Are you currently using a personal email (Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc) to send messages to your subscribers? You might be doing more harm than good. Thanks to recent changes in email delivery and filtering, using a free email address can negatively affect your deliverability, credibility, and overall email marketing success.
Below, we’ll explore why switching to a domain-based email is needed, how DKIM and DMARC can protect your sender reputation, and why looking professional is more important than ever!
Why Free Email Addresses Could Damage Your Deliverability
When Gmail and Yahoo updated their policies in 2024, it became harder for emails sent from free accounts (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) to land in subscribers’ inboxes. These providers introduced stricter rules on authentication and sender reputation, which often penalize messages sent from personal addresses.
With a free email address, you can’t configure DKIM or DMARC because you don’t own the Gmail.com or Yahoo.com domain. This means your emails are more likely to be flagged, filtered, or even bounced.
Why You Need a Domain-Based Email Address
Having a domain-based email (like yourname@yourdomain.com) isn’t just about appearances; it’s about building trust and ensuring reliable email delivery.
Some benefits of a Domain-Based Email are:
- Professional Image – Subscribers are more likely to open emails from a branded address than from a generic, free email address.
- Improved Deliverability – Setting up DKIM and DMARC on your own domain helps prove your email is legitimate, boosting your chances of landing in the inbox.
- Building a Positive Sending Reputation – As you consistently send emails from the same domain, mailbox providers recognize and reward your sender reputation over time.
The Professional Advantage
Imagine you’re sending out newsletters or promotional campaigns about your products or services. Which email would you be more inclined to open?
Chances are you trust the domain-based address more because it looks professional and authentic. When subscribers see your branded email, they recognize your business immediately, which often translates into higher open rates and engagement! Both of these factors are crucial in email marketing.
If you plan to send bulk emails—whether through an email marketing platform or another tool—most providers insist on using a domain-based email. This requirement helps maintain high deliverability standards and protects the integrity of their systems. If you don’t have a domain yet, consider this your sign to secure one as soon as possible.
Share Your Experience
Have you always used a free email address, or did you switch to a domain-based email at some point? We’d love to hear what you’ve learned about email deliverability, open rates, and overall subscriber engagement when sending from a free account versus your own domain.
Join the Conversation: Share your experiences and any tips you’ve picked up along the way. Your insights can help fellow marketers and business owners optimize their email strategies and improve their sender reputations.
By investing in a domain-based email and proper authentication, you’ll look more professional and ensure your emails have the best chance of reaching your audience’s inbox—every time.