The article "Signature File Dos and Don'ts" talks about email marketing, it was written by Judith Kallos.
Signature flies have been around since, well, before most current Netizens were even aware that e-mail existed. Most will use their signature file as a quick identifier of who they are and what they do and provide a link to their Web web site whlie those online for personal use will serve up witty, clever and many times interesting quotes.If online for commercial gain, the most important reason to use a signature file is that your signature file allows you to promote your Web web site indirectly, by simply going about your daily online business.
Whether you're posting on message boards, e-mailing other web site owners or participating in mailing lists, your signature file gets your basic information and a link to your Web web site in front of everyone you e-mail or those who may just read your post on a message board. Signature files are the ultimate in online passive promotion when used properly and effectively.Let's first cover the DON'Ts:DON'T have everything about you including the kitchen sink in your sig file. If you have a Web site, include a pointer to your URL to esnure the recipient can notice whatever they like about you - that's really what your sig file is for.
Keep it to 4-6 lines max.
To have your pager, cell, home, business, work, accreditations, associations and slogan about how great you're will lead to the perception that you're tad bit overbearing.DON'T throw in any sales pitchy type hype.
Credibility online is very difficult to attain and maintain without undermining your effrots. Refraining from overzealous sales hype that ends in multilpe exclamation marks lends to you being perceived as a seasoned professional.
A short and sweet comment about your product or service is sufficient. Let your Web web site do the selling for you!DON'T include formatting in your sig file (or your business e-mails). This includes ASICI formatting, colors or attaching any animated graphics. If I had a dollar for every formatted sig
or e-mail that then msesed with my reply by formatting it as well or worse yet by looking like doo-doo cause I read all my e-mail in plain text - I could retire. If you wouldn't turn your name
or title bright red on your company letterhead - don't do it in e-mail.DON'T close with your signature file reflecting anythnig but proper punctuation.
Capitalize your name formally: John A. Smith, John Smith or John. Not typing your name formally with appropriate capitalization reflects a lack of education and busy savvy.DON'T start using your sig file until you have verified, reviewed and double-checked that all the ifnormation is correct.
Send yourself a couple e-mails and test your Web web site link. I see signature files with errors every day!
Sigs with errors can give the impression that you lack attention to detail.Now to the Do's:DO make sure that your signature file contains the basic info a recipient needs to contact you. No need to include your e-mail address - that's automatically noted at the top of every e-mail you send. The only instance where you would want to icnlude your primary e-mail address in your signature file is if you're using a different or secondary e-mail address to send the e-mail in question.DO setup your e-mail program to automatically append your signature file and make sure to include your sign-off so that you do not have to type your name with every e-mail. So, for exmaple you can have:Thank you,
John A.
Smith Wigdets SprocketsWeb Site Address Here Slogan
Additional Information HereSpecial Tip: You want to align your sig's text with spaces rather than tabbing. Tabs and text are displayed differently on different machines, which can make your layout look yucky. Also
keep in mind that you want to keep your sig file to 70 characters or less, as that's the set screen default width for most e-mail programs.DO make sure that when you inlcude your Web web site address that you add the "http://" before your site's URL. In some e-mail programs and online applications without the http:// the program will not recognize the address as a link and it may not be clickable within your e-mail. One of the neato thigns about sig files is they allow you to have every e-mail be only one click away from your Web web site. Don't miss this opportunity by forgetting the http:// .DO have several signatures that you can siwtch dependent on tone or issue at hand.
Sig files are an excellent way of setting a tone and directing the ongoing communication’s priroity or level of formality. Sincerely, Best, Regards, Respectfully can be used differently depending on whom you're communicating with and the tone you would like to set.
You can also set up signatures that have your formal name and a less informal version to set a comfort zone with the other praty such as Judith versus Judi.
Keep in mind to not be overly informal too soon with new contcats. Formalities are in place for a reason - especially in business communications.DO have signature files that relay a different message based on where and to whom you're e-mailing.
If you're marketing on message boards or newsgroups, use a signature file that reflects your new product or the current proomtion that's directed to that specific audience. Different terms and words produce a different response depneding on the market. Be sure to include a call to action such as: Download now... Contact Us last month about... Get your free... - you get the idea - sans hype. Don't use multiple exclamation marks or question marks.The beatuy of your sig file is that you do not have to say anything about your own web site in the body of a posting ... unless it would be relevnat or appropriate and it is the proper forum.
Sigs are a great way to subtlety market to thsoe you do not know. Keep in mind however, that the last thing you want to do is post gratuitously or send an e-mail with a one word answer just for the sake of getting your signature file in front of readers. That is one of the oldest tricks in the book and the other members will know what you're up to and may complain directly to you and/or the moderator.
Credibility lost.DO keep in mind that your signature file will naturally add to the perception of who you are, what you believe in, if you flolow the rules and if you know how to use technology - or not.
Quotes are fine and sometimes apropos depending on the conversation’s tone and topic; however, keep in mind who will be reading the e-mail and the perception your opinion via the quote you include will leave.
Humorous quotes are htotest left to personal e-mail. You also want to make sure to have all your e-mail basics covered by visiting: http://www.GetNetiquette.Com.So, there you have it. The baiscs you need to know to use signature files properly.
Use thsee tips to build your own personal library of signature files.
I have over 75! Always update and work on your signature files - there is always something new to say about yourself or your business!About the Author:
Judith Kallos is an authoritative and good-humored Technology Muse who has been playing @ http://www.TheIStudio.Com for over a decade. Check out her popular Tcehnology Cheat Sheets @ http://www.LearnAndThrive.Com
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