{"id":551,"date":"2026-09-07T10:16:51","date_gmt":"2026-09-07T10:16:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.signly.com\/blog\/?p=551"},"modified":"2026-09-07T10:16:52","modified_gmt":"2026-09-07T10:16:52","slug":"what-is-an-electronic-signature-how-it-works","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.signly.com\/blog\/what-is-an-electronic-signature-how-it-works\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is an Electronic Signature and How Does It Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Think about the last time you bought a house, onboarded a new client, or signed an employment contract. Not too long ago, that process required a printer, a pen, a scanner, a trip to the post office, or a courier delivery. You spent days\u2014sometimes weeks\u2014playing document tag just to get ink onto a piece of paper.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.signly.com\/blog\/what-is-an-electronic-signature-how-it-works\/#Key_Takeaways\" >Key Takeaways<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.signly.com\/blog\/what-is-an-electronic-signature-how-it-works\/#What_Is_an_Electronic_Signature\" >What Is an Electronic Signature?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.signly.com\/blog\/what-is-an-electronic-signature-how-it-works\/#Is_an_Electronic_Signature_Legally_Binding\" >Is an Electronic Signature Legally Binding?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.signly.com\/blog\/what-is-an-electronic-signature-how-it-works\/#How_Does_an_Electronic_Signature_Work_Behind_the_Scenes\" >How Does an Electronic Signature Work Behind the Scenes?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.signly.com\/blog\/what-is-an-electronic-signature-how-it-works\/#Electronic_Signatures_vs_Digital_Signatures_Whats_the_Difference\" >Electronic Signatures vs. Digital Signatures: What&#8217;s the Difference?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.signly.com\/blog\/what-is-an-electronic-signature-how-it-works\/#The_Evolution_Why_Standalone_E-Signatures_Are_No_Longer_Enough\" >The Evolution: Why Standalone E-Signatures Are No Longer Enough<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.signly.com\/blog\/what-is-an-electronic-signature-how-it-works\/#Modern_Unified_Execution_Combine_Signing_Paying_with_Signly\" >Modern Unified Execution: Combine Signing &amp; Paying with Signly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.signly.com\/blog\/what-is-an-electronic-signature-how-it-works\/#Summary\" >Summary<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, a single tap on a smartphone screen can execute a multi-million-dollar acquisition, lock in a new consulting retainer, or secure a commercial lease in seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Digital signatures have completely rewritten the rules of modern commerce. But despite their everyday use, many business owners, agency founders, and consultants still ask: <strong>What is an electronic signature<\/strong>, how does it work legally behind the scenes, and how can you use it to eliminate paperwork drag in your business?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this guide, we break down the mechanics of electronic signatures, the laws that make them legally binding, the key differences between simple and digital signatures, and how combining e-signatures with automated payments changes the game for service businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways\"><\/span>Key Takeaways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Legal Equivalence:<\/strong> Electronic signatures carry the same legal weight as traditional wet-ink signatures under federal and international law.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Audit Trails Matter:<\/strong> A legally binding e-signature relies on detailed digital audit logs\u2014capturing timestamps, IP addresses, and signer authentication.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>E-Signatures vs. Digital Signatures:<\/strong> Electronic signatures capture intent; digital signatures use cryptographic encryption to prove document integrity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unified Execution:<\/strong> Integrating electronic signatures directly with deposit collection reduces contract completion times from days to under 10 minutes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_an_Electronic_Signature\"><\/span>What Is an Electronic Signature?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.signly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-7-2026-10_39_52-AM-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-553\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.signly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-7-2026-10_39_52-AM-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.signly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-7-2026-10_39_52-AM-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.signly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-7-2026-10_39_52-AM-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.signly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-7-2026-10_39_52-AM-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/blog.signly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-7-2026-10_39_52-AM.png 1672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At its most fundamental level, an <strong>electronic signature<\/strong> (or e-signature) is an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with a record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In plain English? It is the digital equivalent of signing a physical paper document with a pen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>Traditional Wet Signature vs. Electronic Signature:\n\nWet Signature (Manual Friction):\nPrint Document \u2794 Physical Pen Sign \u2794 Scan Page \u2794 Email PDF \u2794 Store Paper File\nTime: 2 to 5 Business Days\n\nElectronic Signature (Instant Execution):\nOpen Mobile Link \u2794 Tap to Apply Digital Signature \u2794 Automatic Audit Trail \u2794 Instant Cloud Storage\nTime: Under 2 Minutes\n<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An electronic signature can take many forms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A typed name at the end of a digital document or email.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A hand-drawn signature captured on a touchscreen using a finger or stylus.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A unique digital identity verified through two-factor authentication (2FA).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A single click on an <strong>&#8220;I Agree&#8221;<\/strong> or <strong>&#8220;Sign &amp; Pay&#8221;<\/strong> button on an interactive web document.