How to Include Social Icons & Links in Email Signatures

The process of adding social badges and links to your email signature will vary depending on your email provider. This will cover the basic steps but feel free to call us if you have questions.

Step 1 - Gather your social links
You will need to know the URL of the social media pages or website you would like to link to. (hint: URL's start with http:// or https://) Have these handy in a text document so you can copy and paste.

Step 2 - Open your email client & take the steps necessary to modify your signature for outgoing messages
Depending on your email provider this may be listed under options or customize settings. Navigate to the section where it will allow you to type/paste content that will appear in your signature.

Step 3 - Click Here to Choose Your Social Icons (Located and hosted on our public photo album)If it doesn't automatically open - click on the Social Icons gallery - it will open a screen that shows several social media icons. There's a variety to choose from - these are public icons and we offer no warranty or sale of the designs. We reserve the right to remove or replace icons at our discretion.

Step 4 - Copy the Social Badge You Want
Right click directly on the social media graphic (ie: Twitter, Facebook) and click "Copy" (Because our gallery is publicly hosted, these graphics can be included in your email signature without appearing as an attachment.)

Step 5 - Go to Your Email Signature & Paste
Go to the screen that has your email signature box - either right click and select paste or hold down the Ctrl+V (Control and 'V' Key). The social icon graphic should appear.

Step 6 - Type a Call to Action

Type a simple call to action (ie: Follow us, Become a Fan, Read our Articles) next to the graphic. (It helps to give people a reason to connect - ie: 'Like us for Coupons')

Step 7 - Link the Call to Action
Highlight the text (not the graphic) and click the email link button (usually a globe or a chain link image). Then copy the corresponding link from Step 1 and paste it into the link box. Click Ok. You may need to hit enter or the spacebar in between the graphics for proper layout.

Repeat steps #4 through #7 until all badges are pasted in and the calls to action are linked. Click Save and Voila - your signature is done!


Example:
'Like' Us on Facebook
Follow Us on Twitter
Read Our Blog

Big Name Companies Opt for Simple Logo Designs: Should You Follow the Trend?

EBay recently joined other big names like Microsoft and Apple not for a new release of a mini tablet or operating system but for remodeling their iconic logo. This has many business owners looking at their own brand and wondering if there is merit to this trend.

Deven Wenig, president of eBay, had this to say about the logo:

Our refreshed logo is rooted in our proud history and reflects a dynamic future. It’s eBay today: a global online marketplace that offers a cleaner, more contemporary and consistent experience, with innovation that makes buying and selling easier and more enjoyable. We retained core elements of our logo, including our iconic color palette. Our vibrant eBay colors and touching letters represent our connected and diverse eBay community – more than 100 million active users and 25 million sellers globally and growing.
 

Obviously when a business decides to change their logo - risk is involved as well as re-branding numerous products including everything from websites to sales materials to the sign on the building. However, as most small businesses look to the big names as examples, it's hard to miss the current trend.

Simple...is in!

What do I mean? Well let's look at some recent big name logo changes.

Starbucks

It's meager beginnings in Seattle are the stuff of legend and while you can find their iconic coffee house seemingly everywhere these days, Starbucks has become more than just a place to get a cup of joe. This is the very reason Starbucks claims they made the logo change in early 2011. To be fair, this was the fourth logo remodel in forty years but it was one major detail that had people fuming. The coffee giant removed the words "Starbucks Coffee." Was this a smart move? Simplifying a logo to simple, flat color for more ease of use on products and marketing materials is often implemented but should you remove your company name? The controversy can still be found in forums and chat rooms but for the most part - people are still buying coffee and scones and enjoying free wi-fi in their local Starbucks.

Microsoft

In August of this year, Microsoft rolled out a new logo - the first change in 25 years. The black typeface synonymous with the computer giant has been it's identity since 1987 although it has been accompanied by the 'colorful windows' or flag icon in many different forms. In fact it's the flag modification that is quickly noticable. Gone is the sweeping, dimensional image, replaced by four color squares that represent the company's products. A microsoft spokeswoman has since released a statement that the "flag" was never officially part of the Microsoft logo, and that this is the first time Microsoft has added a symbol - the four squares - to its company logo. Still - formally or not - Microsoft had a 'look' that has become drastically more simple. Was it the right move?


