If you run a small business, my guess is that you’re always looking for ways to promote and advertise your products and services to the world. Although there are many ways to promote your business, we sometimes forget of the simple “low cost” ways that are available to us. They are Email Signatures and Business Cards – two of the most affordable, convenient and very effective ways to promote your business.

You’re probably saying “well duh??” – Sure, most of us use some sort of email signature when writing emails and we all have business cards (well, most of us anyway…the rest of us are in the process of getting new business cards to replace the old ones that are sitting in a closet somewhere collecting dust). Yes, we all know what an email signature is and we’re all aware of the benefit of business cards. But the big question is… are you “effectively” using these tools as much as you can? I’m guessing No!

The reason I say no is because I communicate via email everyday and I speak with many small business owners and I’m constantly witnessing the lack of proper use of business cards and email signatures.

Let’s take a closer look at our two options.

1. Email Signature

Inserting an email signature is probably one of the simplest, convenient, cost effective (FREE) ways to promote your business. We all communicate through email so there’s really no excuse. I receive dozens of emails daily and I’m constantly communicating with folks from various professions and it’s amazing how so many people forget to include an email signature in their emails. I found it to be very effective. I personally make it an effort to include a signature in all my emails (both newly created emails and replies – see example above).

It’s very important to note is that you want your email signature to be subtle, very professional and not over the top. Sometimes I see email signatures with photos, logos, etc. That’s fine and all but it can be a bit distracting. I say keep it simple. Just create a simple text-base email signature that includes your name, title, company name, company tag line, address, and contact information (phone, email address, etc.). Then all you have to do is either set your email client to include your email automatically or remember to insert your signature when creating or replying to every email.

You might be asking, should you include a signature on all emails, even the quick informal emails to friends and family? I say yes! Even when communicating with friends and family members that already know what you do, know who you are and what business you run. It’s always good to have it there as a reminder and for branding purposes. For example, my wife recently became a real estate agent, and I totally forget sometimes. I remember speaking to someone who was in market to buy a new home, and I totally forgot to mention my wife as a potential option for a Realtor. It wasn’t branded in my head and I totally blew it. So communicating with my wife via email and seeing an email signature there now is good advertisement and a strong branding presence.

2. Business Cards

Business cards have always been a great marketing and business tool. But quite often, there are interactions that I have with small business owners or professionals where I’m not presented with a business card. And really, there’s no excuse. Business cards are low cost and can be very effective. There are many places you can purchase quality professional business cards from at reasonable prices. Here are two companies I’ve used in the past:

http://www.jakprints.com/
http://www.4by6.com/

The point I’m making here is to drive home the idea of using business cards and presenting them to people whenever possible. I would say whenever you meet someone whether it is in a formal or informal setting, be sure to hand out your business card. A professional business card will establish and brand your business in the mind of the other person as a legit and qualified business.

In Conclusion

The two ideas I mention in this blog article (email signature and business cards) are nothing new, but mainly reminders of two very inexpensive (almost free) ways to promote your business. As a small business owner, not having a huge marketing budget is common – so why not take advantage of these convenient and effective marketing mediums whenever possible.

If you have any questions on setting up an email signature or designing a business card, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Good luck with your business!