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The critical legal element in any electronic signature is not <em>how<\/em> it looks on the page, but the verifiable proof of <strong>signer intent<\/strong> and <strong>document integrity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_an_Electronic_Signature_Legally_Binding\"><\/span>Is an Electronic Signature Legally Binding?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. In almost every major economy worldwide, electronic signatures carry the exact same legal validity and enforceability as traditional wet-ink signatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two primary pieces of legislation establish this legal equivalence:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. The ESIGN Act (United States, 2000)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN)<\/strong> established that contracts and signatures cannot be denied legal effect, validity, or enforceability solely because they are in electronic form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. UETA (United States Uniform Law)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA)<\/strong> harmonized state-level laws, ensuring that electronic records and signatures are legally recognized across state lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. eIDAS (European Union, 2014)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Europe, the <strong>eIDAS Regulation<\/strong> sets the standard for electronic identification and trust services, defining strict tiers for electronic signatures across EU member states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>Key Legal Requirements for Enforceable E-Signatures:\n\n1. Intent to Sign \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u25ba Clear action demonstrating agreement (e.g., clicking \"Sign\")\n2. Informed Consent \u2500\u2500\u2500\u25ba Signer agrees to conduct business electronically\n3. Signature Association \u25ba The signature is permanently linked to the specific document\n4. Tamper-Evident Trail \u2500\u25ba Any post-signature edits invalidate the agreement\n5. System Retention \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u25ba Accessible copies are provided to all signing parties\n<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When these criteria are met, an e-signed contract is fully enforceable in a court of law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_an_Electronic_Signature_Work_Behind_the_Scenes\"><\/span>How Does an Electronic Signature Work Behind the Scenes?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While typing your name on a screen feels simple, a complex security and verification process takes place under the hood to ensure the document cannot be forged, altered, or repudiated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is the step-by-step technical execution sequence of a modern electronic signature workflow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>Technical E-Signature Execution Sequence:\n\n&#091;Document Creation] \u2794 &#091;Public URL \/ Email Link] \u2794 &#091;Signer Authentication]\n                                                           \u2502\n                                                           \u25bc\n&#091;Audit Trail Logged] \u25c4\u2500\u2500 &#091;Document Encrypted] \u25c4\u2500\u2500 &#091;Signer Intent Captured]\n<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Document Hash Generation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When a document is uploaded to an e-signature platform, the system generates a unique mathematical cryptographic string called a <strong>document hash<\/strong>. If a single letter or punctuation mark in the contract is altered later, the hash changes completely\u2014flagging the document as tampered with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Signer Authentication<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before signing, the platform verifies the identity of the signatory. This can occur via secure email invitation links, SMS one-time passcodes (OTP), IP address verification, or single sign-on (SSO) credentials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Intent Capture &amp; Digital Signature Application<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The signer clicks to apply their saved signature, draw their mark, or type their name. The platform binds this visual mark to the document&#8217;s underlying code alongside an explicit confirmation statement (e.g., <em>&#8220;By clicking Sign, I agree to the terms above&#8221;<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Time-Stamping &amp; Audit Trail Creation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The platform generates a tamper-evident <strong>Certificate of Completion<\/strong> or <strong>Audit Trail<\/strong>. This audit log permanently records:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The signer&#8217;s full name and email address.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The device&#8217;s IP address and geographic location.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exact timestamps (down to the second) for document viewing, signing, and delivery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unique document ID numbers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: Secure Archiving &amp; Encryption<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The completed contract is encrypted using standard SSL\/TLS protocols and archived in cloud storage. Copies are automatically emailed to all participating parties for their records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Electronic_Signatures_vs_Digital_Signatures_Whats_the_Difference\"><\/span>Electronic Signatures vs. Digital Signatures: What&#8217;s the Difference?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The terms <em>electronic signature<\/em> and <em>digital signature<\/em> are often used interchangeably, but in the legal tech world, they refer to distinct concepts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><td><strong>Feature<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Electronic Signature (eSignature)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Digital Signature<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Core Purpose<\/strong><\/td><td>Captures the signer&#8217;s <strong>intent<\/strong> to agree to a contract.<\/td><td>Provides cryptographic <strong>security &amp; authentication<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Technology<\/strong><\/td><td>Web-based input, checkboxes, typed names, or drawn marks.<\/td><td>Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Certificate Authorities.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Security Level<\/strong><\/td><td>Standard audit trails (IP, timestamp, email log).<\/td><td>High-grade asymmetric encryption with digital certificates.