When others forward your emails, it can spread like wildfires through a dry forest. Many email clients (even web-based e-mail hosts like: Hotmail, Yahoo and Gmail) allow you to set-up options for signature files. Some email clients also have a toggle, which allows you to include or exclude the signature file with your out-bound email. Using signatures can save you a tremendous amount of time and effort, you won't have to type in relevant information about your company or website each time you send emails.



Below is an example of a signature file that I use to promote one of my websites:

http://www.needAnotary.net, Your Premier Source for Finding a Neighborhood Notary Public 24/7/365 Nationwide

This text with a link back to my website is automatically added to the end of all outgoing emails with no effort on my part. It provides a means for informing persons receiving my emails to as to my business, a benefit via my tagline/ slogan along with that mighty link back to my website.

Your signature file should not be a long advertisement but, quick short verbiage along with your contact information and a means of clicking to your website. A well-crafted signature file is an effective means to promote your website and have people to contact you without any cost on your part (FREE)!

To create a signature file you will want to check the help file of your e-mail client and determine how to create your own personalized signature file. Different email clients have different parameters, be sure to follow these instructions carefully. When creating a signature file it is best to place a few hard returns before you start your signature to keep the last line of your email text from colliding with the signature. This separation is necessary to make your document appear more legible and professional looking.

The beauty of signature files is that you can periodically change them whenever you want to test your copy to determine what is effective in getting replies from persons whom receive your emails. Once you develop an effective signature that converts well, you can include it in auto responders and within your newsgroups postings as well.

A well-created signature file can be used company-wide by a savvy marketer to develop and reinforce their brand recognition and identity. Just like your business card and company stationary a signature file is a tool to tailor your image and create customer contact.

Remember your signature file should be discreet and a non-obtrusive means for spreading a short classic message to brand your company or website/ blog. Preferably, your signature file should be no longer than 4 lines; it should not dominate your email message. If you send a volume of email, the use of a signature file can be one of your most effective marketing tools.