E-mail is a valuable tool that is absolutely critical in business communication, with most business users checking their e-mail several times a day.
According to a recent report by The Radicati Group, there are around 4.4 Billion email addresses currently in use. An e-mail account, whether it’s a free or premium one, is something most people take for granted. Your email account is there when you need it and is something that you just don’t pay much attention to, as long as it’s working. However, when it’s not functioning correctly, it can be one of the most frustrating issues in the world of technology.
While there are millions of businesses functioning with a free email address, free isn’t always better, especially when it comes to something you rely on every day. Most business and even some home users opt for a premium e-mail solution. Some of the more popular options are G-Suite by Google and Exchange and Office365 from Microsoft.
Here are some of the reasons why you might want to consider a premium email solution:
Premium Support
Premium e-mail includes paid support. There’s always someone available to help you if something goes wrong. Depending on the service provider, you may be waiting several days before you receive support from a free e-mail provider, if you actually receive support at all. With a premium email, help is usually just a phone call away.
More Storage
Most free e-mail addresses have a storage cap. Large attachments such as high-resolution images can eat up your storage space very quickly. Going with a premium e-mail solution typically increases or even eliminates this cap, depending on the provider and plan chosen.
Custom Domain Name
One of the biggest advantages to a premium email solution is being able to use your domain to maintain a professional appearance to your clients. Research shows that potential customers are far more likely to do business with a company that uses a business email versus one that doesn’t. For example, Sales@ABCCompany.com gives a more professional appearance than ABCCompany@yahoo.com. Having a premium email solution often allows you the capability of using your own domain with their mail service.
Additional Features
Here are some additional features that often come with premium e-mail:
- Variable E-mail Aliases (John.Doe@ABCCompany.com, John@ABCCompany.com, etc)
- Document Sharing and Group Editing
- Group Email Addresses (Support@ABCCompany.com)
- Branded Web Mail User Interface
- Virus Scanning
- Link Checking
Of course, available features will vary based on provider and plan.
No Ads!
While it’s often easy to overlook them, no one likes seeing ads. You’ll notice most free web mail solutions have ads built in, which generates revenue to help cover the expenses associated with providing the account. The ads are typically small text ads that are generated based on the content of the displayed inbox or email, which may be slightly unnerving that your content is being scanned and analyzed for advertising purposes. Premium e-mail solutions prefer to not show the ads, as you’re paying for the expenses directly, so the ads aren’t necessary.
Most businesses usually invest in a premium e-mail service because it provide additional features, better security, more storage, custom domain and top-notch support. The assurance that comes along with the solution is well worth the relatively low cost.
SandStorm IT provides premium e-mail solutions to businesses all over the Mid-South. No matter what your needs are, we have an e-mail solution that will work for you and your business. For more information, please contact us at 901-475-0275.