Starting and managing an online business can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the right tools to streamline your operations. It’s crucial to use an email platform that aligns with your pace and needs. Gmail is a powerhouse email service and seamlessly grows as you build your business. I know from first hand experience; not only do I use Gmail for my business but I’ve set it up for my numerous clients.
Here’s why Gmail is my #1 recommended email service provider:
Its functionalities are tailor-made for the busy, time-short online business owner. Whether you're managing client correspondence, nurturing partnerships, or staying on top of urgent updates, Gmail's intuitive interface and robust features have your back.
Creating a Business Email Address is Easy!
Gmail allows you to easily brand your business email address. I always recommend customising a business email address, you can set up your business email to match your website domain (e.g sarah@sarahforde.co.ok, rather than sarahjforde@gmail.com). This will also reduce the risk of your email correspondence being marked as spam - These small but important touches all help to show you as a professional, established business. You can read more about setting up a customised email address here.
Personalise and Brand your Email Signature
With Gmail you’re able to easily personalise and brand your email signature to fit your business. Think of your email signature as more than just a sign-off; it's an opportunity to showcase your business's individuality. With Gmail, you're not limited to the basics. You can craft an email signature that resonates with your brand. Design a stand-out signature which includes your logo, profile picture, brand colours, social media links and lead magnet sign-up. You can even add your hours of business, business values or tagline.
Have a play around using Canva (search their templates for an email signature) or Hubspot’s free email creator
Easy Email Management
Gmail's productivity tools extend beyond the basics! Have you ever found yourself composing an important email during non-office hours, but hesitant to press "Send" right away? Gmail's email scheduling feature lets you time your messages perfectly, ensuring they land in recipients' inboxes at the optimal moment.
And don’t forget the convenience of automated responses! When you're juggling a crazy to-do list, setting up an "out of office" or "holding" email saves you from personally attending to every incoming message. This automation keeps your clients and contacts informed while you focus on pressing matters.
It’s super-easy to set up and switch on/off.
Mastery Over Multiple Email Addresses
Managing various facets of your business often entails handling emails from multiple sources. Gmail simplifies this challenge by allowing you to consolidate all your email addresses under one roof. Respond seamlessly from different addresses without the hassle of switching accounts. It's like having a virtual command centre for your communication channels. Having an email address for ‘accounts’, ‘support’ and ‘info’ can be really useful when it comes to managing your inbox and your business!
Next Level Organisation Folders (Gmail’s Labels)
Entrepreneurship means dealing with a deluge of emails, each representing a different aspect of your business. Gmail's innovation extends to organisation, letting you file emails into multiple folders. - Gmail calls folders ‘Labels’ - Which is an absolute game changer! Imagine effortlessly categorising expenses, clients, memberships, industry news and project updates into distinct compartments. This organisational prowess translates into saved time and heightened efficiency. Would you like a list of my recommended email folders? Just click here to download.
The Power of Gmail Rules and Filtering
Another amazing feature within Gmail is its filtering capabilities. Through its ingenious rule-setting feature, you can effortlessly streamline your inbox by directing specific incoming emails to arrive in your inbox already labelled - essentially they have already been assigned to the folder they are going to sit in.
By defining rules based on criteria such as sender, subject, keywords, or attachments, you can ensure that essential messages are automatically categorised upon arrival. This smart filtering not only optimises inbox organisation but also enhances productivity by eliminating the need for manual sorting. A Win-Win!
Email Templates - Time-saving winner
Do you know that Gmail allows you to save prewritten emails within your email inbox. Imagine being able to invite someone to book a discovery call within a matter of seconds. Or having 80% of your onboarding email written, set up and ready to go. Or sending out a proposal in a matter of minutes. Asking for a testimonial or feedback has never been so easy! And think of all those chasers and invoice emails that you hate sending - they can all be done while you’re boiling the kettle for a cuppa! I use email templates on a daily basis. They are perfect for:
Proposals
Onboarding
Booking in a kick-off call
Invoice sending/chasing
Testimonial requests
Case Studies
How I work with people
Client management check ins
Gmail emerges as the ultimate email service provider for online business owners. Its blend of user-friendly features, personalisation options and smart functionalities transforms email from a chore to an easy task in the everyday running of your business. From personalised branding to seamless management, Gmail empowers you to navigate your inbox easily, ensuring your communication stands out in the bustling world of online business!
Email Genius
If you want a clutter-free, organised inbox that boosts your productivity and gives you a more professional online presence, take a look at my Email Genius training - A quick-step process to help you master your inbox and boost your efficiency - saving your time and stress! And the best part? You can get it for just £9. We cover it all in just 40 minutes, plus another 60-90 minute implementation - it’s super-easy, you’ll never look back!
