Ever wished you could send bulk emails without breaking the bank? If you’ve discovered Sendy but aren’t sure how to get it up and running, you’re not alone. Getting Sendy hosting right is the first step to harnessing its power for cost-effective email campaigns.
Understanding how to host Sendy matters because it puts you in control of your email marketing. This article breaks down the hosting process into clear steps, with practical tips to get you started fast.
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How to Host Sendy: A Complete and Friendly Guide
If you’re seeking an affordable, powerful email newsletter solution, Sendy is a fantastic choice. But unlike most popular email marketing platforms, Sendy is self-hosted. This means you are responsible for where and how it runs. So, how do you set up hosting for Sendy—and do it right? Let’s break it down, step by step, ensuring you make smart choices for your needs and budget.
What is Sendy Hosting?
Sendy hosting refers to the environment where you install and run your Sendy application. Think of it as renting a little digital office for your email marketing operations.
Because Sendy isn’t a hosted platform like Mailchimp or ConvertKit, you’ll need:
– A web server (also known as a hosting account)
– PHP and MySQL support
– The ability to install and run your own scripts and applications
This offers you more control, better email deliverability, and dramatically lower sending costs—especially when combined with Amazon SES for your email delivery.
Step-by-Step: How to Host Sendy
1. Meet Sendy’s Hosting Requirements
Make sure your hosting meets Sendy’s minimum requirements:
– Apache/Nginx web server with mod_rewrite enabled
– PHP (version 7.2+ recommended)
– MySQL 5.5+ (not MariaDB 10+ or MySQL 8.0+ in strict mode)
– Cron job support
– SSL certificate for secure (HTTPS) sending
Most reputable shared, VPS, or cloud hosting providers offer these as standard.
2. Choose Your Hosting Type
There are a few options to consider, each with pros and cons.
Shared Hosting
- Cost-effective and perfect for beginners or low-volume senders
- Examples: HostGator, SiteGround, Bluehost
- Drawbacks: May struggle with high sending volumes; limited control
VPS/Cloud Hosting
- For growing lists and increased email volume
- Examples: DigitalOcean, Linode, Vultr, AWS EC2
- Offers more resources and freedom
- Requires more technical knowledge
Managed Sendy Hosting
- Companies exist solely to host and manage Sendy for you
- They handle setup, updates, maintenance, security, and support
- Examples: Providers specialize in pre-configured Sendy environments
- Ideal for non-technical users or those wanting peace of mind
3. Set Up Your Hosting Environment
Whether you choose shared, VPS, or managed hosting, here’s what you need to do:
- Sign Up for a Hosting Plan: Pick one that suits your experience and budget.
- Register a Domain Name: This is your Sendy “address” on the web.
- Install an SSL Certificate: Protect your lists and login (many hosts make this easy).
- Set Up Your Database: Most hosts offer a tool like phpMyAdmin to create a MySQL database.
- Upload Sendy Files: Via FTP or your host’s file manager, upload the Sendy package.
- Run Installation Script: Visit your domain and follow Sendy’s quick setup wizard.
- Configure Amazon SES: Connect Sendy to Amazon’s super-affordable Simple Email Service for mail delivery.
4. Optional: Use a Managed Sendy Host
Want zero maintenance? Managed Sendy hosting providers handle everything for you:
– Installing Sendy
– Handling technical updates
– Ensuring optimal speed, security, and uptime
– Providing support if you get stuck
You provide your domain and Amazon SES account, and they take care of the rest.
Key Benefits of Self-Hosting Sendy
- Drastic Cost Savings: Using Amazon SES’s low rates helps send thousands of emails for just a few dollars.
- Ownership and Control: Your lists and campaigns are yours. No unexpected platform changes.
- Customizability: Tweak or extend Sendy’s functionality as you see fit.
- Privacy: Data remains on your own hosting, under your management.
Challenges and How to Tackle Them
While self-hosting Sendy gets you those benefits, there are a few challenges:
- Technical Setup: Initial configuration requires a basic understanding of web hosting, domains, and email delivery.
- Tip: Managed providers can help, or you can find step-by-step installation guides.
