Don't host email yourself – your reminder in 2026
2 days ago
- #transactional-email
- #email-deliverability
- #self-hosting
- Using a professional transactional email service (TEM) is recommended over self-hosting email servers.
- Even with a dedicated IP and correct SPF, DKIM, DMARC configurations, email deliverability issues can arise due to inactivity.
- A major German email provider blocked the author's IP for not sending enough emails, requiring manual intervention to reset reputation.
- Self-hosting email servers is challenging due to lack of IP reputation and relationships with postmaster teams.
- Email deliverability in 2026 is more about reputation and relationships than technical configurations.
- Professional TEMs maintain IP reputation, monitor blocklists, and handle edge cases, making them a better choice.
- Self-hosted email servers may appear to work but often result in emails landing in spam folders unnoticed.
- The author recommends using transactional email services to ensure reliable email delivery and focus on product development.
- Two European email services, AhaSend and Lettermint, were recommended but not tested by the author.