!@#$%? is not an appropriate email address

While it was once cutesy to dream up a clever moniker to display as an email handle. Now that email has gone mainstream and is one of if not the main form of business communication, email addresses should be professional, proper and identifiable.

Not only is this an image thing, if your address is not traditional, some email blockers will automatically divert your important correspondence to the junk mail or spam folder which you definitely do not want to happen.

To better ensure that your email gets into the intended recipient's inbox, use an email address that is as close to your name as possible. Not only will this be more likely to pass the filters, but it enables the recipient to quickly determine who the sender is when reviewing their inbox which may increase the likelihood of your message being opened, which is the whole point of sending it.

Save the funny labels for informal correspondence or ditch it all together and create a new account for personal use that shows you are capable, reliable, know the ropes and mean business.

Think of your email address as a networking introduction - it may be the first impression you make on a new contact.

Posted by Debra Feldman 12/11/08

Comments

[reinkefj]

Suggest that having your own domain is the gold standard in email addresses. And, you can have it for 60$/year with a full web site package. If that's too much, I know alternatives in the sub 40$ range (i.e., own domain and email) but why skimp.

AND, with your own domain, you are never held hostage by your Internet Service Provider or their acquisition. Besides you don't think they want you using their email address (like @isp.net) for YOUR benefit. Do you?

imho,
the big fat old turkey hisself

[Dan Erwin]

Having your own domain is the best way to go--gmail.com probably next. My executive clients from leading companies all over the country quietly chided me about my various addresses. Finally, I went the self-domain route. And the easiest address possible. The chiding stopped, and some of my clients can even share my email with a colleague without reference to their addressbook.

My clients were smarter than I about email.

[Jeff Paul Scam]

I run an internet marketing business and looking around on the web to help promote my website. Your post was interesting. I will look into your post on my end.