Boost Your Brand’s Credibility: How to Create a Free Business Email with Cloudflare Email Routing

In today’s competitive digital world, a professional business email (like [email protected]) isn’t just a formality—it’s a necessity. It builds trust, reinforces your brand identity, and ensures seamless communication. But premium email services often come with hidden costs or complexity. Enter Cloudflare Email Routing: a free, user-friendly solution to create custom business emails without breaking the bank.

At Blorax, we empower businesses to leverage smart tools that simplify growth. Here’s your step-by-step guide to setting up a polished business email with Cloudflare—including advanced Gmail configurations to ensure seamless sending and receiving.

Why Choose Cloudflare Email Routing?

1. Zero Costs, Maximum Value
   Say goodbye to monthly subscriptions. Cloudflare Email Routing is 100% free, making it ideal for startups, freelancers, and small businesses.
2. Effortless Setup
   No technical expertise? No problem. Cloudflare’s intuitive dashboard guides you through the process in minutes.
3. Flexibility
   Forward emails to your preferred inbox (Gmail, Outlook, etc.) while maintaining a professional alias.
4. Enhanced Security
   Cloudflare’s robust infrastructure minimizes spam and phishing risks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Business Email

Step 1: Purchase a Domain

Your custom email starts with a domain (e.g., blorax.com). Use registrars like Cloudflare Registrar for affordable pricing and free WHOIS privacy protection.

Pro Tip: Cloudflare offers domains at wholesale prices — no markups!

Step 2: Connect Your Domain to Cloudflare

1. Sign up for a free Cloudflare account at cloudflare.com.
2. Add your domain via the dashboard and follow prompts to update your domain’s nameservers.
3. Wait for propagation (usually under 24 hours).

Step 3: Enable Cloudflare Email Routing

1. In the Cloudflare dashboard, navigate to Email > Email Routing > Get Started.
2. Verify domain ownership by adding the required DNS records (handled automatically by Cloudflare).

Step 4: Create Custom Email Addresses

1. Click Create Address under the Email Routing tab.
2. Set your alias (e.g., [email protected]) and forward emails to your personal Gmail.
3. Verify the destination address by clicking the confirmation link sent to your personal Gmail inbox.

Repeat for team addresses like sales@ or support@.

Step 5: Configure Gmail for Sending Emails

To reply from your custom domain (not just receive emails), set up Gmail’s SMTP:

1. Generate an App Password. Go to your Google Account > Security > 2-Step Verification > App Passwords (if can’t find it just type “App Passwords” in search bar on the top of Security settings page), create an app with name e.g. Gmail SMTP and copy the 16-digit code.
2. Link Your Custom Domain to Gmail. In Gmail, navigate to Settings > Accounts > Send mail as > Add another email. Enter your custom address ([email protected]) and use these SMTP settings (default): SMTP Server: smtp.gmail.com ; Port: 587; Username: Your Gmail address; Password: The 16-digit App Password.
3. Verify Ownership. Gmail sends a confirmation code to your custom address. Thanks to Cloudflare’s forwarding, it’ll land in your Gmail inbox. Click the link to finalize setup.
4. Set Defaults. Under Accounts and Import, make your custom email the default sender.

Step 6: Optimize Deliverability & Avoid Spam

Emails sent via Gmail SMTP may land in recipients’ spam folders without proper authentication.

Add SPF Records

• In Cloudflare’s DNS settings, create a TXT record with:
  v=spf1 include:_spf.mx.cloudflare.net include:_spf.google.com ~all
• Note: Avoid typos (e.g., lowercase “cloudflare”) to prevent errors.

Pro Tips for a Flawless Setup

• Enable Catch-All Addresses
  Forward [email protected] to your inbox via Cloudflare’s Catch-all Address feature.
• Set a Professional Profile Photo
  Link your custom email to your Google Account’s Alternate Emails section to sync your profile picture.
• Monitor Forwarding Logs
  Check Cloudflare’s Email Routing Analytics to troubleshoot failed deliveries.

Troubleshooting FAQs

Why isn’t my verification code arriving?

• Ensure Cloudflare’s email forwarding is active. If using Gmail, check spam/promotions tabs.

Gmail blocks SMTP due to “unusual activity”

• Switch to Sendinblue’s free SMTP or reduce email volume temporarily.

Emails land in promotions tab?

• Avoid sales-heavy language initially. Gmail’s AI learns over time—consistency is key.

Your Brand Deserves Professionalism—Without the Price Tag

Cloudflare Email Routing eliminates the trade-off between quality and cost, giving your business the polish it needs to stand out. Whether you’re launching a side hustle or scaling an enterprise, this tool keeps communication simple and credible.

At Blorax, we’re passionate about helping businesses thrive with smart, scalable solutions. Need help optimizing your domain setup, SEO, or digital strategy? Explore our services or reach out—we’d love to chat!

Transform your email game today. Your next client shouldn’t see something like “@gmail.com” address.

Ready to Elevate Your Brand?
Follow these steps to create a free, professional email that builds trust and drives growth. Have questions? Drop them below—we’re here to help!