- Deliverability: You must properly set up domain authentication (DKIM, SPF) for reliable inbox placement.
- Tip: Amazon SES’s documentation and your host’s support can guide you.
- Upgrades & Security: You will need to apply Sendy updates occasionally and ensure your hosting stays secure.
- Tip: Managed hosting automates this; otherwise, schedule regular checks.
Practical Sendy Hosting Tips & Best Practices
1. Pick the Right Hosting for Your List Size and Volume
- Starting out or under 10,000 subscribers? Shared hosting is usually sufficient.
- Medium to large lists (or sending thousands of emails per campaign)? VPS or managed hosting are safer bets.
- High security, speed, and peace of mind? Opt for managed Sendy hosting providers.
2. Prioritize Security
- Always use HTTPS (SSL certificate).
- Regularly change your Sendy admin password.
- Keep your hosting and Sendy software up to date.
- Set up domain authentication with Amazon SES for better deliverability and reputation.
3. Monitor Use and Performance
- Check server resource use (CPU, RAM) if campaigns slow down.
- Use Sendy’s built-in stats and reporting to track performance and engagement.
- Budget for upgrades if your business and email volume grow.
4. Backup Regularly
- Set up daily or weekly backups of your Sendy files and database.
- Many hosts offer automatic backups—double-check they’re enabled.
- Test restoring your backup before you actually need it.
5. Plan for Scale
- If your list grows fast, consider upgrading your server or moving to managed hosting.
- Maintain an active support plan or contacts for help as your email marketing operation grows.
Cost Considerations When Hosting Sendy
Hosting costs for Sendy vary depending on your approach:
- Self-hosted Shared Hosting: As low as $3–$10/month. Suitable for small senders.
- VPS or Cloud Hosting: $5–$40/month, for higher performance and volume.
- Managed Sendy Hosting: $20–$50/month or more, but includes setup, security, maintenance, and expert support.
- Domain Name: $10–$20/year, unless bundled with hosting.
- SSL Certificate: Free with Let’s Encrypt or $10–$100/year for upgraded certificates.
- Amazon SES Email Sending: Outrageously cheap—$0.10 per 1,000 emails.
Money-Saving Ideas
- Start with a shared host and upgrade only when your audience grows significantly.
- Use a free SSL provider like Let’s Encrypt.
- Take advantage of hosting providers with included daily backups.
- If non-technical, compare managed Sendy hosts for plans that include free installation or migration.
Summary: Is Sendy Hosting Right For You?
Hosting Sendy on your own server gives you a unique blend of power, privacy, and affordability. While the setup is more hands-on than plug-and-play email marketing services, with the right approach—or a well-chosen managed host—you’ll unlock a scalable, low-cost, and flexible newsletter solution.
Evaluate your technical comfort, list size, and desired level of control to pick the hosting path that best suits you. And remember: there’s a vibrant community of users, experts, and managed providers ready to help if you get stuck.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the easiest way to host Sendy if I’m not technical?
The easiest way is to use a managed Sendy hosting provider. They’ll handle installation, updates, security, and ongoing maintenance so you can focus on your newsletters.
Can I use cheap shared hosting for Sendy?
Yes, for small to medium lists and modest sending volumes, budget shared hosting will work. Just make sure it meets Sendy’s requirements and monitor resources as your audience grows.
How does using Amazon SES with Sendy save money?
Amazon SES offers email sending at $0.10 per 1,000 emails, dramatically undercutting traditional email marketing services. You only pay for the emails you send, which means huge savings as your list grows.
Is Sendy hard to install and maintain?
If you have basic web hosting experience, installation is straightforward—you’ll upload files, create a database, and run the installer. For peace of mind, managed Sendy hosts handle everything.
What are some best practices for reliable Sendy hosting?
- Always use SSL to secure your Sendy site.
- Enable and test regular backups.
- Set up domain authentication (DKIM/SPF) in Amazon SES.
- Keep Sendy and your web hosting software updated.
- Consider managed hosting for hassle-free management, especially as your audience grows.
With these insights and actionable tips, you’re well on your way to efficient and cost-effective Sendy hosting. Happy emailing!