Starting your journey into the online business world comes with many choices and tools, one of which is email hosting. While it might not seem as glamorous as designing your website or launching a new product, email hosting plays a crucial role in building your brand’s professional image. If you’ve ever wondered how businesses create those polished email addresses that match their website, such as [email protected], email hosting is the answer.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what email hosting is, why it matters, and how to choose the right option for your business.
What is Email Hosting?
At its core, email hosting is a service that allows you to set up a custom email address tied to your business domain name. Instead of using generic addresses like [email protected], you can create professional ones like:
This small change has a big impact on how your business is perceived. A custom email shows you’re serious about your brand and creates trust with your customers.
Why Email Hosting is Important for Your Business
Here’s why email hosting is a smart move:
- Professionalism: A custom email address instantly elevates your brand. It shows customers that you’re credible and established, not just running things from a free email account.
- Brand Consistency: When your email matches your website domain, it reinforces your branding. Every email you send becomes a subtle reminder of your website.
- Trust and Security: Customers are more likely to engage with businesses that use professional email addresses. Plus, email hosting providers often include added security features to protect sensitive communications.
Your Email Hosting Options
When it comes to choosing email hosting, there are several routes you can take, each with its own pros and cons.
1. Email Hosting with Your Website Hosting Provider
If you already have a website, your hosting provider may offer email hosting as part of your plan. For example, if your site is built on WordPress, you might get up to 10 email addresses included. While this option is often affordable, it does come with some downsides:
- Limited storage: Emails can quickly eat into your hosting plan’s storage, which might slow down your website.
- Reliability concerns: If your hosting server goes down, your email goes down with it.
- Troubleshooting challenges: Email issues can be tricky to resolve, especially if your hosting provider has limited support.
2. Dedicated Email Hosting with Google Workspace or Microsoft 365
Services like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 are the gold standard for email hosting. Yes, they cost more (typically around $8-$10 per month per email address), but here’s what you get in return:
- Reliability: These platforms are built to handle emails smoothly and securely.
- Extra Features: Alongside email, you’ll get tools like cloud storage (Google Drive or OneDrive) and office software (Google Docs or Microsoft Office).
- Support: Both services offer robust customer support, often via online chat, which can be a lifesaver when something goes wrong.
At The Island Creative, we’ve moved to Google Workspace and haven’t looked back. With tools like Google Drive and easy-to-reach support, it’s been a seamless fit for our needs.
3. Avoid Tying Email to All-in-One Platforms
If you’re using website builders like Squarespace or Wix, you might notice they offer email hosting via Google. While convenient, this ties your email to their platform, making it harder to manage or migrate if you switch providers. A better approach is to set up your Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 account independently.
How to Choose the Right Email Hosting for Your Business
Here are some tips for making the best choice:
- Assess Your Needs: How many email addresses do you need? Do you require additional tools like cloud storage or collaborative software?
- Prioritise Reliability: Your email is a lifeline for communication. Choose a service known for uptime and good support.
- Think Long-Term: Opt for a solution that can grow with your business. Avoid platforms that lock you into their ecosystem.
If you’re unsure, IT professionals can help set up your email hosting. Just be clear if you want the ability to self-manage your account.
Email hosting is more than just a functional tool—it’s an investment in your business’s image. Whether you’re sending a proposal, answering customer inquiries, or following up on a payment, having a professional email address makes all the difference.
At The Island Creative, we believe in tools that simplify and enhance your online presence. If you’re ready to step up your email game, Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 are excellent places to start.
Have questions about email hosting or need guidance? Drop us a line at [email protected]. We’re always here to help!