How to Set Up Brevo SMTP for Better Deliverability

Email deliverability can make or break your email marketing results. Even with a great list, beautifully designed emails, and valuable content, poor deliverability can push your messages into spam folders—wasting all your effort. That’s why using a reliable SMTP setup is essential, especially if you send transactional emails, system notifications, or automated sequences.

Brevo (formerly Sendinblue) offers a powerful SMTP service known for stability, cost-efficiency, and strong deliverability. But to get the most out of it, you must configure it properly—DNS records, authentication protocols, security, and settings.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to set up Brevo SMTP step-by-step, configure SPF/DKIM/DMARC, optimize deliverability, and troubleshoot common issues. You’ll also see frameworks, checklists, and expert insights to make implementation smoother.

Throughout the article, I’ve naturally referenced helpful related topics, such as list-building and automations—like How to Build Email Lists Using Brevo Forms & Popups or How to Create Automated Email Sequences in Brevo. These provide extra context if you’re building a broader email marketing setup.

Let’s get started.

Why Use Brevo SMTP?

Brevo SMTP gives you the ability to send:

• Transactional emails (order confirmations, password resets, notifications)
• Marketing emails from your website or application
• Automated workflow emails
• Trigger-based messages from CRM or ecommerce platforms

It’s commonly used with:

• WordPress
• WooCommerce
• Shopify
• Custom web apps
• CRM systems
• Marketing automation workflows

SMTP ensures consistent delivery, especially when you combine it with authenticated DNS records and clean sending practices.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Brevo SMTP

Below is the complete configuration workflow. Follow each step carefully to avoid deliverability issues.

Step 1 — Generate SMTP Credentials

1. Log into your Brevo dashboard.
2. Go to Transactional > SMTP Settings.
3. Copy your SMTP credentials:
   • SMTP Host: smtp-relay.brevo.com
   • Port: 587 (recommended) or 465 (SSL)
   • Username: Your Brevo login email
   • Password: SMTP Key (generated from the dashboard)

⚠️ Security note:
Your SMTP key is sensitive. Treat it like a password.

Step 2 — Add and Verify Your Sending Domain

To authenticate your emails:

1. Go to Senders & Domains
2. Click Add a Domain
3. Enter the domain you want to send from
4. Follow verification instructions

This step allows you to authenticate your domain—which is critical for inbox placement.

Step 3 — Configure DNS Records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)

Why DNS matters

Authentication is one of the strongest indicators mailbox providers use to judge trust. Without it, messages often land in spam.

SPF Setup

Add the TXT record:

v=spf1 include:spf.brevo.com ~all

DKIM Setup

Brevo provides CNAME entries. Add all entries exactly as shown.

DMARC Setup (Recommended)

A basic policy:

v=DMARC1; p=none; rua=mailto:postmaster@yourdomain.com

Once your DMARC reports look good, tighten the policy later to quarantine or reject.

Step 4 — Connect SMTP to Your Website or Platform

Depending on your platform:

WordPress

Install a plugin like:

• WP Mail SMTP
• FluentSMTP
• Post SMTP

Enter:

• Host: smtp-relay.brevo.com
• Port: 587
• Encryption: STARTTLS
• Authentication: Yes
• Username + SMTP Key

Shopify

Use Brevo’s transactional email integrations.

Custom Apps

Configure SMTP at the application level using the provided credentials.

Step 5 — Run a Deliverability Test

After setup:

• Send a test email to multiple email providers (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo)
• Check headers for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC pass
• Verify inbox placement

If something fails, revisit DNS entries.

The Deliverability Optimization Framework (The “A.C.E.” Method)

Most senders only configure SMTP—then stop. But deliverability requires ongoing optimization.
Use this A.C.E. framework:

A — Authentication

Ensure:

• SPF = PASS
• DKIM = PASS
• DMARC = PASS
• Reverse DNS (rDNS) configured (if applicable)

C — Content Quality

Mailbox providers evaluate:

• Subject lines
• Spam-trigger words
• HTML structure
• Text-to-image ratio
• Link reputation

Useful cross-read: When you start sending campaigns, especially bulk emails, referencing guides like How to Start Email Marketing with Brevo (Step-by-Step Tutorial) helps ensure content structure also supports deliverability.

E — Engagement Signals

Email providers track:

• Opens
• Replies
• Clicks
• Bounces
• Spam complaints

Improve engagement by:

• Sending only to opted-in users
• Removing inactive subscribers regularly
• Sending at consistent times
• Personalizing content

Brevo SMTP vs. Website Host SMTP (Text Comparison Table)

Feature	Brevo SMTP	Regular Host SMTP
Deliverability	High	Often low
Speed	Optimized for bulk & transactional	Basic throttling
Authentication	Built-in DKIM/SPF tools	Limited or manual
Reliability	High uptime	Depends on host
Scalability	Excellent	Low
Reputation Management	Dedicated pools available	Shared with other users

SMTP Setup Checklist (Copy & Use)

✔ Domain verified

✔ SPF added and valid

✔ DKIM added and valid

✔ DMARC policy set

✔ Website/app connected to SMTP

✔ Sending tested across platforms

✔ Bounce/complaint monitoring enabled

✔ IP reputation checked periodically

Use this checklist every time you add a new website or domain.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using a Free Email Address

Never use Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook emails as your sender email.
Always use your domain.

2. Forgetting DNS Propagation Time

Changes can take 5 minutes to 48 hours.

3. Sending Large Volumes Too Soon

Warm-up your domain gradually.

4. Not Maintaining List Hygiene

Remove invalid emails monthly.
If you use forms or popups to grow your list—tools like How to Build Email Lists Using Brevo Forms & Popups guide you on clean acquisition methods.

Expert Insight

One of the biggest misconceptions about SMTP deliverability is that DNS authentication alone guarantees inbox placement. While authentication is essential, mailbox providers rely far more on sender reputation, engagement signals, and the quality of your content.

In my experience analyzing sender performance across various tools and CRMs, the highest inbox rates come from a combination of:

• Strong authentication
• Gradual warm-up
• Clean lists
• Consistent sending frequency
• Content that feels human and intentional

SMTP is the foundation—but your sending behavior determines your long-term deliverability.

Conclusion

Setting up Brevo SMTP the right way gives you a strong foundation for reliable email sending—whether you’re sending transactional emails, automated workflows, or system notifications.

By authenticating your domain, configuring DNS correctly, and following best practices, you significantly improve your chances of landing in the inbox instead of spam. Pair this with consistent engagement, clean list growth, and good content practices, and your deliverability will steadily improve.

If you’re building a complete email system, it’s worth exploring complementary guides such as How to Start Email Marketing with Brevo (Step-by-Step Tutorial) or workflow-based guides like How to Create Automated Email Sequences in Brevo.

FAQ Section

1. What is Brevo SMTP used for?

It’s used for sending transactional emails, automated messages, and marketing emails through your website or application.

2. Can I use Brevo SMTP with WordPress?

Yes, using plugins like WP Mail SMTP or FluentSMTP makes integration simple.

3. How long does DNS verification take?

Propagation can range from a few minutes to 48 hours depending on your DNS host.

4. Why is my email going to spam even after setting SMTP?

Your content, sending frequency, or list quality may be triggering spam filters—not just SMTP settings.

5. Which port should I use for Brevo SMTP?

Port 587 is recommended for TLS encryption.
Port 465 is available for SSL setups.

6. Do I need DMARC for Brevo SMTP?

It’s optional but highly recommended for better protection and trust signals.

7. What happens if my DKIM or SPF fails?

Mailbox providers may mark your email as suspicious, increasing the chance of spam placement.