100% free business email from Zoho setup guide
Why is business email important
Having a professional business email (name@yourdomain.com) will improve your business credentials over @yahoo or @gmail extensions.
Get your 100% free business email from Zoho
I found online that Zoho is offering 100% free business email. I decide to investigate to see how true that is.
Since Zoho provides free business email therefore there can be some steps to config before the email can be up and running smoothly.
This articles condense all the technical steps and made setup simple and email more secured.
How to chose a professional email name
First if you don’t know how to choose a good business name, etc name@yourdomain.com or info@yourdomain.com. You can read 10 example or ideas for business address shared by Fit Small Business.
I had chosen the all time classic: firstname@domain.com
Following the instruction here, I am able to register a free account with Zoho.
Verify and link zoho to your domain
Next step is to verify your domain and proof you are the owner of the domain and it is still live, there are 3 ways to verify:
- TXT method (Recommended)
- One-click verification
- Canonical Name or CNAME method
The one I chose is TXT method which need to wait base on TTL timing set:
- Go to the Domains page on the left pane of the Zoho Mail Admin Console.
- Click on the “Verify Domain” button for the domain you want to verify.
- Select the “Add a TXT record in the DNS option” and copy the text hash.
- In your domain provider account, access your domain and go to its DNS page.
- Add a new TXT record, generally under the Records section.
- In the Value or Destination field, enter the text hash.
- Save your changes and wait for them to propagate across the internet.
- Return to Zoho Mail and click the “Verify Domain” button again.
Setting up your DNS correctly from your domain host
Once you verify your domain and create users, you will be able to send emails from domain-based accounts. However, you will not be able to receive emails until you configure the MX records for your domain.
Email spoofing and backscattering, two methods that are commonly used by spammers, can be prevented to a certain extent by configuring SPF and DKIM for your domain.
- Set up SPF Records is to help the recipient email server identify the spam emails, sent using your domain name by spoofing/ forging the From email addresses.
- Enabling and using DKIM for your domain, ensures that valid emails sent using Zoho, are not classified as Spam at the recipient end.
Set up your email signaure to improve branding
Once the account is set up, go to Zoho Mail to login with your account.
During set up, you can also define your email signature to improve personal branding.
Set up mobile access
Zoho do have an standalone app to manage your emails, if you like to use exchange method to compile all your email. You can follow the steps here.
Zoho Sync for Android and iOS uses Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync® protocol.
- Server: msync.zoho.com
- Username: Your Zoho Email Address (user@yourdomain.com for self hosted accounts
- Password: Your Zoho Password (use Two Factor Authentication if any)
- Domain: Leave Blank / Provide your domain name
Do a test email to make sure you can send and receive from zoho mail.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a reliable, professional email solution without breaking the bank, Zoho Mail stands out as the best free business email provider.
You can get up to five business email accounts completely free, with no hidden fees or gimmicks—as long as you already have your own domain.
One key thing to note: Zoho Mail doesn’t include a free domain, even in its paid plans. So, if you don’t already own a domain name, you’ll need to purchase one separately before you can start using their service.
With 5GB of storage per user, a 25MB attachment limit, and zero cost for up to five users, no other provider offers this level of value for SME businesses and startups.