What Is an Email Footer and How Can It Benefit Your Business?
By Emil Kristensen CMO
@ Sleeknote

An email footer is the section that appears at the bottom of every email you send out. While often overlooked, the email footer can play a vital role in the success of your business. It serves as a point of contact and provides critical information to the recipient, such as your company’s contact details, legal information, and a call-to-action. In this article, we will dive into the importance of email footers and how they can benefit your business.

The Purpose of an Email Footer

The primary purpose of an email footer is to provide a professional look to your emails and help recipients identify who you are and how they can contact you. In addition to this, email footers can also help you adhere to legal requirements, boost your brand’s image and drive traffic to your website and social media channels. By having a well-designed email footer, you can make your emails look polished and professional, which can help build trust and credibility with your audience.

Another important function of an email footer is to provide recipients with the option to unsubscribe from your mailing list. This is not only a legal requirement in many countries, but it also helps to maintain a positive relationship with your subscribers. By giving them the option to opt-out, you are respecting their preferences and reducing the likelihood of them marking your emails as spam. Additionally, including links to your privacy policy and terms of service in your email footer can help to establish transparency and trust with your audience.

Why Email Footers Are Important for Your Business

Email footers are important for your business as they provide a range of benefits, such as:

  • Increasing brand visibility and recognition
  • Providing important information to recipients
  • Complying with legal requirements
  • Encouraging engagement and participation with your brand
  • Driving traffic to your website and social media channels

In addition to the benefits listed above, email footers can also help to establish trust and credibility with your audience. By including your company’s contact information, such as your physical address and phone number, recipients can feel more confident in the legitimacy of your business. Furthermore, email footers can also provide an opportunity to showcase any awards or certifications your business has received, further enhancing your credibility and reputation.

Key Components of an Effective Email Footer

A well-designed email footer should include the following key components:

  • Your company’s name and logo
  • Contact information, including your address, phone number, and email address
  • Social media icons linking to your social media profiles
  • Your unsubscribe link for compliance with anti-spam legislation
  • A call-to-action, such as a link to your website or a promotional offer

How to Design an Eye-Catching Email Footer

To design an eye-catching email footer, you should consider the visual design, layout, and content. Your email footer should be visually appealing, easy to read, and fit within your brand’s guidelines and identity. Use fonts, colors, and images that are consistent with your brand to reinforce your messaging and make a lasting impression on recipients.

Additionally, it’s important to include relevant information in your email footer. This can include links to your social media profiles, contact information, and a call-to-action. By including these elements, you can encourage recipients to engage with your brand beyond the initial email and potentially convert them into customers. However, be careful not to overload your footer with too much information, as this can be overwhelming and detract from the overall design and message of your email.

Best Practices for Including Important Information in Your Email Footer

When including important information in your email footer, it is best to keep it concise and relevant. Your email footer should include all necessary contact information and legal requirements, but also provide value to the recipient with a call-to-action, such as a newsletter sign-up, social media follow, or promotional offer. Keep in mind that the email footer is the last thing the recipient sees, so make the most out of it by making it memorable and actionable.

Using Your Email Footer to Drive Traffic to Your Website and Social Media Channels

Your email footer can be an effective tool for driving traffic to your website and social media channels. By including links to your website and social media profiles, you can encourage recipients to engage with your brand and increase your online presence. Consider including promotions or special offers in your email footer to entice recipients to visit your website or follow your social media channels.

Compliance and Legal Requirements for Your Email Footer

It is important to include compliance and legal requirements in your email footer to avoid potential legal issues. Depending on where you are located, the type of business you run, and the content of your emails, different legal requirements may apply. Common legal requirements include the CAN-SPAM Act in the US, the GDPR in the European Union, and CASL in Canada. Make sure to research the legal requirements for your business and include them in your email footer.

Examples of Great Email Footers from Successful Businesses

There are many great examples of email footers from successful businesses that you can draw inspiration from. Some examples include Apple, Amazon, and Google, who all have simple yet effective email footers that provide the necessary information and a call-to-action. Keep in mind that your email footer should be tailored to your brand and audience, so take inspiration from these examples, but make it your own.

Measuring the Success of Your Email Footer: Key Metrics to Track

Tracking the success of your email footer can help you understand its impact on your business. Some key metrics to track include click-through rates, conversion rates, website traffic, and social media engagement. By analyzing these metrics, you can identify areas for improvement and optimize your email footer to achieve better results.

Conclusion

Email footers may seem like a small component of your email communications, but they can have a significant impact on the success of your business. By including key components, following best practices, and continuously measuring success, your email footer can become a powerful tool for building trust, driving engagement, and promoting your brand.