By what name shall I call you?
Email signatures are important. They (hopefully) contain all of the information to identify you as well as provide your contact information – including your website.
They can also cause some confusion. If you use your formal name (i.e., Robert) in your signature which happens to have common shortened versions (i.e., Rob/Robbie/Bob), some email recipients may not know how to address you.
If you have a preferred shortened version of your name, sign it at the end of your message above your signature. This has two benefits. It tells the recipient “This is how I would like you to address me.” And it adds just a little bit of personalization to an otherwise cold form of communication.
Or, save your formal name for government forms and make your signature the name that you actually use.
Even better, do both.
Rob