Small Business IT Essentials: Website & E-mail
I spend a great deal of my time building IT solutions that help clients be more efficient with their workflow and more secure with their data, but I'm reminded ever so often that some business' still need to work on the basics when it comes to their IT utilization.
It still amazes me that in a time when everyone is so computer and internet savvy that I come across a small business that doesn't own a domain name for their business. A domain name is essentially an address on the internet similar to a street address, and just as important. If someone has your domain name they can easily find you or your organization online. Still, too often I meet someone (either a client or a vendor or partner) that is conducting business using an @aol.com, @hotmail.com, @yahoo.com etc e-mail address with a business card that doesn't include the address of their website (presumably because they don't have one). If this applies to you, get one. Now!
If you own/manage a small business, there are three (3) things you need to do:
- Buy A Domain Name. As I mentioned before this is your address online and you need one if you want people to be able to find your business online. Getting one is fairly easy; it takes about 20 minutes or less to search for and buy a domain name for your company or organization and once you have a domain name you can tackle the next two tasks.
- Setup E-mail on your domain. Most domain registrars (Registrars are the people who sell domain names) include basic e-mail packages or sell inexpensive add-ons so that you can be susan@uptowncupcakes.com instead of uptowncupcakes@hotmail.com. The former is more professional.
- Create a website. Again most registrars have website plans when you buy your domain, or you can use a service like SquareSpace to host your website for you. Admittedly, a website is a greater undertaking that will require some planning and maybe some assistance from a web designer or firm but even if you just get your logo up with some contact information while you get the fully functional website up and running you'll be in good shape.
These things are basics, they're inexpensive, easy and did I mention essential? When I come across a business that doesn't have their own domain name and e-mail I get the impression that they're not serious about their business (This may not be the case but that's the impression it makes, and we know what they say about first impressions). Make a good impression on new contacts, and show them you at least have the basics down.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
If you need some guidance on where to buy your domain name? Check out Hover their website is dead simple and helps you get your e-mail setup. For more options and services GoDaddy remains a popular choice though their website is a bit more difficult to navigate.
Want a more custom e-mail solution or have multiple users? Contact us and we can help you figure out what's best for your business.