Key Items To Include in your Email Signature File

One of the most important and often overlooked methods
of promoting your on line business or service is your
email signature file (sometimes called a "sig"). There
are two types of signature files, one is the more
simple one at the close of each email, the other might
be attached to writing or discussion group posts, etc.
and is sometimes called a byline.

Regardless of the usage, having an effectively written
signature can make the difference in higher sales,
more networking contacts and more prosperity for you
today! Using the following as a guide, to build a
signature file that will help you meet your needs, and
reach your goals.

1. Your Name and the Name of Your Business
You cannot build your brand or name recognition without it.
No one would forget to include this, right?

2. Your email address
If you have written compelling content, people will want to
contact you. Having your email address immediately
available (and clickable) is the best means to satisfy the
need to "do it now". Since some email clients don't
recognize and hotlink email addresses, consider putting the
mailto: in front of your address. This ensures your address
is a hyper link (i.e. mailto:kevin@d... )

3. Your Web Address
People will be enticed to take action immediately if the
information is readily accessible, and like your email
address, being an active link is always the best. Don't
forget your URL! While it may be best to send them to the
home page, the content of your writing may suggest you send
them to a specific page. If so, use that address in your
signature file..

4. Phone Number
Email is great, and the web is nice, but people often like
to connect with you at a different level. Make sure they
have the information so they can! If you have a toll free
number, consider adding it (and letting people know that it
is toll free). If your toll free number but is only
available in your home country, either leave it out, or
note where it will work. Remember your fax number too!

5. Statement of Mission or Purpose
If your business has a Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
include it here. This is a short sentence that
differentiates you from others in your business. If you
don't have a USP yet (create one!), include a descriptive
tagline about you and your business.

6. A Reason why they should contact you now
If you have written an effective article or post, suggest
an additional resource you could provide to them, or a way
you could help them. Make sure they know how to quickly
request this additional help.

7. Ways to Read More
If you produce an ezine, let people know that it exists and
how to subscribe. Again, make it easy with a hyperlinked
email address (see number two above) or a URL to subscribe
from the web.

Overall, while there are no hard and fast rules regarding
your signature file, there are some guidelines. Your "sig"
in your everyday emails might be shorter - not containing
each of the items above, while sigs for your article or
posts may be longer. Use your good judgment, use this list
of guidelines, and experiment to find what works best for
you.

Julie Jordan Scott (julie@5passions.com) and Kevin
Eikenberry (kevin@discian.com) are speakers, writers,
consultants and people who help organizations and
individuals reach for - and achieve their goals. Both have
content rich websites and free email offerings.
http://5passions.com
http://discian.com

David Hudson, webmaster of webcashlink,
business articles author, and a successful affiliate,
can help you with your online business.
Visit: Webcashlink

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