How to Add a Gmail Signature [Step by Step Guide]

In the 21st century, the email signature has successfully replaced the business card. It’s a must-have for all modern workers, and it’s critical to creating a lasting impression, not only for you, but for your business. If you’re ready to create a fresh email signature in Gmail, we’ve got you covered. Read on for the […]

How to Add a Gmail Signature [Step by Step Guide]

In the 21st century, the email signature has successfully replaced the business card. It’s a must-have for all modern workers, and it’s critical to creating a lasting impression, not only for you, but for your business.

If you’re ready to create a fresh email signature in Gmail, we’ve got you covered. Read on for the basics of how to set up your Gmail signature, how to change it, and how to add an image or logo. Finally, we’ll share email signature best practices to follow for maximum results, plus some examples of professional signatures you can pull from.

Here’s everything you need to know about setting up your signature in Gmail.

How to Set Up Your Gmail Signature [4 Step Process]

Step 1. Open Gmail

Step 2. In the top right, click on the gear icon, then click ‘Settings’ to access Gmail Settings:

Step 3. Scroll down to the ‘Signature’ section, click the button next to your Gmail account, and add your signature text in the available box:

You’ll also notice formatting options you can utilize to change the text style or add images and links.

Step 4. When you’re satisfied with your signature, click ‘Save Changes’ at the bottom of the page. There you have it you’ve added you Gmail signature.

How to Set Up Your Gmail Signature On The Mobile App

Step 1. Open the Gmail app and find the three-line (hamburger) menu at the top left, and tap on it

Gmail Signature On The Mobile App

Step 2. After you’ve opened the menu, navigate down and tap Settings

Gmail Signature On The Mobile App

Step 3. Once you’ve tapped Settings, you can select the Signature settings option

Gmail Signature On The Mobile App

Step 4. Turn Mobile Signature on

Gmail Signature On The Mobile App

Step 5. Edit your signature, then save and it will begin appearing in your emails.

Benefits Of Adding A Gmail Signature in 2024

There are several advantages to having a signature such as:

  1. Professionalism – When you have an email signature, your recipients will know that you really mean business. While it only takes a little extra effort, the positive influence you have on your reputation is well worth it.
  2. Clarity – Leave no doubt in your prospect’s mind. Tell them where to find you, what to do next, and how to contribute to your cause.
  3. Hook – Bring your recipient’s a little closer to taking action. Make a big promise or inject urgency to communicate the importance of your email.
  4. Be Remembered – The biggest mistake you can make is being forgotten. In today’s busy email world, you need to add a signature to truly stick in peoples’ minds.

How to Change Your Gmail Signature

The instructions above also apply if you need to change or tweak your signature. If you find yourself needing to change it often, consider using canned responses. Using canned responses is helpful if you have multiple email signatures, or are operating several companies (or working different roles) from the same inbox.

Right Inbox is a must have for any power email user that needs multiple Gmail signatures, or changes there signature regularly.

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How to Add an Image Into Your Gmail Signature

Adding images is a great way to spice up your signature and leave a lasting impression. With Gmail, you have several options to do this.

Step 1. Add images already saved in your Google Drive account:

Note: If you use this option, make sure the image is shared publicly first

Step 2. Upload an image from your desktop or drag files into Google Drive:

Step 3. Upload an image using an image URL:

Professional Gmail Signature Best Practices

In a nutshell, only include the essentials. Ultimately, what really matters? Your name, position, and company. A phone number is helpful as well, but if you don’t really use your fax or office line, then omit them. Many people don’t adhere to this next piece of advice, but if you truly want to keep it simple, cut your email address – your recipient already has it by virtue of receiving your email.

Incorporating social media links creates more context and builds greater exposure. Be sure to only include social media sites you actually use (and update) on a regular basis. For instance, it’s unlikely this person has a strong social presence across all these platforms:

Image Source: Exclaimer

A signature like this looks too busy and provides no clear direction for a would-be prospect or curious recipient. On the other hand, the example below shows a minimalist email signature that tactfully uses social media links in a more conservative fashion:

Image Source: Yesware

Adding a call-to-action is a fantastic strategy to generate more attention for your website, get more referrals, or attract a bigger following on social media. The call-to-action can be as simple as a short phrase and a link recipients can click, or a button enticing them to ‘Learn More’. Whatever you decide to use, make sure it’s bold and stands out from the rest of your signature. Here’s a solid example in action:

Image Source: Hubspot

The banner image definitely stands out in her signature, highlighting an ebook on home automation. Clicking on it is a simple and easy next step for anyone receiving the email.

