Step-by-step guide: Set up a new personal Gmail account for your business

(Two paths: if you already have Gmail OR if you don’t.)

Before you start (2 minutes)

Have ready:

• The business name you want to use in your email (ex: “Sage River Studio”)

• A few username ideas (ex: sageriverstudio, hello.sageriver, sageriver.co)

• A phone number for verification (yours is fine)

• A backup email (optional but recommended)

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Path A: You ALREADY have Gmail (you’re signed in to an existing Gmail)

1) Open Google Account creation

1. Open a browser and go to accounts.google.com

2. Click your profile icon (top right)

3. Click Add another account

4. On the sign-in screen, click Create account

5. Choose For my personal use
   (This creates a standard Gmail address, not Google Workspace.)

2) Enter basic info

1. Type your First name and Last name

   • You can use business-friendly versions like “Sage River” / “Studio” if you prefer.

2. Click Next

3. Enter your birthday and gender (required fields)

4. Click Next

3) Choose your new Gmail address

1. Pick a suggested address or click Create your own Gmail address

2. Type your desired username

3. Click Next

4. Create a strong password and confirm it

5. Click Next

Username tips

• Keep it short and easy to say out loud

• Avoid extra numbers if possible

• Common business formats:

  • hello.[businessname]

  • [businessname].co

  • [firstname]@[businessname] style (ex: jen.sageriver)

4) Verify and finish

1. Enter your phone number and complete verification (text/call)

2. Add a recovery email (recommended)

3. Review Google’s terms and click I agree

5) Switch between accounts easily

1. Go to gmail.com

2. Click your profile icon

3. Select the business Gmail you just created

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Path B: You DO NOT already have Gmail (or you want to start fresh)

1) Start from a signed-out browser window (recommended)

1. Open an Incognito/Private window

   • Chrome: three dots → New Incognito Window

   • Edge: three dots → New InPrivate window

   • Safari: File → New Private Window

2. Go to accounts.google.com/signup

3. Choose For my personal use

2) Enter basic info

1. Add your First name and Last name

2. Click Next

3. Enter birthday and gender

4. Click Next

3) Pick your Gmail address + password

1. Choose a suggested address or click Create your own Gmail address

2. Type the username you want

3. Click Next

4. Create and confirm your password

5. Click Next

4) Verify and finish

1. Add phone number for verification (text/call)

2. Add a recovery email (recommended)

3. Confirm any prompts and click I agree

5) First login

1. Go to gmail.com

2. Sign in with your new business Gmail address and password

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After you create it: 7 quick setup steps (highly recommended)

1) Add a professional display name

1. Gmail → gear icon → See all settings

2. Accounts and Import (or Accounts) → Send mail as

3. Edit name to: Business Name (or “Your Name | Business”)

2) Add a profile picture / logo (optional)

Google Account → Personal info → Photo

3) Turn on 2-Step Verification (security)

Google Account → Security → 2-Step Verification → Turn on

4) Add recovery options

Google Account → Security → Recovery email + Recovery phone

5) Create a signature

Gmail Settings → General → Signature
Example:

• Name

• Business name

• Phone (optional)

• Website / booking link (optional)

6) Create labels (folders)

Examples: Clients, Orders, Receipts, Vendors, Taxes

7) Add a business “from” alias later (optional)

If you buy a domain (like yourbusiness.com), you can later send mail as hello@yourbusiness.com through Gmail settings.