Why I put my photo in my email signature

I would say that most people?don’t?put their photo in their email signature, but I really don’t know why. Maybe it wasn’t the “done” thing when email signatures came about, or maybe it’s because there are myths about using images.?

For example, some people have an email signature nicely designed, but then they don’t know how to convert this design to HTML and so they just include the signature as a full image. Here are several reasons why this is NOT a good idea:

-???????The signature won’t be responsive and so may look super cramped on a mobile device and the information may not even be readable

-???????You cannot include any hyperlinks to your website or social media

-???????Recipients cannot copy and paste the information, which is quite annoying

-???????It’s more likely to be rejected by spam filters

So, maybe this is the information that people have heard and avoid putting their own photo in their email signature.?

However, in a correctly-coded HTML signature, there's no reason why you shouldn't include a personal photo. I’m providing 5 reasons why I choose to put my photo in my email signature, and why you should too!

It’s way more personal?

Emails can feel a little bit cold, with just some words on a screen going back and forth. Think about communication you’ve had with someone you’ve never met, but then think how that feels after you’ve met them – so much easier, for some reason! If you include your photo in the email signature, it puts a face to the name and the recipient may read the email in a much more friendly way.?

It just looks nicer!

Let’s face it, adding an image and some colour to your email signature just makes it look nicer! You can add your logo for some brand recognition too, but having a photo brightens up the end of your email and just looks better!

Naturally, this is a great idea for a creative agency like us, but it may not always be appropriate for your industry. For example, take a look at the below – probably not appropriate to have a smiley image in your signature!

(Screenshot taken from Gimmio Blog)

Easier when you meet

Have you ever arranged a face-to-face meeting with someone over email? You pick a coffee shop/restaurant, but when you arrive, it’s sooooo awkward because you have no idea what they look like!

Unless you’ve done a bit of internet stalking, you could end up introducing yourself to the wrong person or just left feeling a bit silly.?

If you have your photo in your email signature, then they know who they’re looking for!?

Adds legitimacy

Unfortunately, we’re in an era where scams and cons are just a thing. There are thousands of phishing scams going on daily, and so many cold email outreaches that it feels like we get more fake emails than real ones these days!

If you include your photo in your email signature, it shows that you’re a real person! I mean, there are also scammers doing this with stock photos, but hopefully that should be more obvious.?

Anticipating discrimination

This last reason is so disappointing, but it’s actually the main reason why I chose to include my photo in my email signature.?

Before I did have a photo, I used to arrange several meetings with companies, only to be turned away at their offices for some ridiculous reasons. Of course, I can never prove why they have suddenly chosen not to take the meeting with me most of the time, but on occasion, I have had feedback from other staff members that it’s due to the colour of my skin.?

I even had someone tell me to my face that I should disclose that I am black before booking a meeting with someone. I couldn’t believe it.?

So, I decided to put my photo in my email signature, so people can see what I look like and they can decide whether my looks bother them.?

At the end of the day, I think seeing someone’s smiling face somewhat brightens up a boring email! So, I hope that I see more of you including your photo in your email signature soon!