Now, without further ado, let’s talk about how you should sign off in an Email (with a professional signature) and the latest professional trends for 2020 and beyond. <\/p>\n\n\n
- What is an email signature?<\/a><\/li>
- The Most Common Email Signature Design Elements in 2020<\/a>
- A Photo<\/a><\/li>
- Name and Position at Company<\/a><\/li>
- Phone, Website links and Email<\/a><\/li>
- Social Media Links<\/a><\/li>
- Calendar Invite Links<\/a><\/li>
- Call to Action Button<\/a><\/li>
- Generic Notes<\/a><\/li>
- Personalized Notes<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Emails and Email Signature Stats<\/a><\/li>
- Your Email Signature and Recipient Perception<\/a>
- Where do people look? An Eye-Tracking Study Showcase<\/a><\/li>
- The Email with a Small Signature<\/a><\/li>
- Text-Based Large Signature Email<\/a><\/li>
- The Graphics-Heavy Signature<\/a><\/li>
- The Perfect Email Structure + Signature<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- How to Craft a Killer Email Signature<\/a>
- Email Signature for Warm Leads<\/a><\/li>
- Email Signature for Cold Leads<\/a>
- Include a Photo<\/a><\/li>
- Improve Credibility and Trust (by adding a Description)<\/a><\/li>
- Be Authentic (in your Introduction)<\/a><\/li>
- Add a Clear Call to Action (CTA) to your Signature<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Other Uses for an Email Signature?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- The PRO way to Create your Email Signature with Google Docs<\/a>
- Creating your Email Signature in Google Docs<\/a>
- Step 1. Create a new file<\/a><\/li>
- Step 2. Add a separation Table<\/a><\/li>
- Step 3. Add your graphics<\/a><\/li>
- Step 4. Adjust your Graphics<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Step 5. Add your info and links<\/a><\/li>
- Copying your Email Signature in Gmail<\/a>
- Step 1. Open Gmail<\/a><\/li>
- Step 2. Go To Settings<\/a><\/li>
- Step 3. Go to the “Email Signature” Section<\/a><\/li>
- Step 4. Click Create New Signature<\/a><\/li>
- Step 5. Go to your Google Docs (the one with the Email Signature)<\/a><\/li>
- Step 6. Copy-paste the Email Signature in Gmail<\/a><\/li>
- Step 7. Ensure that everything is arranged properly<\/a><\/li>
- Step 8. Select When to Use your Email Signature<\/a><\/li>
- Step 9. Click the “Save Changes” Button<\/a><\/li>
- Step 10. Send a Test Email<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
What is an email signature? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
An Email Signature is a commonplace element of an email. It’s content that is found at the end of the email that introduces you to your recipient and quickly showcases information about you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Branded email signatures often include a photo, your role at the company, contact information and design elements that fit within the brand identity of your company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unbranded email signatures are quick lines of text that mostly feature your role and direct contact information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending on the use case, both branded and unbranded email signatures can have their strengths and weaknesses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, you can have multiple signatures for a variety of purposes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let’s say you are sending an email to a colleague. Would it be really necessary to have your photo there? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maybe, instead of your phone, a calendar link for scheduling a meeting would also be better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, if you are emailing a prospect for the first time, wouldn’t you want to showcase your best self and introduce them to your brand and business? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A photo, telephone number or even a business address might serve a better purpose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So let’s go a bit more in-depth about the most commonplace design elements of an email signoff and talk about WHAT you should and SHOULDN’T put in yours in 2020 and beyond. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Most Common Email Signature Design Elements in 2020 <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few elements of the email signature you might already be familiar with and have noticed in your inbox. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Photo <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/Email-Signature-Example.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Did you know that only 1\/20th of signatures used in professional emails actually have a photo? (We’ll take a look at the stats in just a second) <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That’s right. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Only 5% of PEOPLE who consider themselves professionals include a photo in their email. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yet, when you check out the latest design trends, it’s the single MOST obvious characteristic and inclusion in the whole of the design. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Name and Position at Company <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/Email-Signature-Example-2.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The second most obvious portion of your email signature is your name and the position at the company you represent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s often included to signify who you are and what you do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2020, you might want to include a pronoun preference, so that your recipients know what to call you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, you might want to be more cautious with this choice, depending on the brand you want to represent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Phone, Website links and Email <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/Email-Signature-Example-3.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The third design portion of an email signature in 2020 showcases your contact information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Usually, this includes a phone, website links and an email. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes, you can also note people who include a physical address (usually the one of their business) or multiple phone options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Social Media Links <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/Email-Signature-Example-New-4.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next design element that’s trendy, but surprisingly NOT as popular as you’ll see below in the stats section, <\/em>are links to Social Media profiles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These profiles can either be personal or the ones of the brand, depending of the use case related to the email signature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Calendar Invite Links <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/Email-Signature-Example-New-6.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAnother trend in digital circles that you might have noticed is calendar invite links included directly in the email signature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Usually, but not always, the calendar link is tied to the call to action and leads to an app, such as Calend.ly or Vtye where the recipient can schedule a call with the person sending the email. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Call to Action Button <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/Email-Signature-Example-New-5.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe next obvious element, that’s often underutilized is the Call to Action button. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Usually, most signatures used in emails will have some form <\/em>of a CTA, but one that’s not as obvious or centric to the design idea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is still a design element that’s becoming prevalent in the industry and more and more professionals are jumping on the bandwagon and including SOMETHING that serves the purpose of a CTA button in their email content signoff. