How To Optimize Email Deliverability for Constant Contact in Magento 2?
Are your marketing emails ending up in spam folders instead of customer inboxes? Constant Contact in Magento 2 solves email delivery problems through the authentication setup.
This tutorial covers integration steps and techniques. You will find out how to get more emails delivered to inboxes.
Key Takeaways
-
Magento 2 works with Constant Contact API through third-party extensions.
-
SPF, DKIM, and DMARC prevent spam from being placed in the spam folder.
-
Your server must have curl, openssl, json, and mbstring extensions.
-
Email splitting by buying behavior boosts engagement rates.
-
Regular delivery checking prevents blacklisting and maintains a good sender reputation.
-
Environment Preparation for Constant Contact Magento Integration
-
Email Authentication and Protection Setup for Magento 2 Deliverability
Environment Preparation for Constant Contact Magento Integration
Before starting the Magento integration, please verify the system requirements.
1. Check Magento Version Compatibility
Check your current Magento version with these steps:
-
Go to the Admin Panel under System > Web Setup Wizard. Run
php bin/magento --version
in terminal to confirm version. -
Confirm You Have a Current Magento Version for full Constant Contact API support. Update Your Core Files if you run versions below the least requirements.
-
Review the Extension Marketplace compatibility matrix before installation.
-
Write Down Your Current Version Numbers for troubleshooting during setup.
2. Verify Server Requirements
Check your server requirements with these steps:
-
Check Your PHP Installation through the command line. Run
php -v
to check the PHP version. -
Confirm You Have a Recent PHP Version.
-
Confirm You Have a Compatible MySQL or MariaDB database version. Run
mysql --version
to check the database version. -
Update Your Server Software if versions fall below the least requirements.
-
Test that PHP Memory Limits exceed recommended minimums for proper extension function.
-
Set max_execution_time to the right level for API sync tasks.
3. Install Required Extensions
Your server needs these extensions for proper communication:
-
Install Curl Extension: for HTTP API request handling. Run
php -m | grep curl
to check if installed; usesudo apt-get install php-curl
on Ubuntu if needed. -
Enable Openssl Extension: for secure SSL/TLS communication. Run
php -m | grep openssl
to check if enabled. -
Ensure Json and Mbstring Extensions are enabled; mcrypt is deprecated and not required. For older Magento versions using mcrypt, ensure it’s installed if necessary. Run
php -m | grep -E 'json|mbstring'
to verify. -
Check That You Have the Json Extension for API response parsing.
-
Set up the Mbstring Extension for proper character encoding support.
4. Configure Server Performance Settings
Set up server performance with these steps:
-
Set the PHP
memory\_limit
at the right level for large customer database processing. -
Set
upload\_max\_filesize
high enough for bulk email template uploads. -
Adjust
post\_max\_size
to match upload limits for form submission handling. -
Enable the
mod\_rewrite
Apache Module for the clean URL function. -
Set up SSL Certificates for secure HTTPS communication channels.
5. Set Up Automated Tasks
Create automated tasks with these steps:
-
Create a Cron Entry for regular Magento maintenance.
-
Set up a Separate Cron for email queue processing at frequent intervals.
-
Set up Database Cleanup Cron to run weekly maintenance tasks.
-
Check Cron Execution Logs to find and fix failed jobs.
-
Test the Cron Function through manual execution before automation. Run
php bin/magento cron:run
in terminal to test.
6. Create System Backups
Create system backups with these steps:
-
Create a Full Database Backup: using the mysqldump command line utility. Run
mysqldump -u [username] -p [database_name] > backup.sql
to create a backup. -
Make a Complete File System Backup: including media and configuration files.
-
Store Backups in a Separate Server Location or cloud storage for disaster recovery.
-
Test Backup Restoration on the development environment before you proceed.
-
Write Down Backup Timestamps and file locations for easy access during emergencies.
How To Integrate Constant Contact in Magento 2?
1. Install a Third-Party Extension for Magento Integration
Install a third-party extension for newsletter functionality:
-
Access the Magento Admin Panel.
-
Run
composer needs [extension-name]
in the terminal. -
Enable with
php bin/magento setup:upgrade
. -
Go to Stores > Configuration > Advanced to complete the setup.
2. Generate API Authentication Keys
Generate API keys with these steps:
-
Log in to the Constant Contact developer portal.
-
Create a New Application Registration with a callback URL setup.
-
Generate an API Key and Secret Key Pair for authentication.
-
Copy Client ID and Client Secret Values for Magento setup.
-
Configure the Redirect URI to match the Magento store base URL structure.
3. Check Your API Keys Based on Extension
For newsletter pop-up extensions:
-
Go to Magento Admin Panel > Configuration > Integrations > Constant Contact.
-
Set Enable Field to Yes.
-
Provide your API Key and Secret from your Constant Contact account.
-
Test the Connection and save configurations.