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Best Used For<\/strong><\/td><td>Service contracts, proposals, NDAs, employee onboarding.<\/td><td>High-security financial transactions, government filings.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In short: <strong>All digital signatures are electronic signatures, but not all electronic signatures are digital signatures.<\/strong> For 99% of day-to-day business contracts, sales proposals, and client agreements, standard electronic signatures provide more than enough legal protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Evolution_Why_Standalone_E-Signatures_Are_No_Longer_Enough\"><\/span>The Evolution: Why Standalone E-Signatures Are No Longer Enough<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the early 2000s, simply moving from paper to PDF e-signatures was revolutionary. But in 2026, standalone e-signature tools have created a new problem: <strong>workflow fragmentation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you run an agency, consulting firm, or service business, your current process probably looks like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>Legacy Fragmented E-Sign Stack (Slow &amp; Frustrating):\nDraft Word Doc \u2794 Convert PDF \u2794 Upload to E-Sign App \u2794 Email Link \u2794 Wait Days for Sign \u2794 Manual Invoice \u2794 Wait Weeks for Bank Deposit\n<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This multi-app juggling act creates friction at the exact moment your client is ready to buy. Every extra link, email, and invoice you send increases the risk of buyer&#8217;s remorse, scope creep, and payment delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To see how modern firms eliminate this friction, read our complete guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/medium.com\/@hello_64368\/the-complete-sales-to-contract-workflow-for-service-businesses-47a4fa7c4ac2?source=user_profile_page---------1-------------d76b35b0d98d----------------------\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Complete Sales-to<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=https:\/\/www.signly.com\/blog\/sales-to-contract-workflow-service-businesses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">-Contract Workflow for Service Businesses<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Modern_Unified_Execution_Combine_Signing_Paying_with_Signly\"><\/span>Modern Unified Execution: Combine Signing &amp; Paying with Signly<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why send an e-signature link on Monday and follow up with a separate invoice on Wednesday?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modern high-performing businesses use unified platforms like <strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.signly.com\/\">Signly<\/a><\/strong> to combine contract drafting, e-signature collection, and deposit payments into a single, automated step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-code\"><code>Signly Unified Workflow (&lt; 2 Minutes):\nAI Agreement Generation \u2794 Interactive Web Link \u2794 Client Signs &amp; Clears Retainer in 1 Click\n<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With <strong>Signly<\/strong>, your document workflow becomes your primary growth driver:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>AI Contract Creation:<\/strong> Generate customized, legally protective agreements (MSAs, SOWs, NDAs) in seconds without leaving your document editor. Learn more about how this works in our deep dive on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=https:\/\/www.signly.com\/blog\/ai-contract-generator-how-it-works\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AI Contract<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.signly.com\/blog\/ai-contract-generator-how-it-works\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=https:\/\/www.signly.com\/blog\/ai-contract-generator-how-it-works\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Generator: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Modernize Your Legal Workflow<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Interactive Web Proposals:<\/strong> Merge sales pitch options, detailed scope boundaries, and legal provisions into a single, mobile-responsive document.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Instant Sign &amp; Pay:<\/strong> Capture legally binding, ESIGN-compliant signatures and process initial retainer deposits simultaneously on one screen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Automated Onboarding:<\/strong> Trigger immediate post-signing redirections to intake questionnaires and scheduling links so projects launch with cleared funds every time. Discover how to build this in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.signly.com\/blog\/how-to-automate-your-client-onboarding-process\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Automate Your Client Onboarding Process: The Complete Workflow Guide<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary\"><\/span>Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding <strong>what an electronic signature is<\/strong> and how it works allows you to eliminate administrative bottlenecks, protect your intellectual property, and deliver a modern client experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By upgrading from slow, fragmented PDF tools to an integrated agreement engine, you turn verbal commitments into cleared revenue in minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ready to streamline your contracts and get paid faster? Start executing seamless agreements today with <strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.signly.com\/\">Signly<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Think about the last time you bought a house, onboarded a new client, or signed an employment contract. Not too long ago, that process required a printer, a pen, a scanner, a trip to the post office, or a courier delivery. You spent days\u2014sometimes weeks\u2014playing document tag just to get ink onto a piece of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":561,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[22,26,16],"class_list":["post-551","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tools-technology","tag-contract-templates","tag-crm","tag-esignatures"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Is an Electronic Signature and How Does It Work? - Signly Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover what an electronic signature is, how e-signatures work legally, and how combining signatures with instant payments accelerates business growth.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.signly.com\/blog\/what-is-an-electronic-signature-how-it-works\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Is an Electronic Signature and How Does It Work? 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