Insights and Inspiration – The Hostnicker Blog

Setting Up Custom Emails with Webflow Hosting

April 28, 2024

Step 1: Choose an Email Hosting Provider
Start by selecting an email hosting provider since Webflow doesn't offer email hosting itself. Popular options include Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Zoho Mail. These services provide professional email with your custom domain, along with features like cloud storage and collaboration tools.

Step 2: Sign Up for a Plan
Once you've chosen a provider, sign up for a plan that fits your needs. Providers usually offer various tiers, so pick one based on the number of email addresses you need and any additional features such as storage or integrated tools.

Step 3: Access Your Domain Settings
Log into your Webflow account and go to the project where you want to set up the custom email. From the project dashboard, click on the settings and then navigate to the Hosting tab. Here, you'll have access to your domain settings.

Step 4: Locate DNS Settings
In the hosting settings, find the option for DNS settings. You'll need to add the records supplied by your email hosting provider within these settings.

Step 5: Retrieve Email Hosting Provider’s DNS Records
Visit your email hosting provider's settings and find the instructions for adding custom domain emails. Look for DNS records related to email, such as MX, TXT, and possibly CNAME records. Follow your provider's specific instructions.

Step 6: Add DNS Records in Webflow
Return to your Webflow DNS settings with the records you've gathered. Here's how to add each type:

- MX Records: Add new DNS records, set the type to MX, and input the values given by your provider, including priority and hostname.
- TXT Records: Add new DNS records, set as TXT, and insert the value from your email provider. This is often used for verification or anti-spam purposes.
- CNAME Records: If needed, add CNAME records using the values specified by your provider.

Ensure all information is accurate to avoid issues with your email.

Step 7: Verify Domain Ownership
Your email provider will likely require domain ownership verification. This often involves adding a specific TXT record to your DNS settings. Follow your provider's instructions for this step. Changes may take a few minutes to a few hours to propagate.

Step 8: Create Your Custom Email Addresses
After DNS settings are verified, go back to your email provider's dashboard to create custom email addresses with your domain, such as info@yourdomain.com or contact@yourdomain.com. Set these up with strong passwords for each account.

Step 9: Configure Email Clients
With email addresses created, set up access on your devices and email clients (such as Outlook, Gmail, or Apple Mail). Your provider will offer the necessary outgoing and incoming server settings for configuration.

Step 10: Test Your Custom Emails
Finally, test your new email addresses by sending and receiving emails to make sure everything works as expected. If you encounter issues, consult your email provider's support resources for troubleshooting.

By following these steps, you can effectively set up custom email addresses tied to your Webflow-hosted domain, enhancing your brand's professionalism and communication capabilities. A well-executed email setup reflects your business's quality, so it's worth the effort to ensure everything is configured correctly. Happy emailing!