Domain Names and Email Setup

Your website starts long before design or content. The foundation of any online presence is your domain name and how it is configured behind the scenes. Getting this right early avoids technical issues, improves credibility, and makes your business easier to find and trust.

Step 1: Choosing the right domain name:

A domain name is more than just a web address. It signals what type of organisation you are and where you operate.

Here is what the most common domain extensions are usually associated with:

.com	Traditionally used by commercial businesses. It is the most recognised and trusted extension globally and is often the first choice for businesses operating internationally.
.co.uk	Associated with businesses operating in the United Kingdom. It signals locality and trust for UK based customers and is often preferred when your audience is primarily domestic.
.net	Originally intended for network and technology related organisations. Today it is often used when the .com version is unavailable, though it can still work well for digital or tech focused businesses.
.org	Commonly associated with charities, non profits, and organisations with an educational or community focus. Using .org can create expectations around purpose and structure, so it should be chosen carefully.

When choosing a domain, consistency matters. Ideally, your domain should match your business name, be easy to spell, and avoid unnecessary hyphens or numbers. If possible, securing multiple extensions can help protect your brand.

Now let's see what DNS records actually do: DNS stands for Domain Name System. In simple terms, DNS records tell the internet where to find your website, your email, and other connected services.

The most common DNS records you will encounter include:

A records	These point your domain to the server where your website is hosted.
CNAME records	These link one domain or subdomain to another, often used for services like website builders or tracking tools.
MX records	These control where your emails are delivered.
TXT records	These are used for verification, security, and authentication, including email protection and service validation.

While DNS records do not directly boost search rankings, they play an important role in trust and deliverability. Correct email authentication records help prevent your emails from being marked as spam, and properly configured domains support reliable website performance.

DNS configuration also allows you to connect tools such as analytics platforms, marketing software, and email services, which helps people find your business and interact with it correctly.

Your business will need one or multiple professional email inbox but unfortunately not many of you are aware that you can get these for completely FREE.

For example:hello@yourbusiness.co.ukcontact@yourbusiness.com

Profitiva recommends using Zoho for business email hosting. It is cost effective (free), reliable, and suitable for businesses that want to avoid unnecessary subscription fees.

Setting up Zoho Mail requires configuring DNS records such as MX, TXT, and other authentication settings. These records allow your domain to communicate properly with your inbox, ensuring emails are delivered securely and reliably. If you want to move away from paid subscriptions contact us today and can help you get started with Zoho.

Once set up, your business email becomes part of your wider digital system, working seamlessly with your website and other tools.

Final thoughts

Your domain, DNS setup, and email inbox form the backbone of your online presence. While they are often overlooked, getting these essentials right creates a strong foundation for everything that follows, from content and marketing to trust and visibility. Before investing in design or campaigns, make sure your digital basics are in place.