In accordance with our policy of including ‘email marketing‘ topics in this blog, we are pleased to post the following article, as it espouses a few short and to-the-point tips on making your emails more acceptable and more likely to be read.
1. Effective Email
In today’s world, the ability to write an effective email has never been more important, especially for business owners and professionals. With this in mind, here are a few tips for writing more effective emails.
2. Have A Meaningful Subject Line
Subject lines give the reader an idea of what they can expect upon opening the email. Having a subject line that’s unrelated to the email is a recipe for miscommunication and possible disaster. Anything that appears insignificant could very well get lost in the shuffle. A subject line needs to contain information that’s not only important to the reader but interesting as well
3. Stay Focused
Figure out what your message is and stick to it. If you have several messages, it’s actually better to write several emails. This will ensure that each message has focus, enabling the reader to respond to them (or not) with equal focus. Also, always begin your email with your most important points. It’s been shown that most people scan emails, losing interest the further they go.
4. Play By The Rules
Follow the rules of standard capitalization and spelling. Capitalizing everything is equivalent to shouting, and using all lower case is amateurish at best. Proper capitalization will be better received.
Also, avoid using fancy fonts as well as your ‘Tab’ button. Many people’s email readers aren’t equipped to handle strange fonts or indentations. Use standard fonts such as Times New Roman or Arial. When you begin a new paragraph, try skipping a line rather than tabbing over.
5. Avoid Spamming and Attachments
Everyone has at least one friend who has sent so many frivolous emails that you no longer even bother to look at his or her messages. Don’t become that person.
6. Be Nice
Being overly critical in an email or disciplining via email is tacky and can lead to more trouble. It’s also important to keep in mind that email is not always confidential. What you write may be used against you down the road.
7. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread
Regardless of the author, if an email is being sent out on your behalf, it is your responsibility to proofread it. Not just once, but two or three times.