Create You@YourDomain.com — Without Paying Extra

One of the easiest ways to look professional online is by using an email address at your own domain — like you@yourdomain.com — instead of a free Gmail or Yahoo account.

The good news is, if you’re using HostGator, you already have the ability to create unlimited domain-based email accounts at no extra cost.

No need to sign up for Google Workspace, Zoho, or any other third-party email service unless you really want to. For most small business owners, what HostGator offers is more than enough.

Why Use a Domain Email?

• It looks more credible and professional
• It helps build brand recognition
• It separates your personal inbox from your business inbox
• It can improve email deliverability when properly set up

How to Create a Domain Email Address with HostGator

1. Log in to your HostGator customer portal
2. Launch cPanel (your control panel)
3. Scroll to the Email section
4. Click Email Accounts
5. Click Create
6. Choose your domain from the dropdown
7. Enter the email prefix (like “info,” “hello,” or your name)
8. Set a strong password
9. Click Create at the bottom

Your new email address is now active.

How to Access Your New Email

You can check your new inbox in one of three ways:

1. Webmail (through your browser):
   Go to yourdomain.com/webmail
   Log in using your new email and password
   Choose from Roundcube or Horde (email readers)
2. Email Forwarding:
   Forward your new domain email to your Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook inbox
   This lets you monitor your business email from your personal inbox
3. Connect to Gmail (Send and Receive):
   If you want to send and reply from Gmail but still use your domain email:
   • Go to Gmail > Settings > Accounts and Import
   • Add your domain email under “Send mail as” and “Check mail from other accounts”
   • Use the HostGator mail server settings provided in cPanel

This lets you manage everything from one place while keeping your business email separate.

Recommended Email Naming Tips

• info@yourdomain.com — good general-purpose
• hello@yourdomain.com — friendly and informal
• support@yourdomain.com — for customer service
• yourname@yourdomain.com — personal touch for small businesses

NEVER use admin@yourdomain.com — this email structure is one of the most targeted for automated bot hacks and spammers. You’ve been warned. Your admin email address should be unique and secret.

Final Tip: Protect Your Email Deliverability

Make sure SPF and DKIM records are set correctly (covered in Step 6). These settings help your domain email avoid spam folders and improve inbox placement, especially with Gmail.

You can also run test messages through a free tool like mail-tester.com to see how your setup scores.

You Did It

You’ve now built a complete, real-deal business website — with a real domain, reliable hosting, full control, and your own professional email address.

You’re not locked into any platform. You’re not at the mercy of someone else’s terms. You’ve built something that belongs to you — and can grow with you.

If you’d like help expanding your site, improving SEO, automating tasks, or learning about AI tools that work alongside your site — stay tuned. More helpful walkthroughs may be added soon.

What’s Next?

Now that your site is up and running, there are a few common questions I’ve addressed for those who are new to using WordPress for controlling a site. The tips are here: WordPress “Advanced” Basics.