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generic Notes <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In 2020, you can also see EMAILS that include a signature with generic notes or motivational quotes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The use of such quotes is usually not recommended as it doesn’t increase your authenticity, but some people still choose to do it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other generic notes might include a tagline or other general information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Personalized Notes <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/Email-Signature-Example-New-8.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nEmail signatures can also have personalized notes. These are usually call outs and sign-offs found in one itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The use of personalized notes can also include more thoroughly thought out personalized taglines, branding or information about the professional. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s usually suggested to have some sort of personalized notes as it makes you seem more authentic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, we’ll talk more in-depth about how to craft your email after a few paragraphs of stats, facts and general thoughts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let’s check them out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Emails and Email Signature Stats <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You know why fun and surprising facts often get shared on social media? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because they are fun and surprising. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I mean … because they bring a new perspective to the person reading them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That’s how I feel when reading marketing stats about different tactics that I haven’t necessarily anticipated or presumed before. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So here are a few shareable snippets for you to use in your social media channels. (Don’t forget to link back to this article) <\/p>\n\n\n
An average business person receives 126 Emails per Day <\/div><\/div>\n\n\nWe receive more than 126 emails per day, can you imagine? When you consider the newsletters, spam and all the different email addresses you own as a business person, things might seem a bit more real. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But that’s just facts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/Email-Signature-Stats-2020.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe numbers come from a 2015-2019 study from Radicati Group, a Technology Market Research firm in Palo Alto<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n
People continue to use and register emails despite the growing use of IMs and Social Media Networks. <\/div><\/div>\n\n\nAs part of the same study, Radicati also concluded that people will continue to register emails over the next four years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, they shared that the average number of email accounts per user ratio will grow from an average of 1.7 accounts per user to an average of 1.9 accounts per user. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, these are not the only surprising facts about emails. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here’s something that’s even more interesting, especially when it comes to email signatures and their use in professional emails as a whole. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A contact management solution going by the name of WriteThat.name did an analysis of over 700 million emails that went through its system since 2011. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here’s what they found. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/Email-Signature-Stats-Infographic.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(The original version of the infographic could previously be found at this address<\/a>, although the website seems to be currently unavailable at the time of writing) <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your Email Signature and Recipient Perception <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Okay, I know I talk a lot about facts, but here’s something that’s even more WOW-ing in terms of understanding how people perceive your emails. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where do people look? An Eye-Tracking Study Showcase <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- Step 2. Go To Settings<\/a><\/li>
- Step 2. Add a separation Table<\/a><\/li>
- Step 1. Create a new file<\/a><\/li>
- Improve Credibility and Trust (by adding a Description)<\/a><\/li>
- Email Signature for Cold Leads<\/a>
- The Email with a Small Signature<\/a><\/li>
- Name and Position at Company<\/a><\/li>
- The Most Common Email Signature Design Elements in 2020<\/a>
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/Email-Signature-Eye-Tracking-Example-1-1.png\"){kind=tracking}
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/Email-Signature-Eye-Tracking-Example-2-1.png\"){kind=tracking}
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/Email-Signature-Eye-Tracking-Example-3-1.png\"){kind=tracking}
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/Email-Signature-Eye-Tracking-Example-New-Distrubition-of-Content-1.png\"){kind=tracking}
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/Email-Signature-Example-Warm-Leads-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/Email-Signature-Cold-Outreach-Example-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/Email-Signature-Cold-Outreach-Example-2.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/Email-Signature-Cold-Outreach-Example-3.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/Email-Signature-Cold-Outreach-Example-4.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/Email-Signature-CTA-Read-My-Blog-Post-Example.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/Email-Signature-Cold-Outreach-Example-1-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/Email-Signature-Google-Docs-Example-1-2-1024x145.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-Create-Email-Signature-Google-Docs-Step-2-1024x530.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-Create-Email-Signature-Google-Docs-Step-3-1024x518.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-Create-Email-Signature-Google-Docs-Step-4-1024x433.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-Create-Email-Signature-Google-Docs-Step-5-1024x619.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-Create-Email-Signature-Google-Docs-Step-6.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-Create-Email-Signature-Google-Docs-Step-7.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-Create-Email-Signature-Google-Docs-Step-8-1-1024x492.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-Create-Email-Signature-Google-Docs-Step-9-1024x544.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-Create-Email-Signature-Google-Docs-Step-10-1024x526.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-Create-Email-Signature-Google-Docs-Step-11-1024x528.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-Create-Email-Signature-Google-Docs-Step-12.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-Create-Email-Signature-Google-Docs-Step-13-1024x461.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-Create-Email-Signature-Google-Docs-Step-14.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-Create-Email-Signature-Google-Docs-Step-15-1024x357.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-Create-Email-Signature-Google-Docs-Step-16-1024x508.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bamf.lovelacecreative.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/How-to-Create-Email-Signature-Google-Docs-Test-Email.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n