In the world of email marketing, having an email address connected to your own domain is crucial, not only for establishing a professional brand identity but also for boosting deliverability. When you send emails from a free email domain such as Gmail or Yahoo, the likelihood of your emails ending up in recipients' spam or junk folders increases. In some cases, your emails might not even be delivered at all.
The initial step in achieving this is acquiring a custom domain. Let's start with the basics:
What exactly is a custom domain?
Every website is uniquely identified by an IP address, which essentially serves as its digital coordinates. An IP address is a numerical label, typically formatted like this: 123.12.31.231
However, memorizing such numeric sequences for each website you wish to visit can be quite a challenge. The Domain Name System (DNS) translates these numeric IP addresses into much more user-friendly names, known as domain names, that are easier to recall and use. Think of a domain, or domain name, as the address you enter in a web browser to visit a website.
Popular examples include google.com, youtube.com, and mailerlite.com 😇
Setting up a custom domain for your website or landing page is straightforward and typically budget-friendly process. You can purchase one through a "domain registrar," such as IONOS or GoDaddy.
What is a custom email domain?
A custom email domain is a personalized email address that is linked to a domain name you own. For instance, instead of using an address like johnsmith@gmail.com, you would use an address like john@yourdomain.com, where "yourdomain.com" is the domain you've registered.
There are a few main benefits to having a custom email domain:
Brand recognition: A custom domain helps to establish your brand and make it more recognizable. When people see your email address, they'll immediately know who you are and what you do.
Sender reputation: Email service providers (ESPs) like Gmail and Yahoo are more likely to trust emails from custom domains. This means that your emails are more likely to end up in the recipient's inbox instead of the spam folder.
Click-Through Rates (CTR): Studies have shown that emails from custom domains have higher click-through rates than emails from free email providers. This is because recipients are more likely to trust emails from companies that appear to be more professional.
Professional image: A custom domain gives you a more professional image, which can help you build relationships with potential clients or customers.
If you're serious about your business or personal brand, then a custom email domain is a must-have. It's a small investment that can make a big difference in the way people perceive you.
How to get a custom domain
If you're using a public domain such as Gmail or Outlook to send emails, you’ll need to switch to a custom domain. Emails sent from free domains can’t be authenticated, which can significantly affect your email deliverability and sender reputation.
To switch to a custom sending domain:
Choose your domain name: Brainstorm a list of potential domain names that reflect your brand and are easy to remember. Keep it short, simple, and relevant to your business.
Select a domain provider: Choose a reputable domain registrar. Companies like Namecheap, GoDaddy and Squarespace Domains are popular options. Compare prices, renewal rates, and any additional services they offer.
Check domain availability: Use the domain provider’s search tool to check if your desired domain name is available. If it's taken, the tool will often suggest alternative names or variations.
Complete the transaction: Follow the prompts to complete the transaction. You’re now the proud owner of a custom domain. Congrats!
Within your domain dashboard, you should be able to create an email address for your new custom domain. Check your domain provider’s knowledge base for step-by-step instructions. If you encounter any issues or have questions, most registrars offer customer support to assist you throughout the process.