Using Signatures

Presumably when you created your web site you had something to say (or show) to the world. You've done a lot of hard work, and you should want the everyone to know about it! Otherwise, why bother?

Besides the usual methods, one simple thing that everyone should do is create a signature for any and all email messages that they send. This includes messages sent through mailing lists such as egroups and Yahoo Clubs, as well as newsgroups. In fact, using a signature is the only generally accepted (non-spam) method you can use to advertise anything, including your personal home page, when posting to newsgroups.

Most email programs allow you to specify a signature of some kind - usually you can set it up in the preferences or options. If the email program does not support this, then make a small text file and keep it open - then copy and paste the small amount of text for each email that you send.

Okay, some simple rules for signatures:

Do not include any graphics in your signature
Never include any executables (scripts) as these may contain viruses (or may be mistaken for them).
Avoid HTML - just keep your signature nice and simple.
Include a few dashes between your signature and your text. Systems such as Majordomo (an email list processor) use dashes as a separator.
It's a good idea to avoid directly plugging your favorite affiliate programs in your signature. Use the signature to get people to your web site, then plug whatever you want there. Some anti-spam filters will delete your message entirely if they find affiliate program references.
Keep your signature under 6 lines if you can
Keep it G rated
Remember the point is to include your signature on normal emails - not to send out your signature. You are just trying to let people with whom you are already communicating know that you have more to say on your web site.
Keep each line under 65 characters
Make sure all URL's fit on one line (URLs that have line breaks will not get clicked on).

Here is a sample signature (this is the one that I use most often).

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internet Tips And Secrets, http://www.internet-tips.net
Subscribe to weekly ezine: http://www.internet-tips.net/joinlist.htm
Over 1,000 free articles to improve your internet profits, enjoyment and
knowledge. Learn how to create, promote and maintain an awesome website 
which not only attracts visitors but makes them want to come back.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's simple, effective and short. This can be a very powerful tool to inform people that you have something for them to see. I include this at the bottom of each email that I send, which means that over 500 people a week see this message.

After all, the whole point of putting together a web site is for someone to see it. My experience is that signatures are an effective but subtle way to get people to visit my web site. Personally, I know that I will often click on the URL in a signature just to see what more the author has to say. His email was interesting, but clicking on the signature URL gives me more information about him, his products or his message.

So remember, email signatures are an accepted, non-spam way to let people with whom you are already communicating know about your web site, email list or other important information.

Themestream Comments

Hi. I've added this article to an article I'm working on about building a web site. I hope you enjoy the free advertising! - terri_l_thomas January 8, 2001

Came here from Terri Thomas' article.....Great advice! Thanks - kokab rahman <kkb3178 January 8, 2001

Great advice and instruction. Your profile is fascinating, too. "E" from me! - leslie_smith January 9, 2001

Thanks for the ideas. Linda Hughes - lhughes1234 January 9, 2001

Good advice. Thanks! Rose Folan - rlfolan January 9, 2001

Thanks for info. Tenna Perry - anbluemerle1960 January 9, 2001

Thanks for the idea - eddyrobey January 9, 2001

Sounds like a great idea. Thanks! Julia Nielsen - julian January 9, 2001

Thanks, you are so right. Charles Darby - cdarby1 January 9, 2001

Great Advice! Thanks! -Kelly Capossela :) - a-kelsha January 9, 2001

great idea -- one note: actually the largest acceptable signature size is considered to be 4 lines, not 6. if you don't believe me, try posting with a 6 liner to some usenet groups and see what happens :) - jules_cisek January 9, 2001

great article! :-) you should come and read some of mine some time...Maria Spargifiore aka Themestream author at best - iyamlady415 January 9, 2001

Thanks , I did this for my homepage and forgot all about it for TS. Eileen T. Waldron - etw January 9, 2001

Good info. Thanks. Kimberly Ripley - stealth January 9, 2001

Very good info. Thank you. ...Lura - bibleprchr January 9, 2001

Great advice, thanks! Beth Young - youngones22 January 11, 2001