Email Account vs Email Forwarder
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Understanding Your Email Options for a Custom Domain
If you’re setting up a website, one of the most common questions is how to get an email like you@yourwebsite.com. There are a couple of ways to do this, and it’s important to choose the right one based on what you need.
Option 1: Email Account
An email account is exactly what you’d expect from free services like Gmail or Outlook, but a paid option is required to use your domain name. You get a dedicated inbox, the ability to send and receive emails, and all the features of a modern email client.
What You Get:
- A standalone inbox you log into
- The ability to send and receive emails from you@yourwebsite.com
- Support for syncing across devices
- Spam filtering and security
- Compatibility with email clients like Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail
Who It’s For:
- You want to manage your email directly from your custom domain
- You want a reliable, professional-grade email solution
- You expect to send emails from this address, not just receive
Popular Services:
- Google Workspace
- Starts at $6/user/month
- Includes Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, and Meet
- Microsoft 365
- Starts at $6/user/month
- Includes Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and OneDrive
Option 2: Email Forwarder
An email forwarder is a more straightforward setup that lets you create an address at your custom domain and forward incoming messages from you@yourdomain.com to another email account you already use (like yourname@gmail.com).
What You Get:
- A custom email address (you@yourdomain.com) that forwards to another inbox
- Simple setup, free with our service
Who It’s For:
- You want the appearance of a professional address without managing another inbox
- You don’t need to send emails from the custom address
Limitations:
- You can’t send emails directly from the forwarded address unless you configure your mail client
- There is no dedicated inbox or storage
Final Thoughts
If you’re simply looking to receive email at your custom domain, a forwarder may be enough. However, if you need to send professional emails, collaborate, and manage your communications through a real inbox, a paid account from Google or Microsoft is a worthwhile investment.
Still unsure which to choose? Reach out—we’re happy to help you set up the right solution.