In today’s economy it’s surprising to note how many businesses, especially SMEs, have yet to adopt branded company email addresses. Instead, many still rely on generic email providers like @hotmail or @gmail for their professional correspondence. This not only affects the perception of the business but also misses out on the opportunity to build a consistent brand image.
The UK economy is significantly bolstered by the presence and contributions of SMEs. To put things into perspective:
The UK was home to an estimated 5.5 million private sector businesses.
Out of these, 1.4 million businesses had employees, while a staggering 4.1 million operated without any employees.
Breaking down the business population further, 3.1 million were sole proprietorships, accounting for 56% of the total. 2.1 million were actively trading companies, making up 37%, and there were 353,000 ordinary partnerships, which constituted 6%.
At the onset of 2022, small businesses (those with 0 to 49 employees) numbered 5.5 million, representing a whopping 99.2% of the total business population. It’s worth noting that SMEs, in general, account for 99.9% of the business population, equating to 5.5 million businesses.
These statistics underscore the pivotal role SMEs play in the UK’s economic landscape. With such a significant footprint, it becomes even more crucial for these businesses to present themselves professionally, and having a branded business email address is a step in the right direction.
Do I need a company branded email address?
In the realm of business, first impressions matter immensely. For SMEs, which form the backbone of the UK economy, presenting a professional image is paramount. One of the fundamental ways to achieve this is through the use of a company email address. But do you really need one? Let’s explore the reasons why a company email address is not just a luxury but a necessity:
Professionalism: An email from ‘johnsmith@gmail.com’ doesn’t convey the same level of professionalism as ‘john.smith@yourcompanyname.co.uk’. A branded email address reinforces the legitimacy and seriousness of your business.
Branding: Every time you send an email, you’re promoting your business. A company email address is a constant reminder of your brand, helping in building brand recognition.
Trust and Credibility: Customers and clients are more likely to trust an email coming from a branded company email address. Generic email addresses can often be associated with spam or phishing attempts.
Control: With a company email address, you have control over the accounts. If an employee leaves, you can ensure business continuity by redirecting their emails or reassigning the email address.
Customisation: Many company email providers offer advanced features like customised email signatures, auto-responders, and advanced filtering. This can enhance communication efficiency.
Data Security: Professional email hosting solutions often come with enhanced security features, ensuring the safety of your business communication.
Integration with Other Tools: Company email addresses can often be integrated with other business tools and software, streamlining operations.
In conclusion, while it might seem like a minor detail, a company email address plays a pivotal role in shaping the perception of your business. For SMEs looking to establish trust, credibility, and a strong brand presence in the competitive UK market, a branded business email address is not just beneficial—it’s essential.
Can you get a business email without a domain?
The straightforward answer is no, but let’s delve deeper to understand the intricacies and alternatives available.
The Role of a Domain: At its core, a business email address is typically structured as ‘username@yourcompanyname.co.uk’. The part after the ‘@’ symbol, ‘yourcompanyname.co.uk’, is the domain. It’s what makes your email address unique and branded to your company. Without a domain, you won’t be able to have a customised, professional email address.
Free Email Providers: Platforms like Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook offer free email services. While you can create a business-related username, such as ‘yourcompanyname@gmail.com’, it lacks the professionalism and branding that a domain-specific email provides.
Domain Brokers and Temporary Domains: Some services allow you to ‘rent’ a domain for your email address. While this gives you a domain-specific email, it’s not a long-term solution and can lead to trust issues if the domain changes frequently.
Benefits of Owning a Domain: Beyond just email, owning a domain provides numerous benefits:
Website Hosting: Your domain can be used to host your company’s website, providing a digital storefront.
SEO Advantages: A custom domain can improve search engine rankings, driving more organic traffic to your site.
Brand Protection: Owning your domain prevents others from using it, safeguarding your brand’s reputation.
Affordability: Many SMEs might be deterred by the perceived cost of owning a domain. However, domains are more affordable than ever, with many providers offering them at competitive prices, often bundled with email hosting.
Ease of Setup: Setting up a domain and associated email address is straightforward. Many domain registrars offer step-by-step guides, and some even provide customer support to assist with the process.
Should you use info@ for a business email or my personal name?
When deciding between ‘info@yourcompany.co.uk’ and ‘myname@yourcompany.co.uk’ for your business email, consider the following:
‘info@yourcompany.co.uk’:
Advantages: It’s a catch-all address ideal for general inquiries. Being impersonal, it’s suitable for a unified business front and can be managed by multiple team members, ensuring all queries are addressed.
Drawbacks: It can seem less personal to clients, and such addresses are often targets for spam due to their commonality.
‘myname@yourcompany.co.uk’:
Advantages: It offers a personal touch, fostering trust and direct communication. It’s perfect for business owners or professionals who want to establish a personal rapport with clients.
Drawbacks: Personal names can lead to privacy concerns and are more challenging to manage as businesses grow, risking missed communications.
In essence, ‘info@’ is great for general business queries, while a personal name address is ideal for direct, personalised interactions. Many businesses opt to use both to cater to different communication needs.
Are business emails covered by GDPR?
Yes, business emails are covered by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Any email that contains personal data, whether it’s a person’s direct email address or information within the email, falls under GDPR’s scope. Businesses must ensure they handle and store these emails compliantly, respecting individuals’ rights to data privacy and protection.
How much does it cost to get a business email address?
The cost of obtaining a business email address can vary based on providers and the features they offer. However, our comprehensive package provides exceptional value. For just £100 per month, we offer not only business email addresses but also a free website, hosting, cybersecurity, and backups. Plus, our clients benefit from a personalised service, ensuring all their digital needs are met efficiently and professionally.
Want to find out more? Give us a call and chat through your requirements or have a look further at our digital marketing services.