4. Set Up SMTP for Transaction Emails
Set up an SMTP service (e.g., SendGrid, Mailgun), as Constant Contact does not provide SMTP:
-
Go to Stores > Configuration > Advanced > System > Mail Sending Settings.
-
Select SMTP as the mail transport method.
-
Enter SMTP Server Details (hostname, port, username, password) from your provider.
-
Enable TLS or SSL as required.
-
Save and Test email sending.
5. Create Custom Email Templates
Create email templates with these steps:
-
Go to Marketing > Email Templates for the template management interface.
-
Create Custom Templates based on default Magento email structures. Use Magento’s email template variables (e.g., var customer.name) for personalization.
-
Set up HTML Templates with Constant Contact branding elements.
-
Test Template Rendering across email client platforms.
-
Make Templates Work Well on mobile devices and load fast.
6. Test Magento 2 Constant Contact Connection.
Test your integration with these steps:
-
Use Admin Panel System > Tools > Email Templates testing function.
-
Send Test Emails to email providers.
-
Check that Email Delivery goes to the inbox rather than the spam folder.
-
Check Email Formatting and image loading across different clients.
-
Review Delivery Reports in the Constant Contact dashboard for confirmation.
Email Authentication and Protection Setup for Magento 2 Deliverability
You will set up DNS authentication protocols. These protocols stop your emails from going to spam folders.
1. Access DNS Management Platform
Access DNS management with these steps:
-
Log in to the Hosting Provider control panel or domain registrar interface.
-
Find the DNS Management Section within the account dashboard navigation.
-
Look at the Current DNS Records and note existing setups.
-
Back up the Current Settings before making authentication changes.
2. Configure SPF Record
SPF tells email providers which servers can send emails from your domain:
-
Create a TXT Record with the name field set to @ or the root domain.
-
Add SPF Value with Constant Contact and other authorized sending sources.
-
Set the TTL Value at the right level for standard propagation timing.
-
Check SPF Record Syntax using online validation tools before publishing.
-
Check DNS Propagation across global servers using the dig command.
3. Set Up DKIM Authentication
DKIM adds digital signatures to verify email authenticity:
-
Access Constant Contact Account Settings for the DKIM key creation interface.
-
Generate a Secure RSA Key Pair for stronger protection standards.
-
Copy the Public Key Value from the Constant Contact dashboard.
-
Create a DNS TXT Record with the selector name given by Constant Contact.
-
Paste the Public Key Value in the record data field without changes.
4. Configure DMARC Policy
DMARC sets rules for handling authentication failures:
-
Create a TXT Record with a name field for your domain.
-
Set DMARC Policy with the correct enforcement level and reporting address.
-
Set Alignment Mode to relaxed for subdomain compatibility.
-
Set the Report Destination for policy violation checking.
-
Start with Gradual Policy Enforcement, beginning with the monitoring mode.
5. Check Authentication Setup
Check your authentication setup with these steps:
-
Test the SPF Record using online SPF lookup tools.
-
Check the DKIM Signature through the DKIM validator online tools.
-
Check the DMARC Policy using DMARC analyzer websites.
-
Check DNS Propagation Status across global locations.
-
Write Down Validation Results for compliance and troubleshooting records.
6. Set DMARC Tracking
Set up DMARC checking with these steps:
-
Set DMARC Reports for a weekly delivery schedule.
-
Review SPF Authentication Failure Reports for unauthorized sending attempts.
-
Look at DKIM Signature Validation Errors and fix methods.
-
Check Domain Reputation Scores through sender reputation services.
-
Set Up Alerts for authentication failure rate threshold violations.
Manage Magento 2 Email Campaigns for Engagement
You will create email content that avoids spam filters. This content will engage subscribers for your e-commerce store.
1. Subject Line Guidelines
Follow these subject line tips:
-
Limit Subject Lines to character counts that work on mobile devices.
-
Avoid Too Many Punctuation Marks: and capital letters throughout the text.
-
Add the Recipient's Name or Location for personalization benefits.
-
Test Subject Line Variations using the A/B split testing method.
-
Check Subject Line Performance Data through the Constant Contact analytics.
2. Content Guidelines for Spam Prevention
Remove words that cause spam filters and hurt deliverability:
-
Remove Words like "free," "guaranteed," "urgent," and "limited time."
-
Replace Exclamation Points with periods for a work tone.
-
Avoid Promotional Language and sales-focused words.
-
Use Balanced Text-to-Image Ratios, keeping text preference.
-
Add Relevant, Valuable Content rather than promotional messaging.
3. Call-to-Action Configuration
Call-to-Action setup guidelines:
-
Position the Primary CTA Button above the fold for immediate visibility.
-
Use Contrasting Colors for button design to raise click-through rates.
-
Limit CTAs to no more than two per email for focused user attention.
-
Write Action-Oriented Button Text using verbs and benefits.
-
Test CTA Placement and design variations for conversion rate changes.
