How to Set Up a VPS for Mass Mailing

Updated in February 2025 7 Comments

This tutorial will guide you through the process of setting up a Virtual Private Server (VPS) as a mass mail server. The steps provided here are for ethical and legal use only, such as sending newsletters, marketing emails, or transactional emails. Spamming is illegal and unethical, and this guide does not support such activities.

Before starting, ensure you have the following:

A VPS with root access (Ubuntu 20.04/22.04 recommended).

A domain name with DNS access.

Basic knowledge of Linux commands and SSH.

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Step 1: Set Up Your VPS

1. Connect to Your VPS:

Use SSH to connect to your server:

ssh root@your_vps_ip

2. Update your system:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

3. Set a Hostname:

Set a hostname for your server (replace mail.yourdomain.com with your domain):

sudo hostnamectl set-hostname mail.yourdomain.com

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Step 2: Install and Configure Postfix

Postfix is a popular mail transfer agent (MTA) for sending emails.

1. Install Postfix:

sudo apt install postfix

During installation:

Select Internet Site.

Enter your domain name (e.g., yourdomain.com).

Configure Postfix:

Open the main configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/postfix/main.cf

Update the following settings:

myhostname = mail.yourdomain.com
myorigin = /etc/mailname
mydestination = yourdomain.com, localhost.localdomain, localhost
inet_interfaces = all
mynetworks = 127.0.0.0/8 [::ffff:127.0.0.0]/104 [::1]/128
smtpd_banner = $myhostname ESMTP $mail_name

Save and exit the file, then restart Postfix:

sudo systemctl restart postfix

"Behind every successful campaign, announcement, or connection lies the power of a mass mail server—silently orchestrating the flow of information to thousands, bridging distances, and turning messages into impact."

- Kwik Server

Step 3: Install and Configure Dovecot

Dovecot is an IMAP/POP3 server that allows you to retrieve emails.

1. Install Dovecot:

sudo apt install dovecot-core dovecot-imapd

2. Configure Dovecot:

Open the configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/dovecot/dovecot.conf

Ensure the following lines are present:

protocols = imap
                            listen = *

Save and exit, then restart Dovecot:

sudo systemctl restart dovecot

Step 4: Set Up DNS Records

To ensure proper email delivery, configure the following DNS records for your domain:

1. MX Record:

Point to your server's hostname (e.g., mail.yourdomain.com).

2. SPF Record:

Add a TXT record to authorize your server to send emails:

v=spf1 a mx ip4:your_vps_ip ~all

3. DKIM Record:

Install OpenDKIM:

sudo apt install opendkim opendkim-tools

Generate a DKIM key:

sudo opendkim-genkey -t -s mail -d yourdomain.com

Add the public key to your DNS as a TXT record.

4. PTR Record (Reverse DNS):

Request your VPS provider to set up a PTR record for your IP address pointing to

mail.yourdomain.com

Step 5: Install a Mass Mailing Tool

To send bulk emails, you can use tools like Sendy, Mautic or Mailtrain.

Install Sendy:

Download Sendy from sendy.co

Upload the files to your VPS using SCP or FTP.

Set up a MySQL database for Sendy.

Follow the installation wizard to configure Sendy.

Step 6: Optimize for Deliverability

1. Warm Up Your IP:

Start by sending small batches of emails and gradually increase the volume.

Monitor your sender reputation using tools like SenderScore

2. Use a Clean Email List:

Remove invalid or inactive email addresses to avoid bounces.

Use tools like NeverBounce to validate your list.

3. Follow Email Marketing Best Practices:

Include a clear unsubscribe link.

Avoid spammy subject lines and content.

Personalize emails to improve engagement.

Step 7: Monitor and Maintain

Monitor Email Performance:

Track open rates, click-through rates, and bounce rates using your email tool's analytics.

Adjust your strategy based on performance data.

Maintain Your VPS:

Regularly update your software and security patches.

Monitor server performance and scale resources as needed.

Final Notes

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Using a VPS as a mass mail server can be highly effective for legitimate email campaigns. However, always comply with anti-spam laws like CAN-SPAM (USA), GDPR (Europe), and CASL (Canada). Build trust with your subscribers by sending valuable and relevant content.

If you follow this guide carefully, you'll have a fully functional mass mail server ready for ethical use. Happy emailing!