If you use contact forms on your WordPress website and want to improve email deliverability, we recommend setting up a dedicated subdomain email address for sending form notifications.
This helps ensure your messages reach inboxes reliably and keeps your automated form emails separate from your main business email.
Why Use a Subdomain for Form Emails?
Using a subdomain (for example, forms.yourdomain.com) separates your automated messages from your main domain’s mailbox (for example, info@yourdomain.com).
This helps:
- Improve email deliverability
- Reduce the risk of your main domain being flagged for spam
- Simplify management of mail authentication DNS records
Step 1. Create a Subdomain
First, create a subdomain in your Ecenica hosting account.
Follow this guide: How to Create a Subdomain in cPanel
We recommend naming your subdomain something like: forms.yourdomain.com
Step 2. Create an Email Address on the Subdomain
Next, create a new mailbox using the subdomain you just added.
Follow this guide: How to Create an Email Address
For example, you might use: wordpress@forms.yourdomain.com
This will be the ‘From’ address used by your WordPress contact forms.
Step 3. Configure WordPress to Send via SMTP
To ensure your form emails are delivered reliably, configure WordPress to send via SMTP instead of PHP mail.
Follow this guide: How to Send WordPress Emails Using SMTP
When entering SMTP settings, use the credentials for your new subdomain email address. For example, wordpress@forms.yourdomain.com
This ensures all outgoing messages are authenticated correctly with your Ecenica mail server, improving the email’s trust and deliverability.
Step 4. Test Your Form
Once set up:
- Submit a test message through your WordPress form.
- Check your inbox to confirm the message is received.
If emails are not delivered, check your SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are correctly configured for the subdomain.
Need Help?
If you’d like assistance creating your subdomain, email address, or SMTP configuration, please contact Ecenica Support. Our team will be happy to help you get everything working smoothly.
