Why This Matters for Indie Game Developers

As a solo game developer, you're focused on creating amazing experiences, not jumping through business hoops. But when you try to get started with Zoho Campaigns for promoting your latest release, you hit a wall: the platform requires sender details like a company name and physical address. This is to ensure emails include authentic information in the footer, helping comply with laws like CAN-SPAM and reducing spam complaints.

Don't worry—Zoho Campaigns is designed for businesses of all sizes, including solopreneurs. According to official Zoho documentation, these details are set in the Company Settings after signup, not during initial registration. But to send your first campaign, you'll need to provide them. Let's break down the core issue and explore tailored solutions.

Key Challenges

• Legal Compliance: Laws like the CAN-SPAM Act (US) and GDPR (EU) require a valid physical address in email footers to verify senders.
• Platform Focus: Zoho Campaigns prioritizes business users, so fields assume a company setup.
• Professionalism: You want your emails to look legit without revealing personal info.
• Privacy Risks: Sharing a home address could expose your location.

Pro Tip: For more on Zoho's email tools, check our guide on why Zoho Campaigns beats Mailchimp for small teams.

Solution 1: Use Your Personal or DBA Name and Home Address (Quickest Start)

This is the simplest way to get up and running immediately while staying fully compliant.

How It Works: Treat yourself as the "company." Enter your name (or a DBA like "YourName Games") as the sender name and your home address as the postal address.

• Benefits:
  • Zero setup time or cost.
  • Meets CAN-SPAM requirements for a valid postal address.
  • Builds trust with authentic details—no fake info needed.
• Steps in Zoho Campaigns:
  1. Sign up at Zoho Campaigns.
  2. Go to Settings > Company Details.
  3. Enter: Name (e.g., "Jane Doe Games"), Address (your home street, city, state, ZIP), Phone, and URL (your portfolio site).
  4. Save and start building your mailing list.

Drawbacks & Mitigations: Your address appears in email footers, raising privacy concerns. If this bothers you, opt for Solution 2. For legal insights, see the FTC's CAN-SPAM guide.

Many indie devs use this approach successfully—it's honest and gets you marketing your game fast.

Solution 2: Get a PO Box or Virtual Address (Privacy-Focused)

Want to keep your home private? A dedicated mailing address separates personal and professional worlds.

Options:

• PO Box (Budget-Friendly): Rent from USPS or UPS Store for $20–$75/year. Format: "PO Box 123, City, ST ZIP." It's legally valid for CAN-SPAM.
• Virtual Address (More Professional): Services like Anytime Mailbox or iPostal1 offer street addresses with mail forwarding for $10–$50/month. Ideal for a polished look.

Implementation:

1. Sign up for the service and get your address.
2. Update Zoho Campaigns Company Details with the new info.
3. Verify it's a physical location where mail can be received (Zoho requires this for compliance).

Pros: Protects privacy, enhances professionalism. Pair it with Zoho Forms for lead capture on your game site.

Cons: Small ongoing cost; PO Boxes might seem less premium.

Reference: USPS PO Box info. If you need help integrating addresses into workflows, explore Creator Scripts' Zoho implementation services.

Solution 3: Register a DBA (Sole Proprietorship) for Legitimacy

Take it up a notch by formalizing your dev operation as a business.

Description: File a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name with your local county—e.g., "PixelForge Games" owned by you.

• Benefits:
  • Creates a real business identity for Zoho and beyond.
  • Boosts credibility in emails and on Steam/Itch.io.
  • Use your home or a virtual address.
• Steps:
  1. Check name availability and file DBA (cost: $10–$100, varies by state).
  2. Get any required local licenses.
  3. Enter the DBA in Zoho Campaigns.

Considerations: Involves paperwork and possible renewals; consult a tax pro for implications. Great if you're scaling to multiple games. See SBA's DBA guide.

For CRM integration to track game sales leads, consider Zoho CRM alongside Campaigns. Learn more in our Zoho CRM implementation guide.

Solution 4: Form an LLC (For Serious Long-Term Growth)

If game dev is your full-time venture, an LLC offers protection and structure.

How It Helps: Establishes a separate entity with its own name and EIN, perfect for Zoho setup.

• Steps:
  1. File articles of organization with your state ($50–$500).
  2. Get a free EIN from the IRS.
  3. Open a business bank account and use a registered agent for address privacy.
  4. Input LLC details in Zoho.
• Pros: Liability shield, tax perks, professional vibe.
• Cons: Higher cost and compliance (annual fees/reports). Overkill for just email marketing.

Best for devs expecting revenue from launches. Reference: SBA business structures.

Other Quick Options: Coworking or Trusted Addresses

Coworking Space: Join a local hub (e.g., WeWork) for $50+/month and use their address. Bonus: Networking for game collabs. Verify usage in terms.

Friend/Family Business: With permission, borrow a trusted address—but get written consent to avoid issues. Not ideal long-term.

For virtual office alternatives, tools like Zoho Connect can help manage team comms if you expand.

Our Top Recommendations

For Fast Launch: Start with Solution 1 (personal details) or Solution 2 (PO Box) to comply quickly and send your first newsletter.

• Cost: Free to low.
• Time: Hours to days.

For Growth: Go DBA (Solution 3) or LLC (Solution 4) to build a brand. Integrate with Zoho's drip campaigns for lead nurturing.

Compliance Essentials

• Always use a real, mail-receivable address (PO Boxes OK).
• Include unsubscribe links and identify as ads.
• Global laws: CAN-SPAM (US), GDPR (EU)—fines for non-compliance are steep.

Reference: GDPR email rules.

Next Steps: Launch Your Campaigns Today

1. Sign up for Zoho Campaigns free trial and test a solution.
2. Build your list with game beta signups via Zoho Forms.
3. Need custom setup? Contact Creator Scripts for Zoho expertise—we specialize in tailoring tools for indie creators.

Key Takeaways

• Zoho Campaigns requires company details for legal footers, but solos can adapt easily.
• Prioritize privacy with PO Boxes or virtual addresses.
• Scale with DBA/LLC for pro-level marketing.
• Stay compliant to avoid blocks and build trust.

Ready to promote your game? Dive into Zoho and watch your audience grow. For more tips, explore our Zoho blog or support resources.