The Branded Sign Off Advantage: Setting Yourself Apart in the Smallest Details

How do you end your emails? 

“Sincerely,” “Best,” “Warm Regards”?

If so, you’re not alone and that’s the problem. 

Most of us were taught to use a handful of standard closings that, while polite, don’t say much about who we are or the value we bring.

In business, it’s often the smallest details that can set you apart. Your email sign off is one of those subtle, yet impactful details that most people overlook. But when done thoughtfully, it can become part of your brand identity and give a little extra touch to every message you send.

Think about it this way: the end of an email is your last chance to make an impression, besides the most often read part of any email… the post script.

It’s the period at the end of your message, and it often leaves people with a sense of who you are. A generic “Best” or “Regards” might get the job done, but it doesn’t convey personality or purpose. A branded sign off, on the other hand, can add warmth, clarity, and even a bit of inspiration.

Over the years, in different seasons and roles, I’ve used various kinds of branded sign offs. Here are three:

1. BTB, YILAD

In high school my close friends all used this little acronym to communicate that we had each other’s backs. We stole it straight from the movie Gladiator when Russel Crowe would look at his brothers, shake their hands and say, “Brother to Brother, Yours in Life and Death.” It means something specific, to a specific audience. I don’t use that in my emails anymore, but it meant a great deal to my friends back in the day.

2. In Him

This was the sign off I used while working in various pastoral roles. I simply wanted to communicate that everything written here is like a prayer, it’s submitted to a higher authority, Jesus. So I wrote… In Him.

3. Cheering You On

This is my current sign off and it showcases what we’re about supporting our clients! It’s my way of letting clients and contacts know that I’m in their corner, rooting for their success. It’s a friendly and energizing send-off, a reminder that we’re in this together. The only reason I know this is impactful is because people have told me! 

How to Find Your Own Branded Sign Off

Finding a branded sign off that suits you doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by thinking about your core values, the tone you want to set, and the message you’d like to leave people with. Think of it as a tagline for your emails—a small but consistent way to express what you’re all about.

Here are a few prompts to help you find your own branded sign off, and don’t be afraid to consult your favorite AI model to get some ideas:

• What do you want people to feel after reading your message? (e.g., encouraged, supported, inspired)
  
• What’s one value you bring to each interaction? (e.g., encouragement, partnership, success)
  
• How would you sign off if you were speaking in person? (Sometimes a natural close in a spoken conversation works well in writing too!)

While it may seem like a tiny part of your communication, a branded sign off can leave a lasting impact. It’s an opportunity to be memorable and to bring a personal touch to each message. And when you use it consistently, it becomes a small but powerful element of your brand.

So, next time you’re wrapping up an email, don’t just type “Best” and hit send. Take a moment to think about how you want to leave the conversation. That small detail might be the extra spark that makes you stand out.

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