When you write an email, you usually focus on the content first and add the technical details later. After all, your email is an opportunity to dazzle your recipient with your creativity!
You can then add the practical information in the footer section at the bottom of the email. We'll show you the steps to set up a footer in Gmail and what to include to make your email even more effective.
The words “footer” and “email signature” are very similar notions that are often mixed up. There is, however, a slight but crucial difference between the two terms:
The difference is small! In fact, even Gmail doesn't really distinguish between the two concepts: generally speaking, when you want to add a footer to Gmail, you use the email Signature function.
There are several ways to add your contact details to Gmail. Let's take a quick look at them!
This is the easiest way to add occasional information when you have a small business or are a freelancer. Once you've written your email, you can simply type your contact details manually at the bottom of the email.
The main problem with this technique is that you'll have to repeat the process for every email. Not ideal when you want to save time and energy.
By the way, setting up Gmail rules can also help streamline your workflow!
If you want a more automated solution, you can also use Gmail's email Signature feature. This method is suitable for small businesses that want to automate repetitive tasks and improve consistency across their emails.
To do this, you can either manually enter your text information or add your own email signature in image format. The image will then appear automatically in your emails. We describe how to do this further down in the article.
For larger companies that want to standardize their footers and foster more consistent communication, there are also external solutions for creating and managing signatures.
The Letsignit tool, for example, allows you to design interactive professional email signatures with personalized information for each employee. All of this is aligned with your visual identity and current communication strategy!
You probably already know what essential information to include at the end of your message: your name, job title, contact details, etc. But a footer can also include additional elements that make your emails more engaging! Here are a few suggestions.
Why not include a banner in your footer? A banner is a visual element (often clickable) added to the end of an email. It can contain various links and information depending on your communication objectives: call to action, announcement of a new offer, internal event, etc.
When used alongside your signature, the banner helps you make your emails more interactive, inviting your audience to come and meet you or take action!
And if you receive a lot of replies, consider setting up your Gmail filters to stay organized.
Take advantage of the footer to remind people of your company's values by adding its slogan, tagline, or a quote. A well-chosen phrase can foster an emotional connection with your brand while affirming its personality.
Don't forget to use the formatting tools to highlight your slogan and add your personal touches.
Creative touches can make your communication stand out! Use the Gmail footer to add unexpected visual elements (as long as they remain relevant).
Consider, for example:
Your time and that of the people you email is precious: make your life easier by adding a button dedicated to making appointments online to the footer. Not only does this save you time, but it also shows your reader that you respect their availability. A practical and modern addition that will suit freelancers and SMEs alike.
Please note: in Gmail, the options for adding buttons are limited. You will need to opt for a simple format, either by adding a phrase or emoji (such as the calendar emoji) with a link, or by using a clickable image.
Tip: to simplify tasks like scheduling while keeping your data secure, don't forget to create a Gmail alias!
QR codes are still relatively rare in emails. And yet, they can accomplish many things, such as redirecting to your website, your portfolio, your social networks, a contact form, and more. A real gateway to your company's world!
Please note: Gmail allows you to integrate a QR code, but only in the form of a static image. Animated QR codes in HTML or JavaScript format are not recognized by the email software.
Setting up a footer in the Gmail app is straightforward. As mentioned above, footers and email signatures are basically considered the same here. So to fill in a footer with your details, you need to use the email signature function:
Your footer/signature is ready and will automatically include all the details you have just added.
To always make sure that all important info is included in your emails, simply enable Gmail sync on your devices. You'll be able to review your emails anytime, anywhere!
To easily change your Gmail footer/signature, simply go to the email Signature section by following the steps described above, then make your changes in the editing area. Click on Save changes: your footer will be automatically updated for future correspondence.
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More than a simple text box, the Gmail footer helps make your emails more informative and visually consistent. All you have to do is add elements that reflect your brand and communication style.
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