Now that we've emphasized the importance of establishing a professional online presence in our earlier blog post HERE, let's delve into the practical steps of setting up your own email domain. By creating a branded email address, you can enhance your organization's professionalism, brand recognition, and communication efficiency. Follow these simple steps to get started:

1. Choose Your Domain Name: Select a domain name that reflects your organization's identity and mission. Typically your domain name is the name of your organization and is something easy to remember, relevant to your cause, and available for registration. Popular domain registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap, and Squarespace can help you check availability and secure your desired domain name.

For example, our domain is @simplythebasics.org and our organization’s name is Simply the Basics.

2. Select an Email Hosting Provider: Next, choose an email hosting provider that meets your needs in terms of features, reliability, and affordability. Popular options include Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), Microsoft 365, and Zoho Mail. Compare their offerings and pricing plans to find the best fit for your organization.

For example, we have chosen to use Squarespace as our domain hosts as this is where we also host our website but Google is also a great option!

3. Set Up Your Email Accounts: Once you've signed up with your chosen email hosting provider, it's time to create your email accounts using your newly acquired domain name. Follow the provider's instructions to set up individual email addresses for your team members, such as info@yourorganization.com or donations@yourorganization.com.

4. Test and Verify: After setting everything up, it's essential to test your email setup to confirm that everything is working correctly. Send test emails both internally (to other emails within your domain name) and externally (to other emails outside of your domain name) to verify delivery and receipt. Address any issues or errors promptly to ensure uninterrupted communication.

5. Promote Your New Email Addresses: Finally, spread the word about your new branded email addresses! Update your website, social media profiles, and marketing materials to reflect your professional email domain. Encourage your supporters, volunteers, and partners to use your branded email addresses for inquiries, donations, and communication.

By following these steps, you'll establish a professional email domain that enhances your organization's credibility, fosters trust with stakeholders, and facilitates effective communication. Embrace the power of branded email addresses to elevate your nonprofit hygiene bank and drive positive change in your community.

Want to get started creating an email domain? One place to start is Google for Nonprofits!