In these modern times, branding transcends the traditional aspects of marketing. The advent of the internet, for instance, has made online visibility an important factor for any business to thrive. A case in point is the domain name.
Now we are about to wax a bit technical: A domain name is an identification string that defines a realm of administrative autonomy, authority, or control on the Internet. Domain names are formed by the rules and procedures of the Domain Name System (DNS), and any name registered in the DNS is a domain name. A domain name represents an Internet Protocol (IP) resource, such as a personal computer used to access the Internet, a server computer hosting a web site, or the web site itself or any other service communicated via the Internet – Simply put, a domain name is a unique online address for a company, product or brand. Your domain name stands you out from the crowded internet space and makes it easier for people or other brands to find you online.
Besides giving you online visibility, however, your domain name when properly utilized effectively brands your company, particularly with emails. The standard these days is to have an email address that utilizes your domain name or .com extension. This sets your business apart from the everyday, conventional email user. A case in point: seeing an insurance company’s email address that reads [email protected], or [email protected], we subconsciously infer that the company is unprofessional, small and at the same time lacks a defining brand identity online and offline
Using a customized email address i.e. using your company’s name as the domain name is the best way to send and receive emails. In today’s business world, if your business cards or other corporate branding items fail to display a domain name, you run the risk of being completely passed over by prospective clients.
A good domain name is vital for a successful business. It must also be easy to remember in case prospective contacts want to find you online. It is advisable that the domain name matches your business name or slogan, or is at least closely related to one or both. A registered domain name with an up-to-date website is sometimes the first priority for a business, because it is a very inexpensive way to get your business name and information in front of the public.
So, let your potential clients know you’re well-established and professional when you are sending them emails by updating to a customized email address. This makes you stand out and creates a lasting, positive impression. Again, what your company stands to gain is improved brand awareness, recognition and respect.
It is not pardonable for any company who has a functional website to still use a public email address like Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, AOL etc to transact official business. You need to be unique with your email address.
Go get your own domain name now.