BY Jessica Helinski
How is your email etiquette? Is it aligned with today's best practices, or is something that you don’t even consider?
Email is a quick, convenient and easy way to keep in touch with others. But you need to put some thought into those emails before hitting “send.” Today’s buyers have a distinct set of preferences, as well as limited time. Your emails should be respectful of both. This is where etiquette comes into play.
Why is email etiquette important?
Email etiquette is essential because it helps ensure messages are clear, professional and respectful. It can create a positive first impressions and boost credibility and trust. It can also reinforce an already existing relationship through respectful communication.
"Every email is a reflection of you and your business,” explains Denise Gibson, director of AdMall sales.
“Clear, professional communication builds trust, improves response rates and strengthens relationships."
And, keep in mind that your own credibility and reputation can take a hit from a poorly written email.
“Experts agree that your email behavior has the potential to sabotage your reputation both personally and professionally,” writes Lindsay Silberman in an Inc. article.
How can you improve your email etiquette?
There are so many easy ways to ensure that your emails are respectful of the intended audiences. The professionals at business
Keep it simple
“Keeping your email messages simple is an excellent way to connect with [others],” they write.
Likely, whoever you are emailing receives dozens of daily emails. The last thing they need is a long, convoluted message without a clear point. When crafting your message, keep it concise.
If more information needs to be shared, schedule a phone call to continue the discussion.
Personalize your writing
Effective email etiquette starts with knowing your audience. Tailor your tone, level of detail and level of formality based specific factors, such as your current relationship (is this a cold email?) and the purpose of the email.
If you’ve emailed back and forth, match those emails’ tone and energy if they were successful. If they didn’t get the response you’d hoped for, adjust your approach.
Don’t overload emails with emotion
Because of its informality, email is not the vehicle for delivering messages that involve heavy emotions, such as angry or frustrating venting, bad news, disparaging others, or reprimanding.
Silberman points out that those types of communications work best when done in person or over the phone.
If that isn’t an option, business
“Consult a co-
Don’t shortcut your language
While emoticons and acronyms now have a place in other electronic messages, they don’t have a place in professional emails.
Using clear, professional language helps maintain credibility, avoids misunderstandings, and ensures your message is appropriate for all audiences.
Warn about large attachments
Give the recipient a heads up if you plan to send an attachment that is larger than 500KB. You don’t want to clog their inbox, which causes other emails to bounce.
Maintain privacy
If you need to protect the privacy of an email list, don’t forget to use “Bcc.” Additionally, think twice before giving out others’ emails to third parties, such as Evite.
Always re-
Even the best writers make mistakes when writing emails. Quickly proofreading your message before hitting send ensures you don’t leave behind any grammar errors or confusing wording.
Be responsive in a timely manner
Yes, sellers are very busy, but it is essential to not let days go by before responding to an email. This is unprofessional, and it could cost you a sale. As SalesFuel's research revealed, 32% of B2B buyers say that a seller not responding to their email is a deal-breaker.
Keep your etiquette refreshed
Each and every email you send is a reflection of you, so keep that in mind when you craft these messages. And remember, standards change over time, so it’s important to revisit your email practices to make sure they still align with what is acceptable.
Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
