How to Get a Professional Email @YourDomain for Free (Forever)
If you're a freelancer, startup founder, or building a personal brand, having a custom email like you@yourdomain.com instantly makes you look more serious and trustworthy.
The best part is you can set it up for free. No monthly fees. No ads. All you need to pay for is your domain name.
Here's how to do it step by step.
Step 1: Buy Your Domain (about $10 per year)
First, you need to register a domain name. Examples:
- yourname.com
- yourstartup.io
- yourbrand.co
You can use any domain registrar. Some good options include:
Most domains cost between $10 and $15 per year. Once you register it, the domain is yours to use.
Step 2: Sign Up for Zoho Mail (Forever Free Plan)
Go to Zoho Mail and choose the Forever Free Plan.
Here is the direct link: Zoho Mail Pricing
What the free plan includes:
- Up to 5 email accounts
- 5 GB storage per user
- Custom email using your own domain
- No ads
- Access via web, mobile apps, and desktop
This is ideal for freelancers, small teams, indie projects, or anyone who wants to appear more professional online.
Step 3: Connect Your Domain to Zoho
After signing up, Zoho will ask you to verify your domain.
This involves logging into your domain registrar and adding some DNS records. Specifically:
- A TXT record to prove domain ownership
- MX records so emails get delivered to Zoho
Zoho will guide you through each step based on where your domain is registered. It usually takes just a few minutes.
If you need help, Zoho's support docs are excellent, and most registrars offer clear instructions too.
Step 4: Create Your Email Address
Once your domain is verified, you can create your email address.
Examples:
- hello@yourdomain.com
- contact@yourdomain.com
- founder@yourstartup.com
- me@yourname.com
You can create up to 5 accounts on the free plan. This works well for solo founders or small teams.
Step 5: Use Your Email on Any Device
Zoho gives you several ways to access your email:
- Mobile apps: Available for iOS and Android
- Progressive Web App (PWA): Works like a native app on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Webmail: Clean interface at mail.zoho.com
You can check and reply to emails from anywhere. No need to rely on Gmail or Outlook.
Done — Your Professional Email is Ready
To recap:
- Buy a domain
- Sign up for Zoho Mail Free Forever
- Verify your domain
- Create your email
- Use it on web, mobile, or desktop
You now have a professional email address without paying for Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
Tip: You can also use your domain to create a personal site or portfolio. Even a basic landing page helps you look more credible online.
If you want help setting this up or need a simple website to match your new email, feel free to reach out.