It used to be that every time we needed to send a file, the accepted way was to attach it to an email and shoot it on over.  Unfortunately, with file sizes increasing exponentially these days, many email inboxes have limitations — and even if they don’t, downloading an email with a big attachment takes a long time for many computers.

Luckily, there is a much better way: SFTP file transfer.  This is a secure way to send a file that uses the same technology as uploading files to your website server.

There are many services where you can get a free file transfer if you’re just looking to do this a few times.  However, if you need to send a lot of files via FTP, particularly if it’s for your small business, you might want to look into a professional-level package.  Free transfers are often ad-driven, and that can send the wrong impression to your clients if you are not careful.

In any case, though, not relying on email so much anymore is the important thing, especially when you are transferring a lot of files or a lot of BIG files.  Bogging down a client’s computer with your huge email attachment can really be annoying and put you on their bad side, so be smart about it and look into alternate ways to send large files!

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