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Guest post by: Jessica Swanson Become an Author

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Try to remember back to the 4th grade when you first began to perfect your cursive writing. Like most 4th graders, you probably spent hours upon hours practicing your signature so that it was exactly what you wanted it to be. Ultimately, you wanted your signature to be your own unique stamp upon the world. You wanted people to look at your signature and know that it came from no one else but you.

Your signature file isn't much different. Basically, a signature file is an "appendage" that is automatically inserted into your business emails. It tells each and every one of your contacts who you are, why you are unique and reinforces your brand and company. However, many small business owners misuse this simple and highly effective shoestring marketing strategy to build their business. They don't understand the marketing opportunities that abound within a simple signature file.

Even worse, many small business owners don't even use a signature file at all. They simply sign their first name, leaving off critical information that could provide useful, even priceless, information about their small business.

Here Are 7 Essentials Elements That Should Be Included In a Signature File:

• Your Full Name. As a small business professional, you may be tempted to sign your emails with just your first name. Obviously, when you are emailing friends or individuals who know you intimately, you won't need to include your electronic signature. However, whenever you are emailing prospects, customers or clients, it is vital to include your full name so that is positionins you as a professional .
• Your Title. If you are the President, CEO or Founder of your small business, you will want to include that information. Perhaps you have another "catchy" title that should be included as well. The point is that you want your prospects and customers to know exactly what relationship you have with your company.
• Your Phone Number. It's important that you provide as many ways as possible for your prospects and customers to contact you. Although, I always advise using a low-cost 1-800 number, it doesn't matter where that 1-800 number routes to. It may end up routing to your home phone, cell phone, virtual assistant's phone or a large call center. The main point is that it's important that your prospects can pick up the phone and contact you via phone if necessary.
• Your Web Site. Your website should always be included in your signature file. This allows both your prospects and current customers to visit your site again and again. In addition, it is a subtle way to keep your small business continually in front of your prospects.
• Your Email Address. Obviously, it's incredibly important that your prospects are able to quickly contact you with any questions or concerns that they have.
• Your Blog, Twitter Account, Facebook Account, Etc. You want to provide your prospects with additional ways to learn about you and your services. This allows people to connect with you through your favorite social media platform.

• A Call To Action. Marketers understand the importance of always providing a call to action in virtually any marketing material that they produce. This includes your signature file as well. You should provide an incentive for prospects to visit your landing page or website. You can offer a free ebook, free report or audio course.
  
  Here is a quick look at my own signature file:
  
  __________________________________________________ Jessica Swanson
  
  Founder and President of Shoestring Marketing
  
  phone: 1-800-651-8406
  
  Download Your FREE Shoestring Marketing Kit at:
  
  
• that as a small business owner, you are always marketing yourself, your business and your brand. Your signature file is just another way for you to build your business on a shoestring marketing budget.
  
  

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