<aside> <img src="https://img.icons8.com/ios/250/000000/info.png" alt="https://img.icons8.com/ios/250/000000/info.png" width="40px" /> Use this guide if you need help setting up emails for the first time, or are moving to a custom domain.
This is a bonus section - just sharing what I know. Most ESPs will be able to help you if you reach out to them for support.
Check out the links in Further Reading for detailed deep dives.
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Decide what you want to call your newsletter (see block in North Star)
If you want to have your own domain, purchase one from a domain registrar.
I highly recommend Namecheap, and have heard that Porkbun also provides great customer service. I recommend turning on WHOIS privacy protection when you purchase your domain.
I would avoid GoDaddy as it's a lot more expensive.
Popular email service providers (platform):
Popular email service providers (custom domain):
More ESPs in the Toolkit
You can do a bit of research on the platforms you wish to try, but honestly don't sweat it. I've starred the three that I recommend. You can always change ESPs down the line.
Remember that it's bad practice to send big email blasts from @gmail.com accounts, so if you're not using platform services, ensure that you use a custom domain (e.g [email protected])
P.S. If you've chosen platform providers like Substack, you do not need to continue with any technical steps as they handle all of that for you.
Which Email Service Provider Is Right For You?
