Here’s why you need a domain name…
So you can stop using free email to run your business.
Yes, this is exactly why you need a domain name to brand your business. I cringe when I receive an email from a business owner with businessname@hotmail.com or businessname@yahoo.com (or @gmail, @comcast, @verizon, @juno, @aol, etc.). However, nothing makes me cringe more than knowing these same business owners spent money to create business cards listing these free email services as their company email address.
I know what you’re thinking “Why should I incur another expense if I can get email for free?”
Simply, because you want your business to be taken serious and your entire business can run for free.
Like many others, I will not do business with anyone using free email services to run their business. Here are a few reasons (why you need a domain name):
– looks cheap
– less professional
– less likely to trust
– fly by night operation
What I really don’t understand are those companies that have their own domain, yet still use Hotmail, and Yahoo (or Gmail, Comcast, Verizon, Juno, AOL, etc.) as their e-mail address.
Seriously, isn’t it time you stop using free email services to run your business?
Here’s another reason why you need a domain name… you own it and control it.
Don’t be fooled, using these free email services can jeopardize the success of your business from the start or limit the growth moving forward. But let’s take a closer look, did you know…
1. You may be perceived as a spammer? These services are often abused by spammers making legitimate emails harder to distinguish from spam. Email you send may be blocked due to its free email service of origin.
2. Many free email services are supported by advertising? They will include various types of ads embedded in the emails you send to prospects and customers. Your recipient may see ads for adult toys and other intimate services right next to your email.
3. There is virtually no technical support? If you have any kind of problem with your account, unfortunately, most free email services only offer a generic automatic email response. Imagine the impact on your business if you are unable to reset password or login into your account.
4. The information contained in your email is not secure? Most free services are not using secure messaging options like email encryption and digital signatures. Without the proper security you run the risk of exposing your information as well as your customers.
It’s a fact; obtaining your own domain name helps you avoid these pitfalls.
When starting a business or expanding to new markets it is essential to keep your domain name in mind, whether your business is web-based or not. A good domain name can go a long way toward establishing your brand, building your reputation and adding credibility. Ultimately resulting in more customers and better sales for your business.
If you’re not willing to pay the money to register an appropriate domain name, why would customers think you’d put any effort into creating valuable products or services?
Are you secretly concerned about your domain name? I invite you to download this powerful domain name assessment checklist to determine how you can improve.
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