This is one of hundreds of videos where I answer the most commonly asked questions related to small business websites.

Today’s question is one I see often: “How do I create a business email?” It may seem like a small detail, but your email address is a critical part of your business’s online identity. If you’re still using an outdated or free email service like “suziesquilshop@juno.com,” or even “suziesquiltshop@gmail.com” or “suziesquiltshop@yahoo.com,” it can make your business look less professional and less trustworthy to potential customers.

While free email services are convenient, they simply don’t offer the same level of professionalism that having your own business domain can provide. For example, imagine sending an email from “suzie@yourbusiness.com.” It instantly gives your customers the impression that your business is established and serious about its operations.

Choosing a Domain Provider

The first step in creating a business email is choosing a domain name provider. A domain is essentially your digital address—it’s what makes your website and email unique to your business. When selecting a domain name, it’s important to pick a provider that’s reputable and easy to use. While there are many domain providers available, I strongly recommend avoiding GoDaddy. Instead, services like Hover are ideal for managing your domain.

Once you’ve selected your domain provider, you’ll need to buy your domain name. This is usually a very affordable process, typically costing between $10 and $20 per year. When picking a domain name, try to keep it simple and relevant to your business. If possible, make it identical to your business name or close to it. This will help make your brand more recognizable and easier for people to remember.

Setting Up Your Email Address

After purchasing your domain, it’s time to create your professional business email address. This is where many business owners get stuck. Creating an email address doesn’t require a degree in IT. Most domain managers (like Hover) have simple email setup tools that make the process easy for anyone. You can easily create an email for yourself or other members of your team—whether it’s “info@yourbusiness.com,” “contact@yourbusiness.com,” or “suzie@yourbusiness.com.”

In fact, most web developers will be happy to help with this process if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself. Whether you set it up yourself or with a developer, the goal is to create a professional email that represents your business online.

Choosing an Email Hosting Service

Once you have a business email set up, the next question is: “Where will my email live?” Essentially, this means, where will your email be hosted and how will it be accessed? If you’re using a popular email service like Gmail or Outlook, you can connect your business email to these platforms and manage everything through a familiar interface. Gmail, for example, allows you to send and receive business emails using your custom domain name while still accessing all of the features and ease of use that Gmail provides.

This step is crucial, as it allows you to keep your email organized and ensure that all important communications are being handled in a timely manner. Most email services (like Gmail or Microsoft 365) offer both personal and business email hosting at affordable rates, and the setup process is very straightforward.

The Benefits of a Professional Business Email

There are several key benefits to having a professional business email address. First and foremost, it enhances your credibility. Customers are far more likely to trust and engage with a business that uses a branded email address. Having an email that matches your website’s domain also helps reinforce your branding, ensuring that everything you send out is aligned with your overall digital presence.

Another advantage is that having your own business email helps separate your personal and professional lives. This is especially helpful for small business owners who may want to avoid mixing work-related messages with personal ones. It also helps in maintaining clear communication between clients and employees.

Lastly, a professional business email can help you set up additional features like email signatures, newsletters, and automatic replies, which further enhance your business communication.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating a business email address is simple and affordable. By choosing the right domain provider, setting up your business email address through your domain manager, and selecting a reliable email hosting service, you can quickly create a professional email address that will bolster your business’s credibility and trustworthiness. A custom business email is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to present your business in a professional manner online.

So, if you’re still using outdated email services like Juno or Gmail for your business, it’s time to make the switch to a professional, branded email address. It’s easier than you think, and the benefits are well worth the investment.

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