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How much is too much (info) when it comes to your email signature?
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8 Answers
For formal messages (e.g., messages to people you don't know or messages to government officials or executives), I recommend a full signature block(i.e., full name -- first name, middle initial, and last name; title; company name; company address; office/work telephone number; facsimile number; mobile phone number; e-mail address; and web site URL). For informal messages (e.g., messages to people you know), messages to people who already have your contact information, or messages that are replies to an e-mail string that already includes your full contact information, I recommend an abbreviated signature block that only includes your full name, title, and company name. In either case, full or informal, you may optionally add any social media contact information (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn, blog URL). Also, some professions and some companies may necessitate a notice or disclaimer at the end of each message.
The key is to discern which messages require a full signature -- because of formality, a need to clearly identify you as the message writer, or to provide the recipient with all of your pertinent contact information.
Good question Paul. I was screwing around with my signature just this week considering adding in my public profile on LinkedIn. As a sales guy I ultimately ended keeping it just as is. I have my name of course, phone, fax and company URL. I assume if we're emailing you know my email and am more concerned with not getting stuck in your spam folder over giving my whole life's history in a signature.
My only caveat is I think if you're in sales or marketing and have a regular blog post it's kind of a cool credibility datapoint - although that presumes you're writing good stuff.
There has been some great conversations on Focus already about this topic. I think Focus Expert, Brian Phelps said it best, "An email signature is an electronic version of a business card. It should be simple, but provide all the information relevant to your business."
I have my number, email address, title, web address, and twitter account. I only put one social media network because I don't want to clog up my signature with too much. Keep it simple and to the point. I would recommend putting your top social network in your signature. Here are the questions on Focus that have some great feedback:
http://www.focus.com/questions/marketing/what-should-go-your-email-signature/
http://www.focus.com/questions/marketing/should-add-my-social-media-accounts-...
I think your web site address, your office phone number and your cell phone number plus your Facebook page and your Twitter Link are pieces of information that you would want in the signature panel.
It may be more of a problem for me, because I am pretty mobile, but I hate the voice mail exchange. I would rather schedule phone calls when possible so both parties are available to talk.
If I meet a new contact in person, my phone number is on my business card. But we are talking email signature here, so that would mean we are already conversing via email and can schedule a phone call if needed.
Obviously I can't schedule all calls, but it seems to work for me most of the time.
Personally I no longer put my phone or fax, but I did add Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
Regular contacts already have my phone or fax and new contacts are more likely to check out my profile first where they can find any number of ways to contact me if they wish.
Wray Rives, CPA
wray.rives@gmail.com
http:/rivescpa.co/
TWITTER LINKEDIN FACEBOOK
What happens when you meet a new contact? Do you pass along your number or do you typically obtain their information based on a phone call?
I think, 1 number is definitely necessary on your email signature. If I want to get something done. I always reach for the phone before I send an email. Email and social media always come second.
Do you think your email signature should differ based on your area of expertise or your profession? Example: Do you think cloud computing and inside sales should have different email signatures?
The unintended consequence of social media is the diversity of it all. Social CRM (search FOCUS) is the response to try to consolidate the mix of ways your customers may come from.
I have found that you can not necessarily transfer a prospect from twitter to email. If twitter is their referred method you need to reach out using twitter. Why? The same reason many contact forms ask for email and phone, then ask which method they prefer.
If you are afraid of information overkill, you can:
1. Send everyone to your website where they can find the contact method they like.
2. Consolidated contact pages like:
http://qwerly.com/navicusinfo
http://about.me/alintz
3. Not worry so much about it.
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