There are many internet server providers (ISP) and websites offering free email accounts today. For some, this seems like a viable option and for the individual, it may be. However, for the business owner, it is a choice that should be reconsidered. Although some ISP’s for free email do their best to promote using them as your primary email account, touting that you can choose your address or that you have more memory, the benefits pointed out will be far outweighed by the credibility you lose as a legitimate business.
Believability Is Key
Look at it as a business owner or decision maker. When we receive an email from gmail, aol, or yahoo, we are generally less apt to take that email as seriously as an email from “admin@yourcompany.com”. If you feel that way about businesses who use free email accounts, then it begs the question why would you use one? In addition to the lack of credibility associated with free accounts, there is another reason that choosing to use your business email account is a wise choice when setting up your email provider, one based purely from a marketing standpoint.
Marketing And Branding As A Rationale For Your Business Email
Businesses pay money to make themselves more visible on the internet everyday. Although some marketing is best left up to the experts, many businesses are simply losing out on free marketing opportunities such as an email address. Look at it from the perspective of your clients and prospective clients. You have already lost believability by using a free account and now you have also lost an opportunity to promote your website. Every chance you have to offer up your URL is one more valid promotion of your company name and website.
Your Reputation Is In Your Hands
As a businessperson, your reputation is everything. How others perceive you is as important for business as your product or service. If perspective clients shy away from you before they even try your product or service, then any amount of promoting will do no good. You must represent yourself in the most positive light possible. In short, it is in your best interest to use only official email addresses for your business. Leave the free email accounts for individuals and make yourself stand out from the crowd.