Including an image is a smart strategy to make yourself more memorable. A simple company logo, headshot, or banner can be effective, but be sure not to overdo it. Keep it relevant, and make sure it doesn’t look too busy or disorganized. Here’s an example:

Image Source: Email Monks

The logo used here is unique and eye-catching, which makes the sender’s email more memorable and professional-looking.

Stylize with purpose by using text in a color that matches your brand’s color scheme. While you’re at it, consider whether your signature is optimized for mobile. You can do so by keeping images small to prevent distortion. Be sure to shorten any email addresses and website links if they overrun the screen.

Image Source: WiseStamp

The email signature above keeps lines short and doesn’t waste any space. It also uses a green color that pops to make the sender’s name and information stand out.

Treat your signature like what it truly is – advertising real estate. It can support your brand, promote your social media pages, provide context, highlight awards, drive website traffic, and more. Ultimately, it’s best to keep it relevant, purposeful, and true to you and your company’s image.

To do that, keep your email signature short and sweet. Don’t add too much fluff that draws attention away from your overall message. Consider adding social media links to give recipients an easy way to learn more about you and your company. Add images to give your email more of a brand identity, or simply add a banner to highlight an important message or call-to-action. Finally, be sure your email signature is optimized for mobile, and is styled with a professional look and feel.

Additional Reading: Gmail Signature Examples

Right Inbox’s Email Signature Feature

For extra flexibility, you can use Right Inbox’s email signature feature. Since its launch, it’s now possible to create and insert your own sign-offs with just the click of a button.

The benefits of the Right Inbox Signature feature

The best part about the Right Inbox Signature button is that you can create multiple signatures and store them within the Signatures feature.

If you wear a number of hats day-to-day – perhaps you do a lot of cold emailing but you also use your email account to catch up with friends and family – Right Inbox lets you easily switch between different sign-offs.

Although you can choose your default email signature, as you can in Outlook and Gmail, it’s much easier to switch to a different signature depending on who you’re emailing. You don’t need to go into ‘Settings’ and manually change your signature each time you want to sign off differently.

The feature is also super-easy to set up and use in your day-to-day emailing – your signatures are all stored in one place, inserting a signature just takes one click, and you can manage your various signatures quickly and easily.

Using the Right Inbox Signature Button Within an Email

To insert your chosen signature into your email:

  1. Open a new email.
  2. Click the Signature
  3. Your default signature will be inserted into your email.
  4. Alternatively, you can click on the right-hand side arrow and choose from your list of saved signatures in the drop-down.

Adding an Email Signature Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why can’t I add a Signature to my Gmail?

A lot of people are not able to add their signature to Gmail because they go about it the wrong way. You cannot add a signature from the compose window in Gmail. Instead, you need to go into your settings — but no worries, all of the steps to add a signature in Gmail are outlined above.

How do you copy and paste a signature?

You can copy and paste your signature’s text (such as your name and contact information) just like you would with anything else. However, when it comes to images, you need to upload them or ensure they are hosted online first. Read the steps above in this article to learn step by step.

Can I add a logo to my Gmail signature?

Yes, you can easily add a logo to your Gmail signature. However, there are some steps involved that you might not have thought of. Follow the step by step instructions above to ensure your logo appears for all of your recipients in your signature.

How do I make my signature look professional in Gmail?

Simply putting your signature in plain text form won’t be very impressive. Instead, you want to consider adding colors, links and images. Adding extras to your signature to create a professional look is straightforward, just use an app like Right Inbox to automate the process.

Does your Gmail Signature have to have your full name?

There are no rules or regulations regarding your email signature within Gmail. However, best practices typically involve putting your full name and best form of co

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David Campbell

David Campbell is the editor of the Right Inbox blog. He is passionate about email productivity and getting more done in less time.

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