When starting a new business, one of the first things you need to do is set up an email account. This is the email address that you will use for all your business communication, from contacting customers to sending invoices and more. Choosing the right email address can have a big impact on how your business is perceived, so it’s important to make the right choice.
First, decide on the domain name
The first step in setting up a business email account is to choose a domain name. A domain name is the part of the email address that comes after the “@” symbol. Ideally, you want your domain name to be the same as your business name. For example, if your business is called “ABC Widgets,” you would ideally want your email address to be something like “[email protected].”
If your preferred domain name is not available, you may need to get creative. You could try adding a keyword to the end of your domain name, such as “ABCWidgetsMarketing.com” or “ABCWidgetsSales.com.” Alternatively, you could consider using a different top-level domain (TLD) like .net, .biz, or .org.
Use a professional email service provider
Once you have chosen your domain name, you need to choose an email service provider. There are many options available, from free services like Gmail and Yahoo Mail to paid services like Microsoft Exchange and G Suite.
While it may be tempting to use a free email service, it’s generally not a good idea for a business. Free email services often come with limitations, such as limited storage space or the inability to use your own domain name. Additionally, using a free email service can make your business appear less professional.
Paid email services, on the other hand, offer a wide range of features and benefits. For example, G Suite offers access to Google Drive, Google Calendar, and other collaboration tools. Microsoft Exchange offers integration with Outlook, SharePoint, and other Microsoft products. These services also offer features like custom domains, increased storage space, and advanced security features.
Consider your branding
Your email address is an important part of your brand identity. It’s one of the first things that people will see when they interact with your business. As such, it’s important to choose an email address that reflects your brand.
For example, if your business is a law firm, you may want to use an email address like “[email protected].” If you run a bakery, you may want to use an email address like “[email protected].” Choose an email address that is easy to remember and represents your business well.
Choose a format for your email addresses
Once you have chosen your domain name and email service provider, you need to decide on a format for your email addresses. There are two main formats to choose from:
The first format is more formal and is often used in corporate environments. The second format is more informal and is often used by smaller businesses. Ultimately, the choice between these formats comes down to personal preference.
In some cases, you may also want to create email aliases for specific purposes. For example, you could create an alias like “[email protected]” that directs to multiple people in your organization. This can help streamline communication and ensure that messages are always delivered to the right person.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right email address for your business is an important decision. Your email address is the primary means of communication between your business and your customers, so it’s important to choose an address that is professional, easy to remember, and reflects your brand. By following the tips outlined here, you can choose an email address that sets your business up for success.
