Is Your Email Address Negatively Affecting Your Business?

As a solo professional or small business owner, you know that every aspect of your business is significant and can impact your success. One important aspect is your email address. It’s not only about how you communicate when sending emails; it’s also about how you present yourself to the world.

Your email address is part of your brand and often creates the first impression of you and your business, so it’s important to have a professional one. A professional email address should include your business’s domain name, such as @yourcompany.com. By using a domain business email, you’ll project a professional image and establish your company as a legitimate business. 

Here are a few mistakes that I often see as a business owner myself, as well as with my solo and small business clients:

1. Using a Free Email Address. You want to use a domain name, i.e., www.yourcompany.com. Using a free email address, such as Gmail, Yahoo!, Verizon, etc., for your business may not only confuse your recipients but can also cause delivery problems, especially if you are sending marketing content. Unfortunately, I frequently see emails from small businesses who use Yahoo!, Gmail, Verizon, and other providers as their business email. An example of this is name_yourcompany@gmail.com. 

If you own a domain name, you can create your name@yourcompany.com email address, whether your site is active or not. Setting up your business domain email address with Gmail using Google Workspace is relatively simple, or you can hire someone to do it for you.

If you don’t own a domain, you will need to purchase one from a domain registrar, such as Bluehost, GoDaddy, DreamHost, etc. For reference, Forbes Advisor has an article on the 10 Best Domain Registrars.

2. An Unclear Email Sender Name.  Once your domain email address is set up, make it clear who the email is from. For example, when I send emails, the “from” reads Sandra Jackson | Aqua Virtual Solutions <sandy@aquavirtualsolutions.com>. If it were to read simply sandy@aquavirtualsolutions.com, even people who know me may not understand who the email is from. By clearly setting up your email sender name, your contacts will understand who the email is from, and it will be less likely to go to their SPAM or JUNK folder. Choose the email sender name that fits your brand and message (for some, it may simply be first and last name, and for others, it may be first and last name with the company name).

3. Vague or Missing Subject Line. Your subject line should be concise and informative and clearly summarize the topic of your email. A vague or missing subject line is a common mistake when writing emails. Think of the subject line as the cover of a book; it tells you the purpose of the email.

How many times have you received an email with the subject line “Hi!”? Couple that with an email address that you don’t recognize, whether it is a friend, family member, or company you do business with; you’re likely to assume it’s spam and either send it to your junk folder or hit delete and go about your day. That “Hi” email could have been a missed opportunity for both you and the sender. If only their email address and their subject line were clear.

Email is a powerful communication tool that can significantly contribute to the growth of your business. However, it’s important to use it properly to reap its full benefits. If you’re making any of the mistakes mentioned, don’t worry! You can easily improve your approach and start seeing better results from this important aspect of your business!

Many years ago, I was suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. Surgery was recommended. I was not happy and didn’t want to accept surgery was the only option. 

I shared my upset with my former boss, who recommended I try this new mouse… the Logitech Trackball. And guess what?! I never did end up having surgery to correct my carpal tunnel issue. The Logitech TrackBall has changed over the years, and with each update, I happily continue to use it.

Thank you, Robert Abbe, for suggesting the Trackball Mouse all those years ago!