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Why do I need my own domain to send email?
Why do I need my own domain to send email?

Improve your deliverability and avoid failed or bounced emails!

Updated over a week ago

Have You Ever Asked Yourself

"Why do I need my own domain to send email? Can't I just use my @gmail address?"

All marketing emails should be sent from a domain you own, not from a personal account at a provider domain, like @gmail, @hotmail, @yahoo, etc. or an ISP email like @verizon, @cableone, etc.

In almost all cases we've seen, providers such as these can issue a block whenever bulk email is sent from their domain. This is because the most important factor in email deliverability is domain reputation, and when you send mail from a Gmail account, you're actually using Gmail's reputation, not your own.

NOTE: Even if your provider does not currently block email, it is very likely that all email providers will do so in the near future. The best way forward is to create an email address at a domain that you own, so you can start building up your own domain reputation!

Think of it this way

Imagine you just moved into a posh New York apartment with lots of fancy perks like a courier for your private mail. Swanky. Go you!

Now imagine you open a dropshipping business from that apartment. Suddenly the courier isn't just carrying a package for you every few days--they're carrying dozens, hundreds, or thousands of packages a day!

Clearly that's not the intent of the courier service, and they're not equipped to handle that kind of volume.

Your personal email addresses are like that courier. They aren't there for you to send business-related marketing emails to dozens, hundreds, or thousands of subscribers.

ConvertKit, on the other hand, is exactly like a mail carrier. Think UPS, DHL, or the Post Office. The only problem is you need to own your own return address. And that's what your domain email is for: it's so that your subscribers know they're getting an email from you. And the more they trust you and interact with your emails, the better your sender reputation gets.

Here's how to get started!

There are three ways to add email to your domain and start sending emails with that address.

1. Where you bought your domain

Almost all domain providers will be able to provide you with an option to add email to your purchase. Then you'll have the [email protected] address you need, and even if you don't set up the Inbox entirely you can still set up forwarding to your normal Gmail or Yahoo address. Examples are sites like Google Domains, Namecheap, and Hover.

2. Where you host your website

Many people buy their domain the same place they host their website. BlueHost, HostGator, and GoDaddy all offer both domains and hosting so they are popular all-in-one options. Squarespace and Wix make it easy to add email to your account with options in your dashboard.

NOTE: For either option, the best way to find out how to do this is simply Google "website host and email account", with your host/provider in the search bar.

3. Google Suite

Did you know you can still use Gmail with your domain email? It's true! You can use G Suite to manage your domain email address, plus Google Docs, Sheets, and more! Click here to sign up and get started, plans begin at $5/month.

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