What is an email domain and how do I set one up?

Having a professional email address that reflects your brand or personal identity is crucial in today's digital world. Instead of relying on generic email providers like Gmail or Yahoo, using a custom email domain can significantly enhance your credibility and online presence. But what exactly is an email domain, and how do you set one up and use it? Let's dive in.

What is an email domain?

An email domain is the part of an email address that comes after the @ symbol. For example, in hello@yourbusiness.com, yourbusiness.com is the email domain. It can be anything you like, but is usually based on the business, organisation or individual's name.

What does an email domain look like?

An email domain is easy to spot because it appears after the @ symbol. For example:

• hello@yourbusiness.com yourbusiness.com is the email domain
• sarah@brightwelldesign.uk brightwelldesign.uk is the email domain
• info@myclub.org.uk myclub.org.uk is the email domain

The part before the @ symbol is the mailbox, often called the username or handle, while the part after it is the email domain.

How does an email domain work?

When you send an email, the domain tells the email system where the message should be delivered. The domain is connected to an email service through DNS settings, which tell other mail servers where to send messages for that domain.

For example, if you have the address hello@yourbusiness.com, the domain yourbusiness.com is configured to work with your chosen email provider. That provider then handles sending, receiving and storing your emails.

Email domain vs email address

An email address is the complete address used to send and receive email, such as hello@yourbusiness.com. The email domain is only the part after the @ symbol, in this case yourbusiness.com. You can use the same domain to create multiple email addresses, such as hello@yourbusiness.com, sales@yourbusiness.com and accounts@yourbusiness.com.

Is an email domain the same as a website domain?

Although often referred to as "email domain" or "website domain", these are actually the same thing, simply called a "domain" or "domain name". The same domain is used for email and/or website, and you don't need to buy separate domains for each application (assuming you want to use the same domain for both email and website).

Why is an email domain important?

• Professionalism: It adds credibility and professionalism to your communications.
• Brand recognition: It reinforces your brand every time you send an email.
• Trust: Customers are more likely to trust emails from a branded address.
• Control: You have full control over your email accounts and data.
• Consistency: It ensures a consistent brand image across all communications.

If you're considering getting an email domain for your business, this guide explains why buying an email domain can be worthwhile and what to consider before choosing one.

How to set up an email domain

Setting up an email domain involves a few key steps:

1. Choose a domain name

   This will be the part after the "@" symbol in your email address. It should ideally reflect your business, organisation, personal or project name, depending on what your email will be used for. You need to choose one that isn't already registered by someone else. Why not use our email finder and suggestion tool to help you find an available email domain?

   If you're not sure what domain to choose, here are some ideas for choosing a professional domain name, including what to do if your first choice is already taken.

2. Register your domain

   You'll need to register your chosen domain name through a domain registration company. Or often an easier option is to choose an email service that includes the domain as part of a package. Our email packages include a free domain, so you simply choose your email address(es) and we register the domain and configure everything for you. This means you can skip this and the next two steps.

3. Choose an email hosting provider

   You'll need an email hosting provider to manage your email accounts. Always carefully check what each company offers to make sure you get exactly what you need. It's a great idea to think about what you might need in the future e.g. does your chosen email provider offer the flexibility to add more space or addresses later on as you grow?

4. Configure your domain

   Once you've chosen an email provider, you'll need to configure what's called your domain's "DNS". In simple terms this just tells the internet where to deliver your emails. You will do this with your domain company, usually by logging in and changing your domain's nameservers or setting up DNS records given to you by your email provider. This step might feel confusing as it uses potentially unfamiliar terms like "nameservers" "DNS" and "MX", but your email provider will usually be happy to explain. Or you can avoid this step completely by choosing an email provider that registers and configures the domain for you, such as our email packages. This means you can start using your email without having to manage the domain configuration yourself.

5. Create your email addresses

   Set up your email addresses with your email provider – usually in your email package or control panel. You might choose individual addresses (e.g. yourname@yourbusiness.com) and/or general addresses (e.g. info@yourbusiness.com). Remember to choose secure passwords to ensure your email is kept safe.

6. Configure your email client / software / app

   Most providers have a Webmail system where you can access your email through a web browser without setting anything up. But usually you can also configure an email client like Outlook, Apple Mail, Android Mail or Thunderbird to log in automatically. Your email hosting provider will give you instructions and all the settings you need.

If you'd prefer a professional business email without buying or managing a domain yourself, this guide explains the options for getting business email without buying a domain.

Can you have multiple email addresses on one domain?

Yes. You can create multiple email addresses using the same email domain. For example, a business using yourbusiness.com could have:

• hello@yourbusiness.com
• sales@yourbusiness.com
• accounts@yourbusiness.com
• support@yourbusiness.com

All of these addresses use the same domain, but they can be set up as separate mailboxes for different people or purposes. The number of email addresses you can create depends on your email provider and the package you choose.

Conclusion

Setting up a custom email domain is a straightforward process that offers many benefits. By following the steps above, you can have your own email domain and custom email addresses set up and ready to use.

Once everything is set up, you can start using your new address with your contacts, add it to your stationery and use it when signing up for online services or making purchases.

An email domain and custom email addresses are an important part of your online presence. If you're ready to create your own, there's no reason to wait.