How often has this happened to you? You meet a potential client... You’re killin' your pitch! They’re engaged and you’re having a friendly conversation about your work and how your product or services will benefit them.
They like what they're hearing and ask for your email... you respond enthusiastically with "my email is imacoolcat89734@hotmail.com!" Chances are your potential client pauses… *blink* *blink*. They tell you they’ll contact you. Then… crickets!
You start wondering what went wrong... Everything seemed to be going great!
Chances are it's not you - it’s your email! Let’s face it, how seriously is a potential client going to take your business with an unprofessional email?
Your potential clients want to know that you’re as serious about your work as they are theirs.
They want to know that you’re going to be professional. Make the effort. Be invested. That your business will enhance theirs and make them look good.
But if you’re using a personal email such as imacoolcat89734@hotmail.com or any email that’s obviously from a free, common domain that anyone off the street can get, it doesn’t look professional.
EVEN if it includes your business name, such as mygraphicbusinessname@gmail.com.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Gmail, its ease of access, tools, and benefits. I use it but because of the tools and processes I use, no one would know!
If you’re promoting your business using a free email domain name, it shows potential clients that you either don’t take your business seriously – or even worse, you’re not willing to invest in your own business. This then begs the question…
If YOU’RE not willing to invest in your business – why should they?
Your email will be one of the most common forms of communication for your business. Whether you’re just starting out, you’re a solopreneur or a business owner, no matter what your industry is, you need a professional email that clients can take seriously.
Think of it this way. You know your audience and understand that you need to dress to impress and walk the talk.
To GET the business, you need to look like you MEAN business.
If you’re meeting with a potential client, you put the time and effort into how you present yourself to make a good impression.
You know that showing up, looking like you just rolled out of bed, disheveled, and dressed in sweats and a ratty old t-shirt will make you look unprofessional and likely cost you the business.
Your business email address works the same way. It’s a reflection of you and your business. It conveys your authority, commitment, and professionalism to your industry – and to your clients.
Your business email can make or break your credibility and trust in the eyes of potential clients.
When your audience sees a professional email, not only do THEY see you as more dependable
and trustworthy – but so will their email spam filters.
Still think a common free domain email will suffice. Ask yourself this:
You need a plumber, so you check out listings to help you with clogged pipes. You see a couple of plumbers listed. One who has a professional email, like info@plumbingbusinessname.com, and then one that says pipes24877@yahoo.com.
Which one immediately comes across as more professional and trustworthy? One that you would feel more comfortable hiring and inviting into your home?
A professional email does a lot! It can help you attract clients, by creating trust, and legitimacy, positioning you as a professional expert.
Sure, when you’re starting out funds might be limited. And the thought of having a professional email with your own unique domain name may seem like an unnecessary extravagance. Something you figure you’ll consider doing later.
But if you wait and continue using that unprofessional email with a common domain, your business may not grow as quickly as you hoped because of the downfalls mentioned.
Your company email reflects you and your business. Even if you don’t (yet) have a website, you can still look professional.
Ask me how I can set you up using creative and inexpensive methods to get you up and running with a professional domain name and email – even if you’re not ready for a website!
