It's your e-business card.

 

A Signature file, also know as a sig.file, is a short memo which ends an email. It is your e-business card. Sig.files are readily accepted online and, when used properly, comply with "netiquette."

You can create Your Email Signature within your email program.

• In Outlook, you select Tools, Options, Mail Format, Signature.
  (In Outlook 2010 it is File, Options, Signature)
• In Outlook Express, you select Tools, Options, Signatures.
• You can set up signatures in AOL and other web based email services (email accounts that you access via a web browser ).

Here are some "Do's & Don'ts" for creating a Signature file:

Do's:

• Your signature should include your basic contact information: name, company name, phone & cell phone numbers,  and website URL. You can include an appropriate and professional tag line.
• Keep it short - no more than 4 to 8 lines, with no more than 65 characters per line. This will assure that your sig. file will be viewed as intended in different email readers.
• Provide a link that takes them directly to your website. Remember to include your URL (not just "click here") because sometimes people will print email to save or read later. They cannot click on a piece of paper and get to your website.
• You should provide multiple ways for recipients to reach you - the customer is king and it is their choice if they would rather call than email you.
• You should create multiple signature files to use with different groups of recipients.

Don'ts

• Don't make them too flashy or include lots of symbols or large images. It will make an impression, but probably not the one you want to make.
• Your sig.file should not be a blatant hard-sell advertisement. A "short and sweet" statement about your product or service is enough. Let your website do your selling for you.
• Don't wait another day to create your Signature file - it can be very effective way to draw traffic to your website!