First impressions are everything. You could have the most well-crafted sales pitch or resume, but if it’s coming from [email protected], you’ll only hear crickets in return. Whether you’re a job seeker or a well-established veteran, setting up a professional email account for your correspondences is crucial.
Some tenets may seem obvious, but if you have a common name or you’re really looking to stand out, creating the right email address might take a little more effort. By utilizing these tips, you can make your email address work for you as another marketing tool.
Use your first and last name
As small as it may seem, your email address is your digital first impression any time to reach out. At the most basic level, you want this address to make it clear who is sending the email. Whether it’s your personal email or you’re the owner of a company, the best practice is to use FirstNameLastName@provider.
However, this might not be possible for everyone. Some people have more common names than others, and domains like Gmail and Outlook are heavily saturated. Staffing Proxy says that in this case, the best option is to add your middle initial or full middle name to the mix. If your middle name is short and easy to spell, it’s best to use your full middle name. It’s common for a middle initial to get lost if it doesn’t stand out.
Avoid filler or slang
Less is more when it comes to your email address. But as mentioned, if your name is taken, you might get the urge to be creative. This isn’t the right move. A sense of whimsy is a good thing, but leave it out of your address. You want your email to clearly tell who you are, so avoid any nicknames or epithets.
It’s probably not a shocking revelation that your address shouldn’t be inappropriate, but there are plenty of other things to avoid as well. Adding numbers or symbols can not only make it more difficult to remember your email but can also send your email straight to the spam folder. If you absolutely must use a symbol, keep it simple, like a period or underscore between your first and last name.
“Users named “johnsmith2013” or “19johnsmith78”, for example, are considered untrustworthy and unreliable.” -Liza Nych, NetHunt
Consider a professional domain name
The first part of the address containing your name is the prize winner, but even the domain can make the difference in hearing back or not. There are handfuls of free providers, and not all of them have a great reputation. Some are outdated and will make it appear you haven’t adapted. If you’re a job seeker, you’ll probably be fine with Gmail or Outlook. But you can really stand out with your own domain. If you’re a business owner, it’s a must.
According to Forbes’ Liz Masoner, a custom url adds credibility, brand identity, and security while helping you avoid spam folders. While it costs money, there are low-cost plans, and the investment can pay off with more connection opportunities. Continue to use your actual name rather than your title even with a custom domain.
“Business email addresses should be easy to communicate out loud. If you’re in a meeting, or attending a networking event, your email should be clear enough for someone to write it down accurately and follow up with you if needed.” –Shopify
Use this account just for professional purposes
With this email created, resist the urge to use it for every possible communication. The more you use this account, the more likely you’ll start getting spam. If you use this address as a catch-all, you’ll find yourself struggling to keep everything clean and organized. Use this address just for professional communication and use a more informal account for signing up for newsletters, streaming, and other day-to-day uses.
If you’re a job seeker, Lensa Jobs even recommends creating an account solely for job applications and updates to stay organized. You can get creative with organizational tools without having to worry about other sources. Just be sure to check it often.
Check it often
It’s always good to stay on top of your emails, but it’s especially true if you have multiple accounts. If you’re used to only checking an existing, less professional email, get in the habit of checking your professional one just as often. This new, professional account is part of your brand, and if you’re slacking on responding, that will become part of your brand.
The more you check and respond, the more you’ll appear on top of things and serious, according to Staffing Proxy. Don’t let email control all hours of your life, but get in the practice of checking each account regularly.
Wrap up
It might seem like an innocuous thing, but having a professional email address will make sure you get through spam filters, attract appropriate attention, and keep your inbox from getting cluttered. The right address will enhance your personal brand and keep you from getting lost in the clutter.
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