Email settings (SMTP)

Access at /settings/email

SMTP configuration

Connect your email server for sending follow-up emails.

Supported services

• Gmail (via App Password)
• Outlook/Microsoft 365
• SendGrid
• Mailgun
• Custom SMTP server

Setup steps

1. Select provider

Choose from dropdown or select "Custom SMTP"

2. Enter SMTP details

• SMTP Server - e.g., smtp.gmail.com
• Port - Usually 587 (TLS) or 465 (SSL)
• Username - Your email address
• Password - Your password or app-specific password
• From Name - How you want to appear in inbox
• From Email - Sending email address

3. Test connection

1. Click "Send Test Email"
2. Enter your email to receive test
3. Verify test email arrives
4. Check spam folder if not in inbox

4. Save configuration

Click "Save SMTP Settings"

Configuration applies to future follow-up emails.

Gmail setup instructions

Important: Gmail requires App Password, not your regular password.

Steps:

1. Go to Google Account → Security
2. Enable 2-Factor Authentication (required)
3. Go to "App Passwords"
4. Generate password for "Mail" app
5. Copy 16-character password
6. Use in Clients.ai SMTP settings:

• Server: smtp.gmail.com
• Port: 587
• Username: your.email@gmail.com
• Password: [16-character app password]

Outlook/Microsoft 365 setup

1. Server: smtp.office365.com
2. Port: 587
3. Username: Your Outlook email
4. Password: Your Outlook password
5. Enable "Let apps use SMTP AUTH" in Microsoft 365 admin center (if applicable)

Default behavior

If you don't configure SMTP, emails send from Clients.ai's default server (support@clients.ai).

However, deliverability is better with your own SMTP configuration.

Troubleshooting email issues

Test email doesn't arrive

• Check spam/junk folder
• Verify SMTP credentials
• Ensure port is correct (587 for TLS, 465 for SSL)
• Check if your email provider requires app-specific passwords

Emails go to spam

• Configure SPF, DKIM records (advanced - contact support)
• Use your own domain's email (not Gmail free account)
• Avoid spam trigger words in email content
• Warm up your sending domain gradually

Email best practices

Subject lines

• Keep under 50 characters
• Avoid spam triggers: "FREE!!!", "Act Now", all caps
• Personalize when possible: "Sarah, next step for your consultation"
• Try different approaches and see what gets opened

Email content

• Short paragraphs (2-3 sentences max)
• Scannable (use bullets, headers, bold)
• One clear CTA per email
• Personalize using merge tags
• Mobile-friendly formatting

Sending schedule

• Tuesday-Thursday generally perform best
• 10am-11am or 2pm-3pm local time
• Avoid Monday mornings and Friday afternoons
• Test different times for your audience

Deliverability

• Use your own SMTP with proper SPF/DKIM
• Warm up new sending domains (start with small volume)
• Monitor spam complaints
• Keep lists clean (remove bounces)
• Avoid spam trigger words

By properly configuring SMTP, you ensure your Nurture Agent emails land in inboxes, not spam folders.