Email on Custom Domains

Even if you're not a programmer, don't be scared off by the technical language around custom domains. Every email service provider and domain registrar has clear documentation to help you get everything set up.

You buy domains from a registrar, and you'll have to renew them yearly. Even huge companies like Microsoft and Google "rent" their domain names in this way. I use Hover, which I heartily recommend thanks to their fantastic customer service, and if you sign up with my link we both get a two-dollar account credit.

Domain names really matter. I've spent over $2,000 on a single domain name, and my portfolio of domains costs almost a $1,000 a year to maintain. You do not need to spend anything close to that for a good domain name. The domain I use for most email costs me just $15 a year.

If you're getting a custom domain, I recommend firstlast.com, if it's available, as it can double as your personal website. If that's not available, you'll have to get creative, either by picking a different domain name or a different different top-level domain (TLD).

The most famous TLDs are .com, .org, and .net, but a recent proliferation of TLDs means you have hundreds of choices, from .com alternatives like .co and .xyz to wacky extensions like .lol and .wtf.

When deciding on a domain, it can be tempting to choose an alternative top-level domain, especially as most good .com domain names are taken. I personally use philip@kiely.xyz for just that reason. But recently I've been sending some emails from various .com domains, as traditional TLDs tend to have better deliverability, meaning that they are less likely to get your email caught in a spam filter.

Once you've set up your custom domain, you can choose an address. email@mydomain.com is a safe choice, especially if your name is in your domain, but this your chance to add a personal touch to your email address.

Use your amazing taste to combine address and domain into something recognizable and maybe even iconic.

Best,

Philip