Susan,
I was doing the same thing because I didn't want the hassle of logging in to my web mail on my desktop every time. Now that I've set up my bluehost mail on my iphone, I love it. I always check my email on my phone.

I have no problem contacting my clients with my gmail addy. But in my case, as an online marketer I have to use a more professional email address because there are some sites that won't accept my registration if I use an address from behemoth email providers like (Yahoo, AIM, Google).

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Philippines Outsourcing Corp.
Jenna Lopez

According to this article re: business applications:

http://smallbusinessbonfire.com/can-...ess-profitable

Specifically, It mentions that email site should have their domain name as a sign of professionalism but also that can be easily attained through apps such as a FREE one mentioned about Mozilla, or I believe a google app for a minimal price was mentioned earlier. This is not only about presentation but about not having all your email web-based and having some solid back up.

PS: This is really a good article...also names the few basic types of software every business should have etc.

I guess I am torn between gmail vs. domain name and I suppose that I will error on the side of caution and do the domain name on gmail for $5 per month because it is an investment in my business even if I am on a budget. I also take a second look when I see a professional email come from a gmail.com account even though I want to be not bothered about it....it does raise an eyebrow.

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Sunny Virtual Business Support

I agree a domain name looks more professional!

Thanks for posting this question and all the answers. I hadn't even thought of using my domain name. I guess with starting and setting up a business, finding new clients... it never crossed my mind. It was really easy, I just got done creating my domain email and having it forward to my gmail.

Thanks again. This forum has provided me with so much information!!!

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Julie-Anne

Love that tagline, Dani! And I agree with the others....a domain email address seems more professional. Although I didn't know about the Google service. My Godaddy URL includes domain addresses, but I haven't set it up yet. So I need to follow my own advice!

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Lori McLean
Tandem Business Group

I use my gmail address instead of my Godaddy one. I need to spend some time figuring out how to get the domain address to go to computer, iphone and ipad. I played with it a bit when I first opened up my biz then just gave up.

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Susan Sheehan - VA Cape Cod
21 Steps to Better Networking

When I bought my business domain from Whois last week, they automatically included 2 free email accounts. I was able to set an automatic forward from within Whois, so that all my biz emails will end up in my gmail (so I don't have to go check my Whois email regularly).

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Allie
The Admin Initiative

Thanks Lee for the tip about using Google Apps. I was just starting to address the issue of a professional email (instead of Gmail) and use my domain. I have my domain reserved, I just need to get my website together. I'll definitely be checking into your suggestion.

Originally Posted by Tamara

Thanks Lee for the tip about using Google Apps. I was just starting to address the issue of a professional email (instead of Gmail) and use my domain. I have my domain reserved, I just need to get my website together. I'll definitely be checking into your suggestion.

I also use Google Apps for Business, I don't pay for it though because I signed up for it back when it was free. I believe it was some time last year when Google decided they wanted to start charging for it so it's either $5 a month or $50 per year. I love it. It's so much easier to simply log into my business email account straight through Google than to have to go to the cpanel or web login service.

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Paulette R.
Romero Communications