Transformations Can Be Successful (While Others Can Confuse)

Of course, remodeling a company logo is not a new trend. It's been going on for years and there are some companies who have been wildly successful at it. For example: Apple first set out to simplify it's rainbow apple icon so that it would be easier to display on their products (a pretty good reason to consider changing a logo especially when you are a product producing company). So Apple went stark and simple and it worked. They've sinced added a little glitz and style to their apple which has maintained their company image while enhancing the elegance of their products.

Now while some find a remodel can refine a company image - in other cases it can confuse the customer. An example is JC Penney who has morphed from a stylized box to a hollow square and letters that barely resemble their initial image. Will this transformation be for the better? We'll see.

Small Business Take Away

It's hard to ignore this trend of simple, flat color, two-dimensional logo designs. When it comes to your own business brand - make sure your logo sends the right message and represents your company accurately. If your logo could use a little remodel - then do some research. What are other industry names doing? Are their logo's simple like Starbucks, Ebay, Microsoft, Apple and JC Penny? If so, it's possible you could be better served with a simple logo design.

Easy Business Answers: How to Create a Business Logo Design?

Welcome to Qlixite answers where we ask the box to go beyond it. We take common questions that business owners have and give you easy, straightforward answers you can actually use!

Today’s we’re asking the box a branding question about logo design.

Do I need a logo?
The truth is, despite the old adage, people DO judge a book by it’s cover. Your logo is the “cover” to your business. It’s the first thing a potential customer sees (whether it’s on your business card, a website or storefront signage). A logo promotes your professionalism and instills trust to your customer that you are a legitimate business.

  Can a logo be just text?
Yes! Many companies have been very successful with a text-based logo. Be aware that certain fonts will convey different messages about your brand.
For example:
• A block font can express a clean, modern or assertive presence
• A decorative or serif font can express creativity, humor or elegance
Avoid using overly common fonts that can appear less professional.

What  kind of graphics should a logo have? 
Many business use a shape or graphic to establish a visual identity. Think of companies like Starbucks, Twitter and Apple. Their graphics are not necessarily complex but the images are distinct – in most cases a customer can identify the company without seeing the name . A word of warning, if you choose a generic image, be aware that other businesses could have your graphic too which will make branding more difficult.

What about color?
A good rule of thumb when creating your logo is to see if it passes a few color tests …

#1 Black and White – Reviewing how your logo looks in black and white can catch a variety of problems right away and will ensure that your logo can be easily transferred onto items like ink pens or shirts.

#2 Flat Color  – This helps you look at how the colors are laid out without adding the details of shading. Reducing your logo to flat colors can allow you to pick up areas that are unclear or cluttered.

#3 Background – Inevitably, there will be a time when your logo needs to be displayed on a light or dark background. Try it out now! If you want to make sure your logo is only viewed on one kind of background, you may have to incorporate a shape, like a box or circle to make it easily transferable onto any color.

Do I need a graphic designer to make a logo?
Of course not! However, it’s important to note that a professional graphic designer knows how to convert your brand into a variety of print-ready formats including vector files and web optimized graphics. This is not as easy to do if you create your logo in a program like MS Word.

One final point…
Whether your logo is simple or complex – it should be memorable. It should stand out from your competition in the same way that your business stands out. Be sure to show your logo design to friends, family and current clients to get feedback. You’d hate to be memorable for the wrong reasons like these guys who ranked in the tip 10 worst logos online.

As always, let’s end with our high five review... a logo design should…
• Include text in a font style that matches your company
• Include a unique graphic or shape
• Pass color tests to ensure it can be used easily
• Be convertible to multiple formats that are print and web ready for future use
• Be memorable and get positive feedback from your customer base

We hope this video helps you to better understand logo design and how it can impact your business….

