Harnessing the Power of Email Signatures for Online Marketing

The Art of Crafting an Effective Email Signature

Creating an email signature in your email client is a straightforward process. For instance, in Outlook 2000, it's quite simple to add a few extra lines to every email you send. The same applies to Outlook Express. Your email signature could look something like this:

Visit my website at http://www.internet-tips.net/

The goal is to promote your site or service (excluding inappropriate content). It's advisable to keep the signature concise - no more than six lines. Also, avoid including images and stick to plain text instead of HTML. This ensures that everyone can view your promotional content, which is the ultimate objective.

Navigating Potential Pitfalls

When it comes to email and newsgroup signatures, it's important to be aware that certain words can trigger spam filters. This can be particularly frustrating with newsgroup posts. For instance, having a 900 number in your signature could result in an automated spam checker for newsgroups flagging your posts as spam and sending them straight to your ISP. Even if your posts are relevant and not spam, they could still be treated as such. This could also cause effective email spam filters to block your emails.

Before crafting your email signature, take a moment to identify your objective. If you're aiming to promote your website, consider including a small ad and a hyperlink. If you're a salesperson, it might be wise to include your phone number and extension. Some people even like to include a favorite quote.

Guidelines for an Effective Email Signature

Here are some tips to keep in mind when creating your email signature:

• Avoid including pay-to-surf, moneymaking, or affiliate links in your email signature. Not only is this considered unprofessional, but these elements can trigger spam filters and result in your emails being automatically deleted. It's better to include these items on your website and provide a link to that site in your email signature.
• Refrain from using profanity or harsh language.
• Be aware that 900 numbers can also trigger spam filters.
• Stick to standard formatting in the signature.
• Avoid using special fonts or colors.
• Do not include graphics.
• Do not use HTML.
• Keep the width to 65 characters or less.
• Do not exceed six lines.

By following these guidelines, you can create an effective email signature that serves as a powerful tool for online promotion.