Using Mailgun for Bulk Email Sending

Introduction to Mailgun

Mailgun is a third-party email delivery service that provides the infrastructure for sending bulk emails from your CRM. It is used to ensure reliable, high-volume email delivery, much like other services handle SMS or phone calls. For new agencies, the CRM provides a default email sending service, and Mailgun is an advanced option for those requiring dedicated sending capabilities.

Is Mailgun Right for You?

Most new agencies do not need to set up Mailgun immediately, as they can use the built-in CRM email service. Consider Mailgun if you need a dedicated, high-volume sending infrastructure with greater control over deliverability and branding.

Key Advantages of Using Mailgun

• High-Volume Sending: Send large quantities of email reliably through a robust, specialized service.
• Branded Domains: Use your own domain or subdomains to send emails that appear professional and consistent with your brand.
• Configuration Flexibility: Choose between a single shared subdomain for all clients or individual subdomains for each client, depending on your operational needs.
• Enhanced Deliverability: Manage your domain's DNS and MX records to improve email inbox placement and minimize problems caused by low-quality contact lists.

Understanding Mailgun Pricing

Mailgun offers several pricing tiers based on your sending volume. Since pricing can change, always check the official Mailgun website for the most current rates. The plans generally start at:

• Basic plan: Starts at approximately $15 per month.
• Foundation plan: Starts at approximately $35 per month.
• Scale plan: Starts at approximately $90 per month.

Costs are primarily determined by the number of emails you send, not by the number of client domains you manage.

Choosing a Domain for Mailgun

It is recommended to use a subdomain (for example, mg.yourdomain.com) with Mailgun. This approach allows you to send emails from your main domain (like you@yourdomain.com) while keeping your bulk sending activity separate.

Important: You must own any domain or subdomain you wish to use with Mailgun. You will need to verify ownership by updating the domain's DNS records within your Mailgun account. If you use a subdomain, remember to configure its MX records for optimal email delivery.

Setup Options

You can configure Mailgun in one of two primary ways:

Option 1: Single Shared Subdomain

Set up one subdomain under your agency's domain and use it for email sending across all your client accounts.

• Pros: Simple to set up and manage. Emails can be white-labeled to your agency or a generic domain.
• Cons: If this single domain's reputation is negatively affected (e.g., due to high bounce rates), email sending will be disrupted for all clients using it.

Option 2: Multiple Client Subdomains

Set up a unique subdomain for each client's domain and use it exclusively for their account.

• Pros: Emails are branded per client. If one client's domain has an issue, it only affects that client.
• Cons: More time-consuming to set up, as it requires configuring DNS records for each client domain.

You can also set up a unique domain or subdomain for a specific location to handle cold inbound emails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Mailgun if I'm using the default CRM email?

No. The built-in CRM email service is sufficient for most new agencies. Mailgun is for agencies that need a dedicated bulk-sending solution.

Can I switch from a shared subdomain to multiple subdomains later?

Yes, you can migrate clients to their own subdomains at any time. This process involves setting up new DNS records and verifying each domain again.

What happens if my shared Mailgun domain is suspended?

A suspension on a shared subdomain will impact all clients using that domain. Maintaining high-quality contact lists and avoiding spam-like sending practices is the best prevention.

Do I need to own the domain I use with Mailgun?

Yes, you must own the domain, and you must verify ownership through DNS record updates in your Mailgun account.

Should I use my root domain or a subdomain?

Using a subdomain (e.g., mg.yourdomain.com) is recommended. It isolates your bulk sending reputation from your primary domain's reputation.

Does Mailgun pricing increase with more clients?

Pricing is based on the volume of emails sent, not the number of client domains. Adding more clients only increases cost if it results in higher sending volume.