How to Set Up Your Own Email Domain
Having your own domain is not expensive and allows you to maintain maximum flexibility over email accounts. The process of setting up your own email domain requires registering it and selecting a place to host it. With most hosting services you can have as many accounts as you would like so you can set up mailboxes for your entire family or to use for weeding out spam and other junk mail.
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Things You'll Need
- Registered domain name
- Web hosting service
- Web-based mail handler
- Offline mail handler
Instructions
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Make a list of possible domain names and check to see if they are available using any of the many domain registration search engine sites on the Internet (godaddy.com and networksolutions.com are among possibilities). Be sure and check the different extensions that may be available (e.g., .com, .net, .info).
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Register the domain and pay the fee each year to maintain its active status. Annual registration currently ranges from about $7 - $10, depending on the domain extension. You can also add a privacy option so your name, phone and address will not be found--for under $10 per year.
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Shop for a company to host your domain. A domain has to be hosted to be valid and you will need the capabilities to set up your email accounts and mount a website if desired. Hosting is a competitive business and basic packages start at about $5 for one domain and website and climb in cost depending on features and services you require (e.g., capability to host multiple domains websites under one hosting plan or increased security options).
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Use the site management user interface or switchboard provided by your hosting company to set up your mailboxes. In addition to picking names and corresponding passwords for your mailboxes, you may need to adjust the mailbox size if you plan on receiving large quantities of attached music or image files. You can also set mail forwarding, auto response or vacation settings through the user interface.
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Select your mail handling options. Most hosting companies will offer you a choice between at least two options for reading and sending Web-based email. The company will also provide you with all the information you need to use offline mail handlers like Outlook, Outlook Express and Thunderbird.
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Upload your website if you have one or use one of the templates provided to create at least a basic Web page so it does not just read “under construction.”
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Tips & Warnings
Hosting companies may require advance payment for a year of service, but few have penalties for early termination and most will refund your money if you discontinue service. However, domain registration is paid annually and is not refundable.
Make sure the hosting company you choose is reputable and has any customer support you anticipate needing. Check annual reviews listing the best services and do not shop on price alone.
