How Domain-Based Email Strengthens Your Business Identity

What Is Domain-Based Email?

A domain-based email is an email address created using a unique domain name rather than a generic domain like @gmail.com, @outlook.com, etc. These custom emails function much like free accounts, with a few added perks like branding options and more scalability.

For example, Northwest uses [email protected] for our customer service teams. Not only does this address proudly shout out our business name, but it communicates exactly what someone can expect when they send or receive emails from it.

Why Businesses Use Domain-Based Email Instead of Free Email

While free accounts can be easy-to-access and fairly commonplace, domain-based emails are a low-cost, high-impact option for businesses that want to look professional. A few of the benefits include:

• Stronger branding: A custom email address features your domain name, creating consistent branding in every message.
• Independence: Because your email is tied to your domain and not a free provider, you maintain more control and flexibility as your business grows.
• Scalability: Custom email, unlike free email accounts, is built for growing organizations, making it easy to add inboxes or team members over time.

A branded email also makes it harder for scammers to impersonate your business, helping preserve the trust you build with customers and clients.

How Domain-Based Email Helps Build Your Business Identity

Your business identity is just as important as the products you design, the services you offer, or the consultation you provide.

Put simply, a business identity is everything that contributes to people’s perception of your business. This means your website, your domain name, and your custom email.

A branded email contributes directly to your business identity by attaching your brand to every message you send out. Not only that, but a custom email can be added to your business cards, built into a contact form on your website, or included on link-consolidation tools to give visitors a direct means of reaching out.

How To Set Up A Custom Email Address

Setting up a domain-based email address is a lot simpler than it sounds. You only need two things to get started: a registered domain name and an email hosting service provider. Here’s what to do:

1. Register a domain name.
   Choose a domain name that works well with your business name. This will become the part of your email address that follows the “@” symbol. Many email hosting service providers, like Northwest, can also help you register a domain.
2. Choose an email hosting service.
   Your hosting service provider walks you through connecting your email to your domain and sets up email routing to ensure your messages go to the right servers.
3. Set up your business email account(s).
   Set up a primary email address, and as many additional accounts as you need to equip your team. Feel free to separate your inboxes by department, or set up accounts for key team members.
4. Start sending and receiving email securely.
   Once your inbox is set up, you can start sending and receiving emails. Some hosting providers let you access your inbox from any device using your preferred platform, but not all do. Be sure to confirm compatibility before signing up.

That’s it. You’ve got a custom domain and branded email, ready to communicate like a pro. With the right provider, your emails are also encrypted along the way, so no sensitive data goes where it shouldn’t. With Northwest as your email host, this encryption is built in, free of charge.