How to Set Up a Mailing List Using phpList

Setting up a mailing list lets you email multiple recipients at once while keeping everyone’s email address private. If you regularly send newsletters or updates, using a dedicated mailing list manager is safer and more efficient than using CC or BCC.

For Bluehost customers, we recommend using phpList, a reliable open‑source mailing list tool that can be installed quickly through Softaculous.

• Install phpList via Softaculous
• Best Practices for Using Mailing Lists
• Summary
   

Install phpList via Softaculous

1. Log in to your Bluehost Portal.
2. Click Hosting in the left-hand menu.
3. In the hosting details page, click the cPanel button.

   
    

4. Your cPanel will open in a new tab.

   
    

5. In the Software section, click Softaculous Apps Installer.

   
    

6. On the left menu, click Mails and select phpList.

   
    

7. Click Install Now.

   
    

8. Select the domain you want phpList installed on.
   • Make sure the installation directory does not already contain another website or CMS.
   • Configure CRON Job (Optional). Softaculous will automatically select a default schedule. You can leave this as-is or customize the CRON timing.

     
      

9. Set up the admin account, enter the following details:
   • Site Name
   • Admin Username
   • Admin Password
   • Real Name
   • Admin Email

     
      

     You can then access your phpList admin area using the provided Administrative URL.
10. Advanced Options (Optional). Type the name of the database and table prefix to be created for the installation.

    
     

11. Click Install.

Softaculous will complete the setup and display a confirmation page once done. You can then access your phpList admin area using the provided Administrative URL.

Best Practices for Using Mailing Lists

• Avoid CC for bulk emails — recipients will see each other’s email addresses.
• Use BCC sparingly — it works but isn’t ideal for managing large or growing lists.
• Use phpList for automation & privacy — a mailing list tool manages subscribers safely and efficiently.

For additional guidelines on proper email throttling and sending limits, check phpList’s documentation and Bluehost’s email policies.

Summary

Setting up a mailing list in cPanel using phpList is a fast and secure way to manage bulk communications. With Softaculous, installation takes just a few clicks, and phpList provides reliable tools for subscriber management, email privacy, and campaign control. Whether you're sending newsletters or team updates, this setup gives you a professional and efficient way to reach multiple recipients safely.