WHOI Email Signatures

Using consistent email signatures for @whoi.edu email accounts is an opportunity to create brand alignment while relaying relevant contact information. In addition, consistent and clear email signatures present a professional appearance.

The following are recommended guidelines for WHOI staff members using an @whoi.edu email account:

• Avoid images, logos and vCards: Most email clients process these as attachments or block them by default. So, if you include these in your signature, your email recipients won't know when you send a real attachment and when it's just your email signature. However, we understand that you may want to include a WHOI logo or icon, so we have included a sample template below.
• Less is more: Email signatures should be under 10 lines. If you feel you need to add more information, use pipes (|) to separate components adding two spaces between content and pipes. Also, refrain from using quotes or epigraphs in business communications to keep the message professional and to avoid having others assume a particular statement represents the institution.
• Font: Use 11-point Arial which is a standard font on both Mac and PCs and works in all email clients. Non-standard fonts and HTML may not translate across email clients.
• Color: Cool gray (RGB 83/86/90) is preferable and consistent with the brand color palette.
• Phone numbers: Include the phone and/or fax numbers you use regularly in an effort to make it easy for others to reach you. Don't include a cell or fax number if it's not something you often use or want to share broadly.
• Social media: Adding links to social media channels is optional; feel free to promote the main accounts on Facebook and Twitter (see below) or your own office, division, or center's accounts. Remember that using links is preferable to images or logos.
• URL conventions: No need to use the "www" in a URL unless the URL won't work without it. For example, whoi.edu is used in the signatures below and the link is embedded.