What to include in your email signature

No, we’re not talking about email marketing (although it is a very successful marketing tactic), but in your everyday correspondence.

Many people treat their email signature as irrelevant, including merely their basic contact details, if that. Worse, many people don’t have email signatures at all. Fewer things look less professional than an email with the link ‘sent from iPhone’ below.

By optimising your email signature, you not only get to look more professional, but you can also further market yourself.

1. First and Last Name

It may seem obvious, but making sure your name stands out is essential. Have your name as the first line of your email signature, under ‘many thanks/kind regards’ and, if possible, make it in bold, so it’s obvious who you are.

2. Job Title, Department & Company

After your name should come your job title, department and company name. People need to know where you are based in the hierarchy (are they talking to a decision maker or a call centre rep?) and what department you’re in.

This information provides valuable context about the conversation and your role in it.

3. Secondary Contact Information

Your contact information should include any other way to contact you, but keeping your email address here is also beneficial. You need to make it as easy for someone to contact you as possible.

Your contact details could include phone, postal address, or any other method of communication you want to emphasise, especially your website!

4. Social Profile Icons

Here is a great way to grow your following, reach, engagement and everything to do with your social accounts. Include simple icons in your signature that link to your various social accounts, and people will be encouraged to visit your page and likely follow it and interact with it.

Your social media presence should be a considerable part of your brand management, and this is an important step that should never be missed.

Not only does it reinforce your brand, but it provides a new way for people to contact and follow you.

While many people include links to their socials, trying to use icons where possible is essential. People instantly recognise famous social icons, allowing them to quickly see that you have a presence on social media and follow you.

That pop of colour will also encourage your recipients to read further and direct their eyes to the icons. According to studies, colour visuals increase a person’s willingness to read the rest of the content by 80%.

While you may be tempted to list all your social media accounts, try limiting the number of icons to four. Research which accounts are most important to you and include only those. There is such a thing as too many options.

And, remember, if you do include social links in your signature, make sure you keep your socials up-to-date and fresh!

5. Call to Action

Perhaps one of the essential marketing tactics is using a clear call to action (CTA), which is just as valid as your email signature.

The best email signature CTAs are simple, up-to-date, not pushy, and in line with your email style, which makes them seem more like postscript and less like a sales pitch.

Your CTAs can change as you grow. Choose a CTA that works towards your current goals (perhaps a marketing campaign or getting people to follow your socials) and update it when those goals change.

6. Booking Links

Do you rely on bookings or meetings? Instead of emailing back and forth with clients or colleagues, include a link to book meetings with you. There are many tools out there that help people book appointments.

7. Logo

Include a clear (but small-sized) logo in your email signature. It looks highly professional and increases your brand recognition. If it’s a colour logo, it encourages people to read the email more.

Recipients will also clearly recognise your logo after receiving emails from you.

8. Pronouns

The world is changing and for good. This is why it can be a great idea to include your pronouns in your email. This is as simple as having a ‘she/her’ after your name in italics and makes it easier for others to share their pronouns.

Adding your pronouns to your email signature can also be hugely helpful to new clients, as it takes any ambiguity away.

In Conclusion

Remember that your email signature is versatile and can be used to good use. A simple one-line email with an optimised signature could lead to increased revenue, followers and brand recognition.

Every step in your marketing strategy makes a difference, so optimise that signature. Worst case scenario: You look a lot more professional. Best case: You reach your marketing objectives!

If you’re struggling with marketing, get in touch with us today! Using the experts saves you time and ensures your marketing efforts are always successful!