox placement rates, spam/junk rates, and engagement metrics.
- What matters: Trends over time. Are you seeing more inbox, less spam? Good.
- What doesn’t: One-off bounces, minor fluctuations, or obsessing over 1-2% changes.
- What to ignore: “Inbox 100%!” overnight. Real improvement is gradual.
If you’re not seeing improvement after 2-4 weeks, revisit your sending practices, list quality, and server config.
Troubleshooting: Common Pain Points
Here’s what trips up most people:
- Firewall blocks: Make sure Inboxally’s IPs (check their docs) can reach your SMTP port.
- DNS issues: SPF, DKIM, and DMARC must be valid. Use tools like MXToolbox to check.
- Blacklisted IPs: If your server’s on a blacklist, fix that first. Inboxally can’t un-blacklist you.
- Server timeouts: If your server is slow or overloaded, Inboxally connections will fail.
- Misconfigured authentication: Make sure you’re not enforcing deprecated auth methods or blocking new connections.
Pro tip: Keep an eye on server logs. Most SMTP servers will log exactly why a connection was refused.
How to Not Waste Time (or Money)
- Don’t overcomplicate: Set up one SMTP, one seed list, and watch the results. Don’t try to optimize everything on day one.
- Ignore “growth hacks” and fancy scripts for now. Deliverability is about steady, real engagement, not tricks.
- If you’re not seeing improvement, go back to basics: clean your list, fix your DNS, and review your content.
Recap: Keep It Simple, Iterate Fast
That’s the process—get your SMTP details, connect to Inboxally, add the seed list, and watch the results. Don’t expect miracles in a day, and don’t get lost in the weeds. The simplest setups are usually the most reliable.
If you run into issues, take a breath, check your server logs, and tweak one thing at a time. The less you try to “game the system,” the better your long-term results.
Happy sending—and may your spam folder stay empty.