How to Change Your Email Signature in Gmail

Gmail offers a lot of easy functionality for everyday business owners and people who want simple tools. Signatures have been around almost as long as email and while they were novel at first, they somehow lost their touch for some time as people got away from the formal nature of a “signature” and tried to make a more personal connection. Today, though, signatures are back and they’re a great resource that you can rely on when composing your emails.

If you’re a Gmail user (like much of the world), you’ll find that changing and updating your signature(s) is quite simple with this platform. 

The case for using signatures 

When you add an email signature to your repertoire, you’re being considerate of your readers and also not assuming that they know who you are. While you can use the Google DMARC to ensure security and take other technical measures, a signature will be a simple addition for making your emails look trustworthy. You’re giving people all the information they could possibly need about you, and you’re trying to leave them with something memorable. The good news is that when you set up your mail signatures, you will be able to implement them quickly and easily so that there are no issues in the future. 

Signatures allow you to give people your URL, social profiles, business address, and any other information that you want them to have. And, you can do it all with a simple “click” or by just replying to emails when you’ve got automatic signatures in place. Signatures offer people a chance to see you as a professional business and brand, not just “Joe” from their favorite shop, for example. 

Creating Gmail signatures 

Gmail has plenty of great resources to help you change your signature, including a resource guide for mobile, desktop computers, and even iPads and iPhone devices. The processes are all fairly similar, but they will require different steps and menu options depending on the version of Gmail that you’re using. 

For example, on an Android device, you simply open the app, click on the menu button in the top left (lines) and then choose the account where you need a signature. Click the “mobile signature” option and enter whatever text you like. Then, tap okay and you’re done. The process is similar for iPads and iPhones. To change your email signature for Gmail on desktop devices, follow these simple instructions:

1. Go to gmail.com
2. Log into your account
3. Click the settings icon (gear) in the top right corner
4. Click See all Settings
5. In the "General" tab, scroll down to the signature section
6. Click the + Create New button
7. Give your new signature a name. If making multiple signatures, be descriptive in the name
8. Add your email signature to the box to the right. (Keep reading for information on what to include in your email signature.)
9. When completed, scroll to the bottom of the page and press "Save changes"

Setting up a mobile-only signature for iPhone

The default email signature set up on gmail.com will be used when sending from the Gmail mobile app, however, iPhone users can override it with a mobile-only signature following these simple instructions.

1. Open the Gmail app on your iPhone.
2. Click the menu icon on the top left.
3. Click settings.
4. Click to open the account you'd like to set up a signature for.
5. Click "Signature Settings".
6. Toggle on "Mobile Signature"
7. Type the mobile-only signature you'd like to use.

You can add images, change the bullet styles, and otherwise enhance your signature when you’re changing things up on Google. Once you’re done, just click the “save changes” button and you can get to sending mail without ever having to worry about whether you signed off on your message again. 

Can I have more than one?

Like most email providers, Gmail allows users to have multiple signatures on file. You can save one or you can save a few and then use them when the time is right. You can pick and choose the signature on every email, so feel free to create as many as you’d like to address your audience(s) and effectively get their attention. 

You will need to keep track of these signatures, too, of course, which includes trying to figure out which one goes with which message and making sure that the wrong one never ends up in the totally wrong inbox. Your boss doesn’t need to know you made your husband a heart-shaped sandwich because you love him—try to keep your business and personal email accounts separate and have signatures for each that you can employ as they are needed. 

What should signatures include?

There are several components that make up a solid signature. Obviously, your name and job title will come first (if you’re setting up a business email). Then, you’ll want to consider adding things like your website or social media profiles, as well as the physical address of your business or anything else that you wish to convey. Some people use their signatures to share enlightening or motivational quotes that they live by—this can be a good idea too. 

Ask Google

The good news is that Google has a great section that is designed to help people create the most eye-catching signatures and store them until they’re needed. Gmail Help talks about how to create a signature, how to change signatures, and even the process involved in managing more than one signature if that is something that you need to do. 

We’ve got you started on this one—now it’s your turn to take the reins and see what happens. Google is there to help you along the way, too, so you don’t have to worry about doing it alone. Just remember to use your signature space wisely and consider it both free advertising and an extension of your business. 

And while you’re asking, why not see what Smith.ai can do to assist you?

With easy-to-use platforms like Google, we find that many smaller companies and solopreneurs are trying to grow their business and their employee base all at once. We’ll handle lead intake and scheduling, after-hours answering, live website chat, and so much more. Plus, we’ll work with you to create the ideal strategy to manage every last detail. 

If you’re busy managing your business, you won’t have to worry about who’s answering the phones or if you’re missing any opportunities. When that email signature starts capturing leads, the dedicated virtual receptionists at Smith.ai will be there to answer the call. 

To learn more, schedule a consultation to discuss what the 24/7 virtual receptionists at Smith.ai can do for your business. You can also reach us at hello@smith.ai or (650) 727-6484.