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The Rise of e-Signatures: A Convenient and Legally Binding Solution for Your Business

The Rise of e-Signatures: A Convenient and Legally Binding Solution for Your Business

Back in 2013, Adobe Echosign was first introduced to us by Kim Whitaker, a highly regarded commercial lawyer. At that time, the concept of digital signatures was gaining traction, but it wasn’t yet the well-used tool it is today. Since then, especially during the lockdown period, the use of e-signatures and digital contracts has skyrocketed. As businesses increasingly move towards online solutions, electronic signatures have become a vital part of daily operations.

There are numerous e-signature tools available on the market today, many of which offer free trials. While DocuSign remains the most widely used with over 200 million users, there are other worthy options such as HelloSign (part of the Dropbox family) and UK-based E-Sign. With so many choices, it can be overwhelming to decide which tool is the best fit for your business needs. That’s why it’s important to explore different options and try them out before making your final decision.

If you run a business that requires contracts or documents to be signed regularly, then e-signature tools are something you need to consider. In this article, we take a closer look at one of the newest options available – eSignature, a tool that works seamlessly within Google Workspace.

eSignature

If you have a Google Workspace account, you’re in luck – you already have access to eSignature, which just needs to be activated by the Workspace administrator. With eSignature, you can easily create documents for signatures and send signature requests directly from Google Docs and Google Drive. Signers can then easily fill in the required information, making it a streamlined process.

E-SignatureHere’s how you can use eSignature in Google Workspace:

  1. Open the Google Doc you want to sign.
  2. Click on Tools in the menu.
  3. Select eSignature from the drop-down list.
  4. Enter the details for your eSignature.
  5. Drag and drop fields such as the signature, initials, or date into your document.
  6. If you have multiple signers, select Manage Signers to add and label each one.
  7. Click Request eSignature.
  8. Enter the email addresses of the people who need to sign.
  9. Optionally, write a message to be included in the request email.

 

Legal Credibility of e-Signatures

One common question that arises when discussing e-signatures is whether they are as legally binding as a traditional physical signature. In 2013, we consulted Kim Whitaker to clarify the legal status of e-signatures, and here’s what she had to say:

Electronic signatures are recognised as legally binding in most countries, including the UK, provided that the parties have agreed to sign that way. Since the Electronic Communications Act 2000 was passed, it is also clear that they are admissible as evidence in courts.

This means that e-signatures hold the same legal weight as physical signatures, as long as both parties agree to sign electronically. This has been a game-changer for businesses, allowing for quicker, more efficient document handling.

Choosing the Right e-Signature Tool

Now that you understand the legal standing of e-signatures, it’s time to pick a tool that works best for your business. Many e-signature platforms offer free trials, so it’s worth testing a few before making your decision. Whether you choose DocuSign, HelloSign, E-Sign or eSignature, you’ll be improving your workflow with a secure and efficient solution that saves you time and resources.

In conclusion, e-signatures are not only legally binding but also incredibly convenient. The rise of digital contracts is a trend that shows no signs of slowing down, and integrating e-signatures into your business processes will ensure that you stay ahead in today’s fast-paced, digitally driven world.

 

Where to Put Links in Your Social Media Posts for Maximum Engagement

Where to Put Links in Your Social Media Posts for Maximum Engagement

Times are changing, and so are social media algorithms. To maximise clicks, engagement, and reach, it’s important to understand the best places to include your links on each platform. With so many options available, such as captions, stories, and bio sections, the ideal placement will depend on the platform and the type of post you’re sharing.

Facebook
Facebook offers a few creative ways to share links. You can use carousel posts to showcase multiple links in a compact space, or simply include the link in the first comment and mention it in the body of your post. Facebook tends to penalise posts that explicitly ask for actions like comments, shares, and likes. Instead, try a more natural approach by directing your audience to the first comment for the link (e.g., “Check out more in the first comment”). This keeps your post looking clean and encourages better engagement.

social media links for maximum engagementInstagram
While Instagram doesn’t allow clickable links in captions, there are still plenty of places to add links. Instagram Stories, Reels, and Direct Messages are great opportunities to include clickable links. You can also add up to 5 links in your bio, though only one link is really visible. To get around this limitation, consider using a Linktree (or similar service), which lets you link to multiple pages through one URL. For more info on this, check out our article on Linktree. Additionally, Instagram’s link stickers in Stories provide another great way to add clickable links. More on this can be found in our guide on creating clickable links in Instagram Stories.

LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s algorithm favours content that keeps users on the platform, so be sure to create posts that provide value and insights. If you’re sharing links, it’s best to add them toward the end of your post, keeping the main content engaging and relevant. Additionally, try the “write-post-edit” method, where you can publish your post without a link initially and add it later. This approach drives initial engagement and boosts additional interest once the link is added.

X (formerly Twitter)
On Twitter, pasting links directly into your tweet text is the most effective way to engage your audience. Since Twitter has a character limit, you can create threads by replying to your own tweet. This way, you can share more details, and ensure the link is visible right from the start. Remember to place the link in the original tweet to make sure it stands out.

 

Tips for Using Links Effectively

  • Shorten your links: Use a service like Bit.ly to create cleaner, trackable links.
  • Avoid asking for likes, shares, or comments directly: Instead, focus on creating engaging content that naturally encourages interaction.
  • Place links at the end: If the link is essential to the message, place it at the end of a post so users can understand the context first.
  • Test and adjust: Social media is always evolving, so monitor how your links perform and adjust placement accordingly.

Need support with social media management? Whether it’s a few hours per month or a weekly check-in, Red Desk offers social media management services to handle all your posting and engagement, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

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