Successful Email Etiquette

In the business world today, many of us rely on emails more than ever instead of phone calls, but how do we make our email successful? What does that mean? Is the recipient actually reading the email?

The best start to a successful email is a eye-catching subject line. Make sure it is meaningful and focused. Pique the reader’s curiosity and use power words. Next thing to do is get to the point. Don’t mince words. Business people have a lot on their plate and if your email is not short and succinct, it may just get looked over. A study showed that emails up to 50 words get answered fastest. Anything more than 100 words will see a rapid decline in responses. Be sure to ask a question or two so that the recipient feels the need to respond.

When closing your email, avoid the standard scripted ending such as sincerely. I personally like warm wishes or best regards. See what is more natural to you. Be clear on who the email is from. Include your full name above your company name. Don’t assume that your reader remembers you just by your first name.
One last note I want to add is PROOFREAD! Spelling and grammar errors can be detrimental to any business relationship.

8 thoughts on “Successful Email Etiquette”

  1. I overthink e-mails so much. You never know the tone someone will red it in. Some people are really blunt – especially sending from phones – and it always comes across as rude.

  2. I am not as critical about typos bc people use phones a lot now. The one thing I do hate is when they spell my name wrong. At least get that right.

  3. Thank you for all the great suggestions! They are very useful. I personally like to close with Appreciatively!

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