Have you ever wondered how to get a personalized email address for your business, like I have (i.e. hello@ashdurham.com)? I always thought it was so cool when businesses had emails that didn’t end with @gmail.com or @yahoo.com, but instead ended with @theirwebsite.com. It just looked so much more professional and trustworthy, to me. But, it turns out the cool factor isn’t the only reason small businesses should have a professional email instead of using a free service like Gmail or Yahoo for their business.
Why Should You Get a Professional Email Address for Your Business?
There are so many reasons to get a professional email address for your business, such as:
- Professional Image: Opt for a paid email address with a specific business domain for a polished and professional appearance.
- Branding: Strengthen your brand identity by using a consistent email address for your photography business, fostering recognition among clients and collaborators.
- Customization: You can choose an email address that best represents you or your photography business, adding a personal touch to your communication.
- Increased Storage: Enjoy expanded storage options with paid email addresses, surpassing the limitations of free email services.
- Improved Security: Benefit from enhanced security features, including spam filtering, antivirus protection, and two-factor authentication, ensuring a secure communication environment.
- Reliability: Experience higher reliability and uptime compared to free email services, contributing to seamless and uninterrupted communication.
- Technical Support: Access prompt technical support with paid email services, ensuring swift resolution of any issues that may arise in your email communication.
- Integration with Business Tools: Explore integration possibilities with other business tools such as calendars, project management software, and CRM systems, enhancing efficiency and workflow for your creative endeavors. Not only that, but it lessens the chances of your email getting flagged as spam and ending straight up in your client’s junk mail.
But definitely don’t discount the cool factor, either. Having a personalized email address just kicks off the “like, know, trust” factor that is so wildly important in building a relationship with clients.
How to Get a Personalized Email Address for Your Business
Now, I have tested out a couple different methods to have a specialized email address for my photography business, but the easiest – BY FAR – has been using Google Workspace (formerly known as G Suite). It was relatively inexpensive (and if you keep scrolling, I have a Google Workspace discount code just for you!!).
What do I love about Google Workspace? Well, all Google Workspace plans provide a custom email address for your business and include collaboration tools like Gmail, Calendar, Meet, Chat, Drive, and Docs. I utilize all of these in my photography business to help streamline everything. I utilize the Calendars to keep track of bookings, Meet to have face-to-face consults with my clients and photography students, Drive to store things and Docs is an incredible collaborative tool I love to use to help with wedding planning.
Basically: Google Workspace is a game-changing lifesaver.
What is the Difference Between Google Workspace Business Starter and Standard?
Glad you asked! I personally utilize the Business Starter plan because it’s only $6 a month and at this point in my business, I don’t require the extra storage space that Standard offers (30GB vs 2TB) and I don’t have over 100 meetings a year with potential clients, nor do I need to record my meetings. But even if I did need those things, Business Standard is only $12 a month! You can learn more about the differences on Google Workspace’s Plans and Pricing Page.
Discount Codes for Google Workspace
And because I freaking love Google Workspace so much, I joined their referral program and I’m excited to share some Google Workspace discount codes with you!
For Google Business Starter, use the coupon code D4QA3WUQJJ9JWKR to save 10% off your first year’s subscription!
For Google Business Standard, use the coupon code XCP46HEEL4JTXHN to save 10% off your first year’s subscription!
Important to note: When you sign up for Google Workspace in the United States and Canada, you are required to provide payment information before your free trial begins (during the trial sign-up process). This is the only time when a promotion code can be entered. Promotion codes cannot be redeemed after a free trial begins.
Ashley Durham is a longtime creative business owner devoted to helping small businesses thrive with as little stress as possible.
To learn more about what Ashley has shared, check out the Photographer’s Resource Guide.
