Putting it on the Line: Signature Files

Putting it on the Line: The Signature File
By James Fowler
www.mywebsource1.com

The Signature File (or Sig file as it is sometimes called) is an effective way of promoting your business, although most businesses overlook this form of advertisement. It is often called the secret power behind email marketing. Simply put, the signature file is a short block of text that is automatically attached at the end of your emails. This should not only be put at the end of personal emails, but also on the end of comments to web boards, blogs, newsgroups, mailing lists, and any type of forum to whom you may be writing. You will find that the signature file is a part of your email program.

Signature files should contain certain information that will be beneficial to your web site and business. These things should be your name, your business name, phone number (and extension, if applicable), fax number, and web site. Optionally, you may want to add your email, blog, address and some sort of tag line or announcement. It is important that the recipient of the email or post should be able to reach you in multiple formats. Many times, you will see CLICK HERE or GO TO MY WEB SITE. This is not advised because the link may not always work. It is best to write out your entire web site so it ensures people know how to get to your site.
One important note to remember – and did this myself often enough to know that it is important – is to add the tag http:// in front of your web site address and the mailto: tag before your email. For example:

http://www.mywebsource1.com for a web site
mailto:mywebsource1@gmail.com for an email

The reason for this is that some programs (such as Blogger) do not recognize this and will add their own web site in and your link as a subfolder. If you know some HTML, it is best to create your signature files in a text document (like Notepad) and cut-and-paste from there.

Most email programs allow you to create your signature file within the program. Some places to find the signature file are:

MS Outlook: Tools > Options > Mail Format
AOL: When you open up a new mail folder (bottom right hand corner)
Gmail: Settings > General > Signature
Yahoo: Open Mail > Options > Mail Options > Compose

You should create several different signatures to allow for different promotions and bulletins. You can then pick and choose what message you are trying to convey to your audience. This could be done to focus on the audience if your product or service is more diversified. You can keep these signatures in a text file and then cut and paste them onto the end of your email. The more specific your signature file is towards your audience, the greater the impact this simple tool will work for you.

The signature file can also be used as a viral marketing tool. Viral marketing is a method of using pre-existing social networks to increase your brand awareness through self-replicating processes. What does that mean? It means that your email signature is passed on as people forward your email to their friends, family, and business associates. So give them something good to read and insist they pass it on.
So far, we have looked at your signature file as your contact information. It is actually much more than that. The signature file is really free advertising for you. It is not the aggressive and pushy sell, but rather a subtle and more passive approach in your internet marketing. The additional items you can add to your signature file can compel people to visit your web site. Give them the incentive to contact you immediately by solving one of their problems. In my signature file, I explain exactly what my business does. I teach you how bring people to your web site. I then give you my URL (universal resource locator or web site address).

The Do’s and Don’ts of your signature file.
DO have several ways of contact information on your signature
DO have a catchy phrase or tag line that will compel the reader to go to your web site.
DO have a direct link to your offer. This requires minor knowledge of HTML and is very simple.
DO have a link to your web site or email address.
DO have several signature files directed and focused on your audience.

DO NOT exceed five or six lines of text. No one wants to read a signature novel.
DO NOT make the reader search your home page for your feature or benefit. Make it direct.
DO NOT forget to have a direct link to your web site.
DO NOT put pictures on your signature file that will not open with most email programs.
The Signature file can prove to be a very useful tool in your marketing arsenal if used correctly. By following these simple steps, you can start informing potential customers about yourself and what you can offer them.

James Fowler
myWebSource1
“Teaching you to bring more customers to your web site”
http://mywebsource1.com