Do you have a signature? I mean one of those blocks of information—maybe a logo—that appears at the bottom of each of your emails?
You’ve probably seen them on incoming emails. People sometimes tack on a meaningful saying under their messages or they use signatures to advertise their businesses.
Well, when you’re an author, you’re in business and many authors use signatures to promote their books. Every email that goes out to colleagues, coworkers, friends, family, acquaintances and strangers includes a little blurb about their book.
Is using a signature effective in selling books? If you’ve followed this blog, read my articles, studied my books and/or attended my lectures, you know that I’m an advocate of diverse marketing. I suggest promoting your books through many varied channels. Naturally, I recommend using a signature, as well. I do.
And it has served me well. Just last week, I received an email from a local journalist and radio personality who wanted to quote me for an article on local history. After he received my email response, complete with my signature promoting my new Klepto Cat Mystery series, he contacted me again and asked to interview me for a newspaper story.
I’ve received speaking engagements because of my signature. My signature has enticed people to visit my websites and I’ve sold books.
Sometimes my signature has simply sparked a new conversation and, certainly, at times, a greater understanding of my work and my books. Someone might contact me as the director of Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network and learn, through my signature, that I’m also a book editor. People might know me through my books for authors and, after receiving an email from me realize I also write fiction.
The signature is a sort of electronic business card. And I “hand” mine out in nearly every email I send.
I delete my signature when I email back and forth with close friends and family. It’s easy enough to do. But since most of my email connections are with colleagues and strangers, I usually leave it.
I’ve seen some creative signatures. And one beauty is that you can change it on a whim. As I said, I’m currently promoting my Klepto Cat Mystery series through my signature, and I can add new book titles as they are published.
If you have a book for sale, a business or you offer a service, you really ought to have a signature. Most email programs have the signature option. If you can’t find yours, use your help button.