Take a moment to consider the email address you give to your clients or customers. Does it end in one of these?
- @gmail.com
- @yahoo.com
- @outlook.com
- @aol.com
If so, it might be time to rethink the message your email address is sending. There are two important considerations to keep in mind when choosing an email address:
- You’re Promoting Another Brand: Instead of advertising your business, you’re promoting a large email provider like Gmail or Yahoo.
- Perception of Professionalism: It can make your business appear like a small startup or even unprofessional, which may not align with the image you want to convey.
While there might be strategic reasons to use a free email service in some cases, most businesses benefit from a branded email address that reflects their domain name. A professional email gives the impression of a serious, established company.
How to Set Up a Branded Business Email
You don’t need to invest in expensive servers or hire an IT team to set up a professional email address. You have a few cost-effective options that are easy to set up:
- Google Workspace: This option allows you to create custom email addresses that match your business domain, such as info@yourbusiness.com. Google Workspace is known for its seamless integration with other Google products like Drive, Calendar, and Meet. Plus, it includes robust spam filtering and collaboration tools, making it ideal for small businesses.
- Microsoft 365: For those who prefer the familiar feel of Outlook and its calendar features, Microsoft 365 is a great choice. It provides branded email addresses and access to Microsoft’s suite of productivity tools. This can be particularly beneficial if you use Microsoft apps like Word, Excel, and Teams for daily operations.
- Custom Branded Email with Paradux Media Group: Paradux Media Group offers basic email solutions. Our team can help you set up a professional email that matches your domain, ensuring that your communication reflects your brand identity.
Why a Branded Email Matters for Your Business
Upgrading to a professional email address can significantly change how potential clients perceive your business. It reflects professionalism and dedication to quality that can build trust with your audience. A branded email also clarifies that you’re serious about your company and are here for the long term. Once you’ve chosen your email provider, transitioning from a personal email address to a branded one is straightforward. Most services, like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, allow you to import your existing emails into your new account, so you don’t have to juggle multiple inboxes during the switch. Look for POP3 or IMAP instructions in your new platform for an easy transition.
Start Building Your Professional Presence Today
Keeping your @gmail or @yahoo address for personal use is fine, but upgrading your business correspondence to a branded domain name can elevate your business’s image. Whether you choose Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or a custom email solution with Paradux Media Group, the investment is small compared to the boost in credibility and trustworthiness you’ll gain. Take this step toward a more professional online presence—contact us today to explore your options and make your business stand out with a branded email address.
- Updated: October 19, 2024Originally Published: May 24, 2011
- Author: Tisha Oehmen
- Blog: Finding Brand Blog
- Category: Email Marketing Insights
- Tags: Advertising, Brand Creation, Gmail, Google Apps, Phone, Visual Identity, Web, brand, customers, email, google, website
- Comments:
Tisha Oehmen
Tisha Oehmen is a professional brand strategist and a leader in the branding field. She has been named a member of the Global Guru’s Top 30 Brand Gurus. She is also the co-founder of Oregon-based Paradux Media Group and the best-selling author of the book, Finding Brand: The Brand Book Tutorial.
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Tisha,
I agree with the domain-branded email address for companies with more than, say, 5 employees. One the plus side, it gives a professional impression, as you stated. It’s also helpful for finding someone’s website when you only have their email address, since their company URL is part of the email address.
However, as a solopreneur, I’m finding a Gmail account is essential because it integrates with all their products – which are growing in numbers all the time. From Google+ to Analytics to YouTube, not to mention their Docs, Calendar and recent purchase of Motorola lead me to believe we’re living in a Googlified world.
In the past, I’ve tried juggling up to five different email accounts for different aspects of my brand, but these days I use Yahoo for personal and Gmail for business, and my life is a lot easier.
Thanks for taking a moment to comment Nikolas. I agree, gmail addresses are usually where it’s at for small businesses, that’s why I particularly like the Google Apps system, giving you all the power of gmail and a branded domain name. It’s free for businesses that have less than 10 users and are comfortable managing it without support.
Cool, thanks for the tip, Tisha. I haven’t tried the Apps system, but it sounds like it offers the best of both worlds. I’ll look into it!
Anytime Nikolas – use the link the post to find the free version. I think you’ll really enjoy it — at least I do. 🙂
Excellent, will do. Thanks!