Using a free domain like Gmail or Hotmail might seem convenient, but it signals one of two things to potential clients:
- You’re not fully established.
- You’re not taking your branding seriously.
While these platforms are great for personal use, they can seriously undermine the credibility of your business. Imagine receiving an email from durbanplumbers247@hotmail.com versus one from info@durbanplumbers.co.za—which would you trust more?
Quoting the COO: Armaan Amod on Business Email Domains
Armaan Amod, Chief Operating Officer of Pro Media Mogul, weighed in on the difference:
“Using your own domain in your business email isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a trust signal. It shows you’ve invested in your brand. When I see a business using a Gmail or Hotmail address, I immediately question how serious they are. Your email domain should match your website and branding. It’s not just about professionalism—it’s about credibility and consistency.”
The Benefits of a Branded Email Address
- Builds Trust – A professional domain boosts your business’s legitimacy in the eyes of new clients.
- Promotes Your Brand – Every email you send reinforces your brand identity.
- Gives You Control – With a custom domain, you can create multiple email addresses for different departments or team members (e.g., support@, sales@, billing@).
- Improves Deliverability – Emails from custom domains are less likely to be flagged as spam.
- Scales With Your Business – As your business grows, your email structure can grow with you.
It’s More Affordable Than You Think
One of the biggest misconceptions is that branded email accounts are expensive or complicated. In reality, domain-based emails can be set up easily using platforms like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 for as little as R80 to R150 per user per month.
Final Thoughts
Your business email is a reflection of your business’s identity. If you’re using a free email address, it might be time to upgrade. As Armaan Amod puts it, “Your email address should reflect your business’s professionalism—because people are judging, even before they open the message.”
Need help getting started with professional business emails? Pro Media Mogul offers end-to-end domain registration and email setup services. Let us help you make the right first impression.
