FAQ for this step is available here.
To ensure your setup of a Bulk Email System Guide will go as smoothly as possible you have to get ready. In this step, you'll learn which software I use on my personal computer, where you need to create an account, what to do with your domains, and some tips about your security.
Let us make one thing clear first. Even tho this is a step-by-step guide you still have to think on your own and what is even more important. You MUST have basic knowledge of:
- Linux
- How email works
- How the internet works
I can not write a guide that will be copy/paste from start to finish. We aren't setting up an email account in Outlook. We are setting up a PERFECT bulk email server and even tho you are following a guide you will have to adjust some parts so everything will work with your domains and IPs.
I have to say is this
- Don't rush or you will end up with a system that is full of errors and you won't come close to a perfect 10/10 score on the mail tester.
- Read everything from start to finish and don't just blindly follow this guide without knowing what is coming in the next steps.
- Start the guide with your head clear and rested as I can't think for you. If you mess up your emails might not get delivered.
Before you begin, get yourself:
- Some snacks
- A bottle of water
- A cup of coffee or an energy drink
Remember
Read, Think ..., Do
Software
Here is a list of software you will need to follow the Bulk Email System Guide.
Windows
- Web browser
- SSH client. I suggest Bitvise SSH client
- Text editor. I suggest Notepad++ for one simple reason, your notes will stay there after a reboot even if you didn't save them.
Linux
- Web browser
- Use Terminal for SSH
- Text editor
Mac
- Web browser
- SSH client. I suggest Termius
- Text editor
Of course, we will also use PowerMTA, PowerMTA Management Console, and Mumara (all can be accessed from the Members area) but now we are speaking about the software you need on your computer.
Domains
You will need at least one domain to complete the Bulk Email System Guide. I recommend that you use one domain per server. So if you want to send from 10 different IPs you will need 11 domains (one for the main server). If you haven't already registered your domains now is the time.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING DOMAINS!!!
CloudFlare
We will use CloudFlare for our DNS, but you can also use it to register your domains if you haven't already.
- Create a free CloudFlare account
- Go to CloudFlares Dashboard
- Click the blue "Add a site" button
- Select the free plan and click on the "Continue" button.
- Cloudflare will scan for any existing DNS records set for your domain and add them automatically. If there are any that aren't needed feel free to delete them. If it's a new domain, normally, there will be no DNS records.
- Click the "Continue" button.
- You will come to a page titled "Change your nameservers". Under number 3 you will find name servers you need to set for your domain.
- Login to your domain registrar and delete all existing name servers that are used by your domain.
- Add name servers you got from Cloudflare
- Save changes and wait for changes to propagate
- Repeat for all domains you are planning on using for your Bulk Email System
You are done with your domains. Now when you need to add/change a DNS record for any of these domains you do it in CloudFlare.
Servers
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Total costs of Bulk Email Marketing System
Here is a calculation of all costs you'll have with your Bulk Email Marketing System. Check Useful Resources to find an easy way of finding cheap domains.
Prior to starting, utilize my MTA Calculator (available in the Members area) to determine the required number of MTAs or IPs for your intended sending volumes.
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Congratulations! You are now ready to start with the Bulk Email System Guide.
Start with Step 1 and Install the control panel, EMS, and PowerMTA Management Console on your main server.