4. Email List Segmentation Methods
Create segments based on buying history and product types:
-
Build Behavioral Sequences for abandoned carts and browse abandonment campaigns.
-
Split by Location for targeted regional promotions.
-
Group Subscribers by how much they engage and email interaction.
-
Use splitting based on website activity patterns.
-
Check Segment Performance for future campaign planning.
5. List Management Practices
Handle your subscriber lists with these steps:
-
Find Subscribers with zero engagement over extended periods.
-
Send Re-engagement Campaigns before removing inactive contacts.
-
Use Sunset Sequences for gradual subscriber removal.
-
Check List: Cleaning Impact on delivery and engagement data.
-
Keep Opt-out Records to stop accidental re-subscription.
6. Double Opt-in Setup
Set up double opt-in with these steps:
-
Set Confirmation Email Templates with a clear subscription check.
-
Set Up Automated Welcome Sequences for confirmed subscribers.
-
Check Confirmation Rates and change the confirmation page design.
-
Check Source Attribution for new subscriber acquisition channels.
-
Use Subscription Preference Centers for detailed content control.
Delivery Tracking and Issue Resolution in Magento 2
You will track email performance and fix delivery problems. This stops issues from hurting your marketing campaigns.
1. Email Performance Tracking Overview
Email tracking gives you data for campaign performance reviews and changes. Full tracking helps you make decisions based on data for future campaigns:
-
Turn on Open Tracking through pixel insertion in email templates.
-
Set Up Click Tracking for all links and CTA buttons.
-
Set Up Conversion Tracking for e-commerce goal measurement.
-
Use UTM Parameters for analytics integration.
-
Check Tracking Data Accuracy and fix issues.
2. Key Data Analysis
Check these important numbers:
-
Check Industry Benchmark Comparisons for performance review.
-
Look at Open Rate Trends across different send times and days.
-
Check the Click-Through Rates by email section and link placement.
-
Find Hard Bounces for immediate list cleaning needs.
-
Calculate Engagement Rates using combined data for analysis.
3. Spam Complaint Management
Check spam complaint rates below industry-standard thresholds for reputation management:
-
Look Into Complaint Sources and find potential content issues.
-
Use Feedback Loops with major ISPs for complaint checking.
-
Review Unsubscribe Process accessibility and ease of use.
-
Address Complaint Patterns through content and frequency adjustments.
-
Record Complaint Trends for future prevention methods.
4. Sender Reputation Tracking
Sender Reputation checking steps:
-
Check the Sender Score through reputation checking services.
-
Check IP Reputation using blacklist databases.
-
Look at Domain Reputation through email tools.
-
Watch Delivery Insights for major email providers.
-
Set Sender Reputation Checking Alerts for score changes.
5. Blacklist and Error Resolution
Fix blacklist and bounce issues with these steps:
-
Contact ISPs for blacklist removal request steps.
-
Use Authentication Protocols if not set up before.
-
Cut Sending Volume for a short time while addressing reputation issues.
-
Clean Email Lists, removing invalid and problem addresses.
-
Check Delisting Progress and change sending methods as needed.
6. Campaign Change Methods
Change your campaigns with these steps:
-
Change Send Times based on recipient time zone and engagement patterns.
-
Change Sending Frequency according to subscriber preference and behavior.
-
Use Content Customization based on engagement data review.
-
Change Subject Line Methods based on A/B testing results.
-
Scale the Sending Volume in steps after making changes.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to connect Constant Contact with Magento using the Magento plugin?
Setup time varies based on your extension choice and Magento experience. New users need more time than experienced developers. Complex setups with custom requirements take longer than basic configurations.
2. Where can I get general support if I need to transfer to the tier 2 team?
Extension providers offer direct support through their documentation and forums. Constant Contact community forums provide general email marketing help. Most Magento-specific issues need contacting your extension developer.
3. Does the Magento 2 Constant Contact app sync customer data without manual updates?
Yes, the app syncs customer data between platforms without manual intervention. It transfers customer details, sale history, and email preferences. The system also imports existing customer data from CRMs with field mapping tools.
4. Are there getting-started guides and how-to tutorials to connect Constant Contact and Magento?
Most extension providers include setup guides in their documentation. Video tutorials and step-by-step instructions come with paid extensions. Constant Contact offers general email marketing guides but not Magento-specific content.
5. Does the connection work with third-party apps and other no-code marketing tools?
The integration works with popular marketing apps and automation tools. You can connect many platforms for unified workflows. Test each tool's compatibility before adding it to your marketing stack.
Summary
Constant Contact in Magento 2 helps you create strong email marketing. You can achieve this with a proper setup and authentication. Here's what makes this integration work:
-
Third-party extensions connect both platforms in minimal time.
-
Authentication protocols increase inbox delivery rates.
-
Automated syncing eliminates manual customer data updates.
-
Segmentation tools boost open rates through targeted campaigns.
-
Real-time tracking identifies delivery issues before they spread.
Transform your email marketing results with professional Managed Magento Hosting support.