By Gloria Hildebrandt

Are you making the most of your e-mail signature file? To be effective, it should do more than provide the basic information that might be on your business card. Signature files can act as free billboard space that you can customize as often as you want. Good ones will direct readers exactly where you want on the Internet, leading them right to the specific page of information you want them to see. If you’re not making it easy for readers to find out more about you, your signature file is not working as well as it should.

Here are some techniques for excellent signature files:

1. Keep your signature file fresh and interesting by changing the content frequently. If it’s always the same contact information, readers will skip it.

2. Keep it short. Think of billboard copy! Pique your readers’ interest and invite them to go for more information.

3. Include the complete and accurate URL for the precise page that has what you want your readers to see. Make it easy for them to click through to your information. As an example, here’s one of mine that has drawn people:

Gloria Hildebrandt gloria@aztec-net.com
Info on my services: http://hpcaonline.com/glhi.html
Read my article “The Credible Consultant” at http://www.homebusinessreport.com/Editorial_Features/ editorial_11htm

4. Use your signature file routinely on all your messages for several weeks. You never know where your messages might get forwarded, and who might read your signature.

5. If you know that colleagues and friends have seen your signature file often, do them a favour and cut it out in your messages to them. Over-exposure can be as bad as none!

6. Get your message out there. Participate in lists and discussion groups, and send helpful information to colleagues and friends. When sending messages to lists, be sure to include your e-mail address in your signature. Without it, people can usually only reply to you via the list, and you may not receive important messages intended only for you. By keeping your signature file interesting, current and convenient for people to find out more about you, you are using it as an excellent promotional tool.

Gloria Hildebrandt is a writer, researcher, editor and communications consultant. Contact her to discuss your publicity goals.