Web-based Email and Credibility
August 29th, 2007 by Cristina Favreau
What’s your impression of entrepreneurs who use free or web-based email addresses, like Yahoo, Hotmail, AOL, Gmail, etc. for business communication and marketing?
When I receive emails (especially unsolicited) from such accounts (sorry to say, I lump ISP accounts like Sympatico, Videotron, etc. in this group as well), I tend to think negatively about the business person and their service, labeling them as “cheap,” “unprofessional,” “small,” “untrustworthy” and “amateur”.
In the past, I’ve dissed entrepreneurs who market themselves using free email accounts for their business, but I’m beginning to understand why some do. With Spam getting to be more of a problem, I feel like I’ve been foolish for using my domain-based addresses.
Even employing techniques to avoid being harvested by Spambots, the damage is done and Spam is getting worse.
I’ve actually been tempted to start using my Gmail account for online marketing activities, but somehow my gut just doesn’t feel right about it… It feels sneaky or underhanded… I’m not sure exactly, but it just feels wrong.
What do you think? Are there instances where displaying a free email account would be acceptable, say if I wanted to display an email address on my blog?
It sounds like I’m stuck in ‘either/or’ thinking (“Either I tolerate daily spam messages or I lose credibility.”) instead of approaching this with a ‘both/and’ attitude (“How can I beat Spam and retain my professional image?”). So I’m committed to finding a win-win solution. I’ll let you know what I come up with.
In the meantime, let’s open up the floor. Am I wrong in thinking this is a credibility issue? Or is it something else, like accessibility, affordability or practicality? What’s your experience in using a web-based email account for your business? How do you view emails from “generic” addresses?
Great topic Cristina!
I’m actually in the camp that’s a little more relaxed about this. Perhaps because my niche isn’t necessarily impressed with a domain e-mail address. My potential clients, and clients typically aren’t too concerned with my e-mail address… and many of them also use free accounts.
I think when it comes to choosing an e-mail address, you definitely need to think about what will and won’t appeal to your target market. If I was going after Fortune 500 companies, I’d definitely use the domain address.
I use a G-mail account. And I love it.
That I am aware, I’ve never had anyone think less of me because of my free account… and if they did – oh well – they probably weren’t my ideal client anyway
I have a choice, of course – I can use jenn@mydoamin.com – or I can use my g-mail account. I actually prefer the G-mail account.
First, it’s easier to give out via voicemail. My domain name is a bit long and there are a variety of ways to spell it. So, if I give the domain address, I have to go through and spell it all out. I know, I know – oh the horror of spelling out the domain… but, to me, it’s time and confusion saved. The G-mail address just makes it much easier.
Second, I just love the functionality of G-mail.
I started using it a few years ago as my personal e-mail account, and I loved all the features so much, I just started directed business associates there as well.
The other thing to think about is spam. Unfortunately, spam isn’t going anywhere any time soon. So, you’ll want to choose an e-mail account that can handle it effectively – and that you can possibly change in the event that your account becomes too wracked with it.
That’s just my $.02 – I’m curious to read other opinions on the subject.
I use a domain address. It’s not because I don’t like the others or think less of them. In fact I don’t. I’m trying to think if I were being solicited for something a bit more high tech, but really I don’t know that I’d notice the domain name.
I do like domain name addresses. I know if it’s personal, I can probably find out more about the business and I’d think twice if my bank sent me something via gmail…
I use my domain name because at the time anything else either required I be in my browser (and not on my desktop) or pay for the privilege of downloading it. I have a BUNCH for various uses and then one bottom end one that NO ONE gets that is mostly spam. Having so many has always helped me track where the spam comes from.
Hi Cristina,
It doesn’t bother me at all when I see free e-mail addresses with a professional flair such as mybusiness@yahoo.ca or My.Full.Name@gmail.com. Many people in the business start up mode just don’t have the money to build their own domains right away. That is fine, I get it but at least they are thinking professionally.
What DOES bother me is that many people use e-mails like: groovygirl@hotmail.com or hotpants@yahoo.com. If you want to be professional then act professional! Get a free e-mail account with your name or business name. And also, be professional in your e-mail etiquette! I get e-mails that say, “lookin 4 info pls send 2 me” How can these people be taken seriously?
Spam, no spam, free accounts, paid accounts….what matters to me is the degree of professionalism.
Thanks for letting me rant.
Christina,
There is a simple solution to this problem. At the company I am at right now we use our domain but it is hosted by Gmail. Go to https://www.google.com/a/smallbiz/
This has saved us a lot of money and we are all familiar with gmail so it is really nice. We also use google docs and calendar to collaborate inside the company. The great thing is you can have your account open for the company and your personal gmail account opened at the same time without having to log out.
This should kill two birds with one stone if I understood your post correctly.
Good luck!
I use gmail accounts for each of my businesses. It is easier for me and I don´t find that it is any less professional.
Thanks for your insights and feedback.
I’ve recently posted my Gmail address on my website, in an attempt to handle spam a little better.
I’m self employed and have been for nearly 18 years. I got a Hotmail account in 2000 and I’ve had no problems using it since my referrals began preferring email about 4 or 5 years ago.
Just get your own web based mail address. It's always professional.
The more you use your own the more you will become recognised.As you will see from my address, it's our company not google, yahoo or anyone elses.
Good luck and remember it's you who you are promoting.
Keep happy and get as much joy as you can each day.
I use my GMail account to send emails via my domain name. Try it. It does beat the spam as it is the same as using GMail or you could use Google Apps.
I personally look down upon those using free email account providers for professional usage.
I use gmail because it is the BEST, not because it's free. I think you can hook up a domain name to gmail. I really don't care if some people think my gmail account is unprofessional; most people couldn't care less. It's like saying a realtor won't be taken seriously unless he/she is driving a Caddy or Beemer. Not so.
That comment about a realtor is complete rubbish. What are the similarities between having your own brand and driving an expensive car?
Nice article about the Domain name Registration through the Cellphone text messages ..i appriciated the article i registered my domain name in the site tucktaili got the free blog,..
You know Christine, it costs 9 dollars a year to have your own Christine @savvy entrepeneur.com.
You can adjust your spam easily. It gets YOUR name out.I have ray.leigh@thebaldchemist.com. thebaldchemistgmail.com and thebaldchemist@yahoo.com along with raymondtleigh@yahoo.com.uk.
Now I get loads of spam from yahoo- Hardly any on gmail and NONE at all on thebaldchemist if any gets through it goes straight to BULK.
Drop me a line if you have anything I can help with.
take care.