Let’s be honest—email addresses say a lot more about your business than you think. Picture this: you get two emails. One is from [email protected]. The other? [email protected]. Who are you more likely to take seriously?
That’s not just gut instinct—it’s branding, and more specifically, signaling (if you’re into that kind of term). The email address you use is often the very first impression someone has of your business. And if you’re still using an address from Gmail, Hotmail, or worse, your internet provider, it’s time for a little tough love: it doesn’t look great.
Why @gmail.com and @telus.net Don’t Cut It
Sure, they’re free. Sure, they’re familiar. But let’s face it: anyone can set up a Gmail address in five minutes. That doesn’t exactly scream “established professional.”
Now toss in a Shaw or Telus address? That tells people your email is tied to your internet service provider, and now you’re married to them. Want to switch ISPs? Better hope your clients enjoy bounced emails. Your email address is holding your business hostage—and nobody wants that.
Even if your work is incredible, an unprofessional email can plant seeds of doubt before a potential client even clicks “Reply.”
What a Custom Domain Email Says Instead
When your email is something like [email protected], it sends a totally different message:
- You’re a real business, not just moonlighting.
- You’ve invested in your brand.
- You’ve got your act together.
More practically, it gives you flexibility. Own your domain and you can use any provider you want—Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zoho, whatever. Want to switch providers later? No problem. Your email address stays the same. That means no chaos, no missing messages, no “Sorry, we’re having email issues this week” emails (which are, by the way, never reassuring).
Setting One Up Is Easier Than You Think
If you already have a domain (and you should), then you’re halfway there. Here are a few ways to get set up:
- Email Forwarding – Easiest and cheapest. Send emails from [email protected] straight to your Gmail or Outlook inbox—but be warned, your replies will still show as coming from the Gmail or Outlook address, which isn’t a great look.
- Budget Hosting – Great email options like Rackspace and Zoho keep it affordable. (Hosting your site with us? We’ll hook you up with Rackspace for even less, just ask.)
- Full Office Suites – Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 if you want email plus calendars, docs, and the rest of the kitchen sink.
This Stuff Matters
You’ve spent time building your business—don’t let a janky email address drag it down. Getting a custom domain email is a small, one-time lift with long-term payoff. It makes you look more professional, gives you more control, and ties everything back to your brand.
You’ve got your own business. You deserve your own email.
