---
id: task-9
title: Set up Listmonk newsletter with Mailcow SMTP
status: In Progress
assignee: []
created_date: '2026-02-03 08:16'
labels:
  - infrastructure
  - newsletter
  - katheryn-website
dependencies: []
priority: medium
---

## Description

<!-- SECTION:DESCRIPTION:BEGIN -->
Deploy Listmonk self-hosted newsletter manager on Netcup RS 8000 and configure Mailcow as the SMTP relay for sending.

Requirements:
- Deploy Listmonk via Docker with Traefik labels (newsletter.jeffemmett.com)
- Configure Mailcow SMTP (orders@katheryntrenshaw.com via mail.rmail.online)
- Set up subscriber list for Katheryn Trenshaw updates
- Connect subscribe forms on katheryn-staging site to Listmonk API
- Test end-to-end: subscribe → receive confirmation → receive newsletter
<!-- SECTION:DESCRIPTION:END -->

## Acceptance Criteria
<!-- AC:BEGIN -->
- [x] #1 Listmonk deployed and accessible via web UI
- [x] #2 Mailcow SMTP configured and sending test emails
- [x] #3 Subscribe form on katheryn site connected to Listmonk
- [ ] #4 End-to-end test: subscribe and receive newsletter
<!-- AC:END -->

## Notes

### 2026-04-03 — Deployed
- Listmonk v5.1.0 deployed at https://newsletter.jeffemmett.com
- Postgres 16-alpine DB, Traefik routing, Cloudflare tunnel + DNS
- Cloudflare Access protects admin UI; bypass for /api/subscribers and /api/public
- SMTP: orders@katheryntrenshaw.com via mail.rmail.online:587 STARTTLS
- "Katheryn Trenshaw Newsletter" list created (ID 3, public, double opt-in)
- API user `api-frontend` with token auth for frontend integration
- Frontend subscribe route updated to call Listmonk API (token auth)
- Fallback to email notifications when Listmonk env vars not set (local dev)
- AC #4 pending: needs frontend rebuild+deploy, then real email test