Stay updated as we add new videos on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or see how we can make your business life easier at Qlixite.com

Business Email Signatures are Effective Marketing

When you're a small business, you live by the mantra that EVERYTHING YOU DO IS SALES. Keeping that in mind, email Signatures are easy to do and can help represent your business with personality and professionalism....but it can be easy to get it wrong! Let's get it right with Qlixite!

Why do I need an email signature?

It may seem menial that you need to re-state who you are to the person you are sending an email to but your business email signature will affect the tone of every email you write. Think of it as virtual professional letterhead from your company. Here are some tips to making a professional signtaure that sets your business apart.



Our Qlixite Email Signature through Email Ideas.com

Start Off on the Right Foot

Is your email address professional?
First and foremost, the sender’s header (the “From” field) should have a name, and you should use a company email address if you can. If someone sees stinker747@gmail.com, they’ll suspect it’s spam or a personal email. If the sender’s header reads, “Susan Jones - ABC Enterprises” <susan@abcenterprises.com>, they’ll know it’s a professional email from a business person.

Is your website a link?
Make it as easy as possible for people to get to your website. Many email clients convert email addresses and websites into links automatically, but not always. You may need to make sure 'http://' or 'www.' appears to ensure the link will work properly. Instead of linking text like “My website,” type out the URL, which will be useful for those who want to copy and paste the address.

Is you signature longer than your thumb?
Okay it doesn't need to be an exact measure of your finger but an email signature should be clear an concise (three to four lines is usually enough). Don’t get into your life story here. The purpose of a signature is to let them see who you are and how to get in touch with you - you don't need to give every phone, fax, cell or email you own - give your preferred method of contact.

The Meat of Your Email Signature

Include...
• Your Name
• Your Company Name and Position
• How to get in touch with you

Do NOT include...
• Personal links to Twitter, Facebook, IM or Skype sites
• Your home phone number or address
• Random quotes at the bottom
• Your entire skill set or resume in bullet form

Random quotes are fun for friends, but you risk offending business associates with whom you don’t have a personal relationship. Unless you want clients contacting you while you’re watching Lost, don’t share your home details. Also, don’t share your personal contact information with your business partners. They certainly won’t be interested in it, and you may not want them to know certain details about you. However, mentioning your business Twitter account or alternative means of contact in your signature might be useful, in case your correspondent is not able to get in touch with you by regular email.

Example of an Unprofessional Email Signature


Steve Stevenson, Web Designer
web: http://www.misterstevenson.com/
blog: blogspot.celebritiesneedhelp.com
email: steve@misterstevenson.com

home: 613.555.2654
home (wife): 613.555.3369
work: 613.555.9876
cell: 613.555.1234

55 Drury Lane
Apartment 22
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada

twitter: @stevie_liverpool_fan
skype: stevie_the_man
messenger: stevie_mrstevenson

I specialize in:
Website design
Graphic design
Logo design
Front-end development
UI design

“Flying may not be all plain sailing, but the fun of it is
worth the price.” -Amelia Aerheart

Images and Logos
As much as you may want to get fancy with your email signature, there are downsides. Your entire signature should not be an image. Sure, it will look exactly how you want, but it is completely impractical. Not only does an image increase the email’s file size, but it could be blocked before being opened.Plus it's impossible to copy information from an image. Any images should be used with care and attention. If you do use one, make it small in both dimensions and size, and make it fit in aesthetically with the rest of the signature. 50 x 50 pixels should be plenty big for any logo. If you want to be taken seriously as a business person, do not make it an animated picture, dancing dog or shooting rainbow!

Most email clients store images as attachments or block them by default. So, if you present your signature as an image, your correspondents will have a hard time guessing when you’ve sent a genuine attachment.

The best way to include an image is to host it on a server somewhere and then use your email client to display the html at the bottom of all of your messages. This can also allow you to make the image linked with a website. Qlixite uses a third party company called EmailIdeas.com which creates easy to use and clickable email signatures. We'll will be reviewing this company very soon as part of our new review series.

