Appearances mean so much when it comes to business. Yet so many people avoid doing the basics to look professional online. Here are three things you must have to look professional online.

1. Your own website

Yes, we live in the age of Facebook and although Facebook is a good place to connect with leads, prospects, and customers it's not going to replace having your own website. Your potential customers know anyone can create a Facebook page in a matter of minutes so having a Facebook page doesn't increase credibility in their minds.

To establish credibility you need a full blow website. Businesses that don't have their a website are four times as likely to succeed than those who do. A website is the modern storefront or office. It's something permanent that signals to potential customers you're serious about your business.

2. A custom domain name

If you've built a free website with a website builder like WebStarts and you refuse to pay the small fees it takes to add a domain name you're making a huge mistake. Websites that don't have a domain associated with them are often perceived as "fly by night" and although they're great for a hobby they're not going to be taken seriously in the business world.

In addition if you don't add a domain name to your site the chances of your website every getting found on Google are slim to none. And since 85% of everybody uses Google to do research prior to making a purchase you'll be missing out on the lion's share of customers looking to buy your products and/or services.

3. An email address that matches your domain

I see this one all the time. I get into talks with someone about a potential business deal. They hand me their business card, I look down and there it is... A free email address like Gmail, AOL, Yahoo, or Hotmail. The first thought that jumps into my head when I see this is... "I'm this persons first customer?". Using a free email address is fine for personal use but if you want to be taken seriously in the business world you better have an email address at your company's domain name. Anyone can sign up for a free email account and most business people know this. Having a free email address is like saying your business isn't worth investing a $100 in. And if you're not willing to invest $100 into your business why would you expect your customers to?