If you’re using an email address – such as @gmail.com, @aol.com, @mac.com, @msn.com, @cox.net – for your business, it’s time to make a change. Why advertise for Google or AOL when you can advertise for yourself? A self-branded email (yourname@yourcompany.com), besides simply reinforcing your brand, itself, also reinforces the legitimacy of your business, is more likely to be remembered, and is an opportunity to drive traffic to your website.
If you’re still using a non-branded email address because you like using a web-based email and don’t want to lose your history there, you should know that you can still do a self-branded email AND get at it through your web-based email account. It requires just a little finagling with your web-based account and domain registrar, but it can – and should – be done.
If you’re waiting until you have a web domain name and/or website, stop waiting. First of all, deciding on a domain name and grabbing it should be one of the first things you do for your business. And, simply having that domain name – you needn’t have a full-blown web site up and running – will enable you to use a self-branded email address. Again, there’s a little setting up involved to getting your branded email established, but it’s relatively simple — and we’re here for you should you need help.
SIDE NOTE: When you purchase your domain name (we’re big GoDaddy fans), until you put some sort of web presence in place, your web site will consist of an unbranded “parked” page. We highly recommend installing a branded splash page, instead, until your actual site is in place.
Bottom line: Whether you’re working on building your brand or about to start, a self-branded email is essential, and is an easy and consistent way to reinforce your business identity. Need help? Give us a call.