Use vCards with Caution

While vCards are useful and convenient way to share contact information, they add bytes and appear as attachments in emails . Using a vCard for your email signature can be helpful the first time you correspond with someone but receiving it every time after that gets annoying. Besides, the average email user won’t know what it is. Look at the example below. Would an average user know what that is?

Personality is OK!
While your signature should be useful and straightforward, it's okay to make your email signature reflect your business. This can also help seperate your email signature from your email content. Whether you use a line, color or spaces - your email signature should be easy to identify.




Working with Your Email Client
Here's a great set of links from Smashing Mag which offers resources to help implement email signatures in Outlook, Gmail or Yahoo etc.

Outlook
Changing Outlook’s signature is a real pain, but here‘s a guide that teaches you a few things. If you use Outlook 2003, here‘s another tutorial on custom signatures.

Entourage
Microsoft’s mail for mac works differently. Here’s a tutorial on how to set it up.

Gmail
Want just one basic signature? Here‘s how to change the text. You’d think Google would allow you multiple signatures, links and a bit of formatting. If you’re looking for something a little more designed or wish to choose between multiple signatures, here are five ways to do it in Firefox.

Hotmail
Tips on custom images and more for Hotmail can be found here. If you use Windows Live, here is a tutorial on adding images and HTML. The detail is helpful, even if the images are awful.

YahooHere‘s how to change your signature using rich text.

Apple MailHere is a pretty decent tutorial, with some inline HTML for formatting. It then explains how to implement it in the application. You even get some hints on how it will look on the iPhone.

Palm Pre
Learn how to customize your message on your Palm Pre here.

iPhone
Customize your “Sent from my iPhone” message here.

BlackBerry
Some information on how to change your message on BlackBerry smartphones here.

---
Steve Stevenson, Web Designer
www.misterstevenson.com | steve@misterstevenson.com

If you do want to provide a vCard, just include a link to a remote copy.

Confidentiality Clauses

If your emails include confidential information, you may need to include a non-disclosure agreement to prevent information leaks. However, good practice is never to send sensitive information as plain text in emails because the information could be extracted by third parties or forwarded by recipients to other people. Thus, including a non-disclosure agreement doesn’t make much sense if you do not send sensitive information anyway.

Keep in mind, too, that the longer a confidentiality clause is, the more unlikely someone will actually read it. Again, check your country’s privacy laws. Some big companies require a disclosure with every email, but if you’re at a small company or are a freelancer and don’t really require it, then don’t put it in. The length of such clauses can be annoying, especially in short emails.

Conclusion
Your email signature is important! Even as I have been writing this article I am recalling all of the times my signature was incomplete, sparse or missing entirely. If you need help or would like some feedback on your business email signature - we're here for you! Let's start 2012 off right by making your business more successful! Call or visit Qlixite 800-596-6218

Create a Branding Website not a Resume for Your Business

It is accepted that every business must have at least a one page website to compete in today's market but the critical question is - what is your one website or many page website saying?  In seconds, a prospective customer can see everything they need to know about whether or not to do business with you.

What is written and how it is written on your website sends a subtle message about you and how knowledgeable and serious you are about your business and your services and products. Too many websites are written like a resume for the business rather than a problem solving option for the customer.  The website is all about the business and not about the customer and his needs.  Meeting the clients' needs should be the most important point.  Customers really don't care how long you have been in business as long as you can perform. Keep the resume and list of services for the 'About Us' page.
A brand is the entire experience a prospect or customer has with your company.  From websites to how the receptionist answers the phone,  For our purpose here we will discuss the website. So how do I create a brand, you ask? Step one, identify the problems or issues that your products or services solve - then focus on the top three. What is your message? To simplify the process - pose a descriptive question that creates emotion or allows the customer to relate?  An example would be "Are you tired of high heating bills?" Who isn't tired of this but the client is prompted to read further for information which may help him with a solution. Offer the solution and position yourself and your business site as the "go to" place for answers.  This is the start to building your brand and who you are.
The next blog will discuss the importance of the images conveyed and how colors and design play a role in your brand. 
Visit us at www.Qlixite.com for hints and help in creating your brand.