There are differences in terms and services offered between an SMTP email server and a full email service provider. However, many people actually use the terms interchangeable so understanding which option you are discussing is important if you are considering one or the other.
The Definitions
For most people an SMTP email server is similar to an SMTP relay which allows a company to send out bulk email or transactional email through a third party that prevents issues with being identified as spam or slowing down the company email system. It can also help in reducing drains on bandwidth since the bulk emails, which could be in the thousands, hundreds of thousands or more, through bypassing the traditional SMTP server of the email system and ISP that is being used.
On the other hand, an email service provider actually provides more than the SMTP email server, although not for all companies. The email service provider will offer options for clients to use templates, provide image hosting, offer solutions for bulk and transactional emails and even assist in integrating social media with marketing campaigns.
The Difference
Both a SMTP email server and a full email service provider will be effective in ensuring that your bulk email is delivered to the addresses you need it to get to when you need it there.
Depending on the company that you use the SMTP email server and the email provider may also offer design templates for your email that are completely customization combined with tracking, tools to manage your customers and clients as well as reports in real time on how the campaign is progressing.
For most people using only the SMTP email server option there is an IT department or a marketing professional that is familiar with managing client lists, databases and also developing professional quality forms, documents and informational emails for clients.
For those that don’t have those services in-house, or that want more than the basics that the SMTP email server can provide, a full email service company that includes the use of the SMTP server in their product packages is the best, most efficient, and easiest choice to consider.
