Once you’ve purchased a domain name, the next step is to set up an email address. Your primary email address should look professional, such as yourname@yourdomain.com. You can choose to use your first name, full name, or a role-based email, depending on your preference.
Other Email Addresses
In addition to your primary email address, setting up additional email addresses or aliases can streamline communications:
General Enquiries. Use an address like enquiries@yourdomain.com or team@yourdomain.com for general queries. This creates a layer of separation between you and the public while keeping your personal email reserved for client communications.
Sales or Support. Addresses like sales@yourdomain.com or support@yourdomain.com help segment inquiries and improve efficiency.
Accounts. An accounts@yourdomain.com address can handle invoicing and payment follow-ups. It keeps financial correspondence organised and professional.
Selecting an Email Provider
Consider the following email providers:
Apple iCloud Mail. Free for Apple users with a custom domain, supporting multiple aliases and tight integration with macOS and iOS. Learn more here.
Google Workspace. Ideal if you already use Google Docs, Sheets, or Calendar. It includes powerful email tools but requires a paid plan for custom domains. Learn more here.
ProtonMail. Offers a highly secure email service with custom domains and privacy-focused features. Perfect if you want to prioritise security. Learn more here.
Avoid using email services provided by domain registrars. These services are often less reliable and lack advanced features available in dedicated email platforms.
Configure DNS Records
To use your custom domain for email, you’ll need to update DNS records in your domain registrar’s settings. These typically include:
MX Records: Route incoming emails to your provider.
TXT Records: Configure SPF, DKIM, and DMARC to ensure emails are delivered reliably and not marked as spam.
CNAME Records: Sometimes used for webmail or provider verification.
Your email provider will supply specific instructions for setting up these records.
Securing Your Email Account
Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to secure your email account.
Spam Protection
You’ll be setting up your website in subsequent steps. Something to understand now is the importance of protecting your email addressed from spam. One option is to use contact forms on your website instead of publishing email addresses openly. The other oprtion is to use obfuscation techniques or JavaScript-based email displays (this is the option I use).
Test Your Email
Once you’ve set up your email, send a test email to a personal account and reply.
Now you can communicate with the world, the next step is to use your new email to set up social media profiles.
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Setting Up Social Media Accounts
How to set up social media accounts for your new company.