Can an Email Signature Win You New Customers?
I was test driving some new accounting software last night and signed up for some free trials. Yes, an exciting night in my house! Of course, this morning, my email box was full of confirmation messages and “personal” notes from each company.
One email included a note about the simple steps needed to set up the account—and that they’d actually set up the “books” for me. This is definitely “added value.”
However, being a non-numbers, non-accounting person, I was still yawning and dreading the mere thought of getting into it all.
Then…I scanned the bottom of the email. It was signed with a simple:
Janie Wilks
Bookkeeper and Smile Maker 🙂
http://www.domain.com
Okay, when a bookkeeper promises to make me smile—frankly, I snap to attention. My attitude was slightly readjusted. Maybe this process isn’t going to be as painful as I thought?!
This reminded me that voice and tone extends far beyond articles and blog posts. Sure, we may pay close attention to our voice in email blasts. But what about our day-to-day email sign-off? Do we even have one? What does it say about us?
Ways to Personalize Your Signature
- Consider a Non-Traditional Sign-Off. Janie’s sign-off (yes, I changed her name) is simple, humble and reflects an “at your service” voice. It isn’t a pre-fabbed marketing tagline or cheesy slogan. I even wonder if the CEO of Janie’s company knows that she calls herself “Smile Maker.” Sadly, I think most CEOs would squash the idea. But, the sign-off is personal, while remaining professional.
- Decide Whether You Need a Title. After the sign-off, comes your “official” contact information. Of course, your full name is critical. Your title is another story. For organizations and industries that still live and die by the hierarchy, declaring your title as “VP” or “Director” is important. I know this because I use to be employed by several of those organizations. However, if you’re a solopreneur or part of a smaller company, you decide how important it really is. Declaring a title may seem pretentious and impersonal. In today’s content-driven world online, it’s more about what you offer vs. who you are.
- Share Your Latest Content. I recently began adding a link to my latest blog post at the base of my email signature. After all, my contacts are actively in discussions with me and may benefit from my content. Go figure!
- Add Your Smiling Face. Think about it. Our activity on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter include…a picture! Social media is effective when connections are made. People connect with people, not logos. Why not make that same connection through your day-to-day emails?
- Link Up Your Social Profiles. This seems like a given, yet so many people fail to make it easy to connect. Create a following that’s relevant by including your profiles in your email signature. Talk about an easy way to build your following!
A Tool That Makes it Easy
By now, you may be saying, “But how do I DO all that!” Although there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, WiseStamp makes polishing up your signature a cinch. Take a look at their signature gallery for ideas.
I was sad to see that WiseStamp doesn’t formally support Outlook. However, after some experimentation, I figured out how the service can still spice up your signature in a few simple steps:
- Create your signature in WiseStamp.
- Click “Preview.”
- Copy-paste into your Outlook signature file. Tada! You’ve got email personality!
Your Turn
Should email signatures follow the traditional “letterhead” approach or reflect one’s personality? Is Janie’s approach to her signature too informal?
Deana Goldasich
Deana Goldasich, CEO and founder of Well Planned Web, plans and implements Content Marketing to help clients nurture leads, market their expertise and create an impactful presence online.
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RT @goldasich: Can an Email Signature Win You New Customers? – https://www.wellplannedweb.com/2010/05/em…
Can an Email Signature Win You New Customers? – https://www.wellplannedweb.com/2010/05/em…
Thanks for the reminder. You know, I had been hesitant to include a signature simply because I email a mixed audience, but I am going to try this for a little while and see how it works. I just added a signature in my gmail.
Thanks for your comment David! The nice thing about WiseStamp is that it allows you to manage multiple signatures (Businessm Personal, etc.). Perhaps that would work for you!
RT @goldasich: Can an Email Signature Win You New Customers? My new favorite tool: @wisestamp – https://www.wellplannedweb.com/2010/05/em…
@goldasich I love wisestamp. 🙂 hope all is well
RT @goldasich: Can an Email Signature Win You New Customers? My new favorite tool: @wisestamp – https://www.wellplannedweb.com/2010/05/em…
Can an Email Signature Win You New Customers? My new favorite tool: @wisestamp – https://www.wellplannedweb.com/2010/05/em…
@goldasich I’ve been great. Staying busy and really enjoying summer so far.
@JasonPeck yea…still surprised at how many people still don’t know about Wisestamp. I’ve been good. You?!
Thanks for the article! I just started using Wisestamp and I am really happy about it. I've always hated how Gmail doesn't allow me to add links + other social profile information to my email signature – Wisestamp fits my needs to the T! I can't wait to show off my awesome email signature to everyone now 😀
I don't feel that using this approach is informal, as long as you are careful in maintaining the consistency of your personal brand across all your profiles, it shouldn't matter.
@goldasich I really enjoyed reading your post. So often ppl tend to ignore simple things like email signatures,they do make a difference! 🙂
Hi Harini! Glad you're enjoying @wisestamp! Such an awesome tool! Thanks for your comment!
Thanks for the article! I just started using Wisestamp and I am really happy about it. I've always hated how Gmail doesn't allow me to add links + other social profile information to my email signature – Wisestamp fits my needs to the T! I can't wait to show off my awesome email signature to everyone now 😀
I don't feel that using this approach is informal, as long as you are careful in maintaining the consistency of your personal brand across all your profiles, it shouldn't matter.
RE: @HariniSaladi Glad you’re enjoying @wisestamp! Such an awesome tool! Thanks for your comment! https://www.wellplannedweb.com/2010/05/em…
Hi Harini! Glad you're enjoying @wisestamp! Such an awesome tool! Thanks for your comment!
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RT @goldasich: Can an Email Signature Win You New Customers? — Well Planned Web – https://www.wellplannedweb.com/2010/05/em…
Can an Email Signature Win You New Customers? — Well Planned Web – https://www.wellplannedweb.com/2010/05/em…
This post is a great eye opener for me. Like most people, I don't think too much about a signature and now that I am a «solopreneur» – love the expression – your post really rings a bell. I will put some thought in the matter.
Grate awesome post point you have share its valuable for us…
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