Writing Better Emails
I’ve been in sales for a while now and I’ve seen a lot of emails. Some good, some bad, and some that make me want to throw my computer out the window. Here are some tips on how to write better emails:
Keep it Short and Sweet
The best emails are the ones that get to the point quickly. No one wants to read a novel in their inbox. If you can say what you need to say in three sentences, do it. If you need more than that, consider picking up the phone or scheduling a meeting.
Use a Clear Subject Line
Your subject line should tell the recipient exactly what the email is about. If you’re asking for something, put that in the subject line. If you’re providing information, make that clear. Avoid vague subject lines like “Quick Question” or “FYI”.
Start with a Greeting
Always start your email with a greeting. “Hi [Name]” or “Hello [Name]” is fine. If you don’t know the person’s name, “Hi there” works too. Just don’t start with “Hey” unless you’re friends with the person.
Use Paragraphs
Break up your text into paragraphs. No one wants to read a wall of text. Three to four sentences per paragraph is a good rule of thumb.
End with a Clear Call to Action
Tell the recipient what you want them to do next. Do you want them to reply? Do you want them to schedule a meeting? Do you want them to review a document? Make it clear.
Proofread
Before you hit send, read your email out loud. This will help you catch any typos or awkward phrasing. If you’re not sure about something, ask a colleague to review it.
Use a Professional Signature
Your email signature should include your name, title, company, and contact information. If you’re using a personal email address, you might want to include your LinkedIn profile or website.
Conclusion
Writing better emails is all about being clear, concise, and professional. Keep it short, use a clear subject line, start with a greeting, use paragraphs, end with a clear call to action, proofread, and use a professional signature. If you can do all of these things, you’ll be well on your way to writing better emails.
Let me know if you have any questions or if there’s anything else I can help with!