We’ve all seen them: You ask a client business or service provider to send you an email with information you need. Your mailbox gives you the “new message” notification, and it’s from JoeFromBlueWidgets@thatbigISP.com. They don’t have a website, or haven’t gotten around to buying an email plan to go with it. No big deal, right?
What would you do if you sent a message to Google and they replied with GoogleService32@otherISP.net? They’d lose credibility and business immediately. Small companies are no different. It’s well worth the effort and cost to buy a domain along with an email account package. Many service providers offer this feature free with your domain or hosting. Even if you don’t yet want a website, it’s a good idea to buy the domain for the nominal yearly fee. This immediately gives you a better public brand, starts you on the way to building your online presence, and gives you a look of professionalism and business sensibility.
Besides that, every email you send from a free or other third-party email address is a free advertisement for their company. When you send from Yahoo!, your letter is branded with their name more strongly than theirs. Do you plan to include a “Brought to you by ABC Tool and Die” message on your next flyer? Then why do you do it with your email address?
If you’re working at Blue Widgets, Inc, which would you rather have as your email: joesmith3@othercompany.net, or joe@bluewidgetsinc.com? You be the judge; your customers certainly will.
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