Email Settings

Email settings configure how VisiConnect sends automated and manual emails to visitors. Proper configuration ensures reliable delivery and professional appearance.

SMTP Configuration

VisiConnect uses SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) to send emails. You can use your church's existing email server or a dedicated email service.

Configuring SMTP

1. Navigate to Settings > Email Settings.
2. Under SMTP Configuration, enter the following details:
   • SMTP Host: Your email server's hostname (e.g., smtp.gmail.com or smtp.office365.com).
   • Port: Typically 587 for TLS or 465 for SSL.
   • Encryption: Choose TLS or SSL based on your server's requirements.
   • Username: The email address used for authentication.
   • Password: The password or app-specific password for the account.
3. Click Test Connection to verify the settings work correctly.
4. Click Save Settings to activate.

Recommended Email Services

For best deliverability, consider using a dedicated email service:

• SendGrid: Free tier available, excellent deliverability.
• Mailgun: Developer-friendly, good for high volume.
• Amazon SES: Cost-effective for large volumes.
• Google Workspace: Use your existing church email.
• Microsoft 365: Use Outlook/Exchange for sending.

From Address and Name

Configure how your emails appear to recipients:

• From Email: The email address that appears in the "From" field. Use a real address like hello@yourchurch.com rather than noreply@.
• From Name: The name recipients see. Typically your church name or "Grace Church Connections Team".
• Reply-To Address: Where replies are sent. This can differ from the from address (e.g., send from notifications@ but reply to pastor@).

Email Signature

Add a default signature that appears at the bottom of all automated emails:

• Include your name, title, and church name.
• Add contact information (phone, website).
• Keep it brief and professional.

Email Templates

Manage the templates used for automated sequences. Navigate to Settings > Email Sequences to customize:

• Welcome emails for first-time visitors
• Welcome back emails for returning visitors
• Next steps emails for third-time visitors
• Event follow-up emails

Email Analytics

VisiConnect tracks email performance. View analytics at Settings > Email > Analytics:

• Sent: Total emails sent in the selected period.
• Delivered: Emails successfully delivered to inboxes.
• Opened: Percentage and count of emails opened.
• Clicked: Percentage and count of links clicked.
• Bounced: Emails that couldn't be delivered.

Troubleshooting Email Delivery

If emails aren't being delivered:

• Check SMTP credentials: Verify username and password are correct.
• Test the connection: Use the Test Connection button to diagnose issues.
• Check spam folder: Ask recipients to check their spam/junk folder.
• Verify DNS records: Ensure SPF and DKIM records are configured for your domain.
• Review bounce messages: Bounce notifications often indicate the specific problem.