What is an email domain and how to choose one?

If you’re searching for guidance on setting up a custom email domain, then you’re in the right place — welcome! This article is your go-to guide for understanding what an email domain is, why it matters, and how to choose the right one for your needs. Whether you're setting up a personal email, looking to establish a professional online presence, or getting a domain for your business communications, this article will walk you through each step — from choosing a domain to setting up your custom email address. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of how to make your email stand out with a memorable domain, helping you create a unique and professional identity online.

First of all, what a domain name is? A domain is a website name you see in a search bar when you visit different web pages e.g. namecheap.com. If you're interested in a more technical explanation, check out this article for more detailed information on domains. Domains can be used not only to host websites but also to host email services. When a domain is used for email, it’s called an email domain.

So, what exactly does that mean? Let’s dive in and explore how email domains work and the different types available to you.

What is an email domain?

An email domain is the part of an email address that appears after the ‘@’ symbol and is based on a registered domain name, like namecheap.com. For example, in hello@mydomain.com, everything before ‘@’ is the alias or username, while the domain name follows after. A custom domain can be used both for email addresses and websites, giving a personalized, professional look to your communications.

Are there different types of email domain names?

Yes, there are a few key types of email domains to consider, each serving a different purpose.

A personal email domain is one you register for individual use. By purchasing your own custom domain and linking it to an email hosting service, you can create a personalized custom domain email tailored to your needs.

Generic email domains are shared by many users and, usually, they are free. Such examples of email domains are gmail.com, yahoo.com, and so on. With these, you can only customize the part before the @ symbol, as the domain itself is predefined and cannot be changed.

Finally, a corporate email domain is used by businesses to provide email addresses for employees, promoting a consistent and professional brand image. If you run a business, setting up a corporate email domain can be an excellent way to establish credibility and keep all company communications under one recognizable domain email address.

How do you choose the right email domain for your business?

When selecting a professional email domain for your business, aim for a name that’s memorable, easy to spell, and effectively represents your brand. A strong, recognizable business email domain reinforces brand identity and builds trust, especially when it matches your website’s domain name. For instance, if your website domain is 'mycoolbusiness.com', having a matching email domain like '@mycoolbusiness.com' creates trust and familiarity. Remember that a professional email domain should be also simple, clear, and easy to spell. Avoid special characters or punctuation marks, as these can lead to typing errors. This is especially important if your business name includes uncommon or lengthy words.

By the way, choosing a domain extension that aligns with your industry and audience adds a touch of professionalism. Common extensions like '.com' or '.net' are versatile and widely recognized, while industry-specific options, such as '.tech' or '.store', can make your business email domain more memorable and relevant to your niche. In addition to choosing the right extension, it’s essential that your domain name is unique to your business. If your preferred name is already taken, explore creative alternatives using tools like Namecheap Business Name Generator, which can help you find professional email domain ideas tailored to your brand.

Take your time to find the right email domain that will help establish a trustworthy and professional online presence for your company. Once the name is chosen, you can move on to buy an email and the domain name!

How to buy an email domain address in 4 quick steps

Step #1: Register your domain name

Everything starts with a domain name, so first, you need to register your chosen domain. However, prior to making any purchases, it’s necessary to choose a provider that covers what you need now, and also as you expand. There are lots of companies on the market who provide not only domain name registration, but also email hosting, web hosting, SSL certificates, and so on.

If you are still not sure how to get an email domain, feel free to look up and register your email domain right here!

Step #2: Get custom email for your domain

When the domain name is chosen and registered, it’s time to buy an email hosting plan that allows you to create an email with your domain name. To help you choose, we’ve put together the 10 Best Email Service Providers of 2024, where you will be able to check and compare the most common providers on the market. 

When choosing an email provider, it’s important to pay attention to the features you may need like 2FA or storage capacity.

Step #3: Configure your domain email

If your domain and email hosting are from the same provider, then you’ll probably have nothing to worry about. As a rule, everything is set up automatically since the provider has access to the DNS settings of the domain.

However, if you have services from different providers, it will be necessary to get settings from your email hosting provider and give them to your domain name registrar.

Step #4: Create your email domain address

You are almost there! To finish the process, you need to create a mailbox. Of course, the guidelines are different depending on the interface and provider, however, there are some general instructions that are applicable to the majority of domain email hosting providers.

• Go to your account and click on the ‘Create mailbox’ button (or similar). 
• You’ll be asked to enter a name for your mailbox, which will appear before the ‘@’ symbol in your email address. If you’re unsure of what to choose, consider using your name or a term that aligns with your role or business purpose. Choosing a name that’s recognizable and professional can go a long way in establishing your email identity. 
• Type in the mailbox password and click on ‘Create’. Alternatively, you might be provided with a generated one. Make sure to save it and update it to the custom one later if needed.

Congratulations on creating your first mailbox!

Conclusion

Choosing the right email domain is a critical step in building a unique and professional online identity, whether for personal use or your business. Now that you’re equipped with all the essential information on how to create your own email domain, you’re ready to make your mark with an email domain that perfectly represents you or your brand.

If you're ready to move forward, consider exploring Namecheap’s options for registering a domain and finding a tailored email hosting plan. Visit our domain registration and Private Email pages to discover the options that suit you best, learn how to create a Namecheap Private Email mailbox, and start building a professional online presence today. 

Good luck on your journey to a unique and standout email identity!