Boost Your Real Estate Game: Why Email Domains Matter

Details, Details, Details! When it comes to real estate, the little things make a big impact. Today, we’re going to discuss email domains. Consider larryhales87@aol.com (not my real email) vs. Larry@marketinghero.ai (this is my real email). Which looks more professional? Think about it: the photos you pick for your property listings, your social media posts, even the email domain you rock, all paint a picture of your professionalism. Your email’s not the be-all, end-all of your expertise, but it’s like your digital business card.

1. AOL, Yahoo, & Hotmail: Hey, if you’ve got one of these, you were surfing the web before it was cool! But here’s the rub: sticking to these vintage domains could make people think you’re not up for evolving. It’s like meeting a financial advisor who still uses Hotmail. Not a deal-breaker, but kinda makes you go “hmmmm.”
2. Gmail: A Gmail account shows you’re not living in the stone age. It’s free, user-friendly, and efficient. But here’s the kicker: it’s not really “you,” is it? No unique branding, and security could be better.
3. Custom Domain: Rolling Like a Now we’re talking! A custom domain isn’t just eye candy. It’s got real perks. Why Go Custom in Real Estate?

• Cred Factor: Your name, your domain. It screams commitment and earns you instant street cred.
• Fort Knox Security: Big shots like Google Workspace and Office 365 give you heavy-duty security. If you’re on a freebie and get hacked, good luck getting your stuff back.
• Be the Brand: Got a unique domain? You’re unforgettable, especially when you’re competing for eyeballs.

Google Workspace vs. Microsoft 365: Eyeing a switch? The two titans of emails:

• Google Workspace: Custom email is just the start. You also get Google Drive, Calendar, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Docs, and Meet—your whole biz in one spot.
• Microsoft 365 (formerly : Microsoft’s not playing second fiddle. Custom email plus Word, Excel, Teams—great if you’re already a Microsoft devotee.

Friendly Advice 

To my peeps on the free platforms, don’t take this as shade. It’s more of a nudge, a friendly heads-up to think about how you’re being perceived. We’re in the trust business, just like financial advisors. The tools we use aren’t just tools; they’re trust signals.

So, in wrapping this up: your email isn’t your skillset, but upgrading to a custom domain is like adding some snazzy rims to your car. In a trust-is-everything biz like ours, every little detail—and that includes your email—absolutely matters.

About the Author

Larry Hales is a seasoned and multi-faceted technology professional. His passion all-things tech began with his first computer in 1984 and it has stayed with him ever since.  Larry is the CEO and Co-Founder of MarketingHero.   Previously, he served as the Marketing Technology Director at West, Williston Financial Group Company, where he coaches and guides Real Estate Agents on how to better leverage technology in their business. His 25 years of photography, design and printing, combined with his knowledge of digital advertising and brand building, gives him a unique perspective of marketing from different angles. When he isn’t busy being a proud computer geek, Larry enjoys trail running, hiking, mountaineering, rock and ice climbing, and anything else that gets him outside.