Recently I was flipping through a local magazine, not really shopping or looking for anything, but seeing what's out there; what new business or services I might discover.
First I found a short article written by someone with a catchy company name, "Gadget Gal". I read the entire article, it was interesting and informative and it was about computers and what to look for when purchasing a new system. The information seemed accurate and to the point without too much "geek talk" that could be over the "average Joe's" head. I was intrigued. From a marketing stand point the company name should serve this person well, easy to remember, easy to spell - all the elements for what I call "good re-call-ability".
On the next page I found a colorful quarter page ad, it contained a photo of a person standing next to a car - you can't really see the person but you know it is a man, and a photo of a computer - text is in a variety of colors, very eye catching. The company name is in large text, The Super Nerd; there is also a list of services he offers and a coupon! This ad told me a lot about his business and he has a website, with the name of his company in it.
Here is where I begin to review both services and think about how they are presenting themselves. They both have unique company names but one uses Yahoo as their email, and the address includes numbers which to the general public don't mean anything and make it harder to remember the address later. So this company is not promoting themselves but Yahoo. The second company has a website, but the email address is a different domain name. Again this will be confusing if someone is trying to recall how to contact them.
These email addresses tell me several things about the companies. One has invested in a website and is "vested" in his business and building a name for himself. A consumer is lead to believe that they will stay in business and are taking their business seriously, providing reliability and knowledge. Remember both businesses are computer related, so they should know the beauty and power of websites and email addresses if that is what they are saying they can do for the consumer. Does the @Yahoo.com give you confidence in their skills?
In business you have to spend money to make money and one of the least expensive ways to do that is with a domain and email address. To purchase a domain is less than $10 a year and you can set up your email with that purchase - you don't even have to create a website, just own the domain! And then you need to use it everywhere, and promote it, begin making a name for yourself and brand yourself! Every time someone emails you - or you email them - you want them to be thinking about your business and what you do! You don't want them thinking about Gmail or AOL or Comcast or Yahoo!
If you are not tech savvy, hire a Virtual Assistant to set up your domain and email - it will show the world you are serious about your business! If you work for a company that offers email addresses, use that, at least it will tell the world what you do!
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