Missing e-mail signature is a pet peeve

I used to have a boss who would ask, "Do you know what really burns my butt?" And, after working for him for almost 9 years, I still humored him by saying, "no, what?" And he would then hold his hand at that level and say, "Oh, a flame about this high." I'll probably always remember that little bit of comic relief to our stressful work environment.

Do you want to know what irks me sometimes? When I receive an e-mail from a business person and there is nothing below their name in the body of the e-mail. And then, they ask me to call them.

Why does this bother me so much? I can name a number of things.

First, as a marketer, I see this as a missed opportunity of major proportions. How many times a day do we send out an e-mail and not take advantage of this simple carrier pigeon to deliver a little extra in our message? Example content might include: your company name, your title, your web address, your blog address, your facebook page address, your linkedin profile address, your twitter name, your phone number, your company credo, a special you are currently promoting, etc., etc., etc.

I'll go out on a limb and guess that perhaps it's an oversight or that those with missing signatures need help setting theirs up. Do you need help setting up an effective e-mail signature?

Would love to hear from you.

Kellee Gabel
The Web Professional, Inc.
www.thewebprofessional.com
888-614-7776 x1

Staying cool in this heat wave

The heat is oppressive across the country.

Today when I went to run errands, I found the thermometer outside our door, which has withstood winter's double digits in the negative, had exploded. Out in my car, temperatures ranged from 97-103 along my route. Whew!

If you're stuck indoors, and hopefully you've got AC, what are you doing to stay cool without becoming bored?

One part of my errands that was refreshing was a stop at the local library to grab a few books. The place was teaming with people of all ages - babies sweetly babbling over picture books, elderly people visiting with librarians, children riding their bikes into the parking lot (and holding open the doors for their elders), a young father juggling a baby in a car seat being towed by two more "grown up," eager readers who were oblivious to the heat, just excited about the library.

This visit to what has been a lifelong source of education, entertainment and enlightenment in my life reminded me of the importance of the library system. Even working in the industry of online marketing, I sincerely hope physical libraries won't be done away with by the takeover of the digital platforms. The ability for a child to sit with a parent reading a book or to find a cool place to hang out in the summer that is not only enriching, but entertaining, puts a golden spotlight on the value of reading and the library system.

Reading is a great escape into worlds we may never touch or see. When it's too cold or warm out to be outdoors, and you can't dive into a pool, river or lake, dive into a book... at your local library.

How does your weekly e-Newsletter stack up?

I am constantly asked by customers, what is the right frequency for sending out newsletters. Today I was reminded why that's such an important question.

Content is always a big consideration. Yes, I have to agree that exposure is important; however, if you have nothing new or of value to deliver to your recipient, reconsider the "impression" you are making.

I subscribe to several newsletters. Some, not by my own choice, yet sent to me after I've merely met someone at an event, and they add me to their list. Usually I read these on occasion only. Sometimes I am drawn in, and become a fan. This morning, I received my weekly e-mail from a networking "acquaintance."

Cue the violins! Today I unsubscribed. Why? Pretty much the same message every week.

The ability to unsubscribe is a nice feature, and it certainly doesn't mean I no longer like this person. Unsubscribing isn't a personal affront, but it does send a strong message. Make your message useful and I'll continue on your list. Your recipient may not have time to read all the messages they receive, so think about it.

Would your rather hear:

When I can't read your newsletter, I feel disappointment.

OR

When I read your newsletter, I feel disappointment.

So, what does this mean to the publisher of any newsletter?

. Content over frequency.
. Deliver something useful.
. If you have nothing to say, skip it

Here's an idea, when you're stumped for a good topic, spend the time you would normally use to compose your newsletter to brainstorm on future topics and research. Make a schedule of those topics and make sure what you write about them is as interesting as possible.

Have a glorious day.

Kellee Gabel
The Web Professional, Inc.