Email on the website builders

How to Set Up Email with Your Custom Domain

Imagine this: you’re building a website on platforms like Wix, Shopify, Squarespace, etc., and now you’re wondering how to set up email with your custom domain. By the end of this article, you’ll know how to connect an email address to your domain, making your communication look professional and branded.

This won’t be a long article. We’ll compare different methods to save you money and time while helping you choose a comfortable solution.

How Custom Email Works

Understanding how custom email works starts with a basic knowledge of email setup:

1. You purchase a domain from a registrar like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Porkbun.
2. You choose an email hosting service (e.g., Google Workspace, Zoho Mail, or a proxy email service).
3. You configure DNS records (like MX, TXT, and CNAME) in your domain registrar’s dashboard to point to your email provider.
4. Your email becomes active and you can send/receive emails using your custom domain (e.g., yourname@yourdomain.com).

1. Google Workspace / Microsoft 365

• Cost: Starts at $6/month per user (around $72/year).
• Pros: Reliable, feature-rich, and integrates seamlessly with other tools like Google Drive or Microsoft Office.
• Cons: Expensive, especially for multiple users.

2. Built-in Email Hosting by Domain Registrars

• Cost: Around $10-15/year per mailbox.
• Pros: Affordable and straightforward setup.
• Cons: Limited functionality compared to premium services.

3. Free Email Hosting Options

• Cost: Free for basic plans.
• Pros: Budget-friendly and sufficient for small businesses or personal use.
• Cons: Limited storage and features.

4. Proxy Email Services

Proxy email services allow you to forward emails from your custom domain to an existing email address. For example, with a domain like mydomain.com, you can create hello@mydomain.com and forward emails to your Gmail or ProtonMail account. You can also reply as if you’re using the custom email.

Example: ProxiedMail

• Cost: $10-20/year or $30 lifetime.
• Features: Unlimited proxy emails, domains, and API support.
• Pros: Extremely affordable, flexible, and easy to set up.
• Cons: Requires some initial configuration.

Recommended Solution

For most users, proxy email services like ProxiedMail offer the best balance of affordability and functionality. They’re especially useful if you already have a preferred email provider like Gmail or ProtonMail.

Steps to Set Up Email with Your Custom Domain

1. Choose an email hosting provider (e.g., Google Workspace, Zoho Mail, or ProxiedMail).
2. Log in to your domain registrar and navigate to the DNS settings.
3. Add the required DNS records provided by your email hosting service (e.g., MX, TXT, and CNAME records).
4. Wait for the DNS changes to propagate (usually a few hours).
5. Test your email to ensure it’s working correctly.

Example: Setting Up Email with ProxiedMail

1. Purchase a domain from Namecheap.
2. Sign up on ProxiedMail.com.
3. Go to “Manage Domains” and connect your domain by adding the required MX and TXT records.
4. Create your first proxy email (e.g., info@mydomain.com).
5. Start sending and receiving emails using your custom domain!

For platforms like Wix or Shopify, the steps are similar. You’ll need to update your domain’s DNS settings with the records provided by your chosen email service.

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Why Custom Email Matters

Using custom email enhances your professionalism, improves branding, and builds trust with your audience. Whether you’re running a blog, an online store, or a portfolio, a custom email address is a must-have.

Ready to set up your custom email? Start today and give your communication the professional edge it deserves!