Writing a simple email message is essential for conducting business. If you own or run your own business and frequently need to email people to close sales, get to the next sales step, or simply communicate a message to deliver value, there is a successful format to writing effective email messages. Once you know the basics, then you can fill in the blanks.
This is a beginners guide to standards of effective email writing.
How to Write an Effective Subject Line
HubSpot has written some great articles on subject lines, one that is broken down into 6 steps:
- Deliverability
- Actionability
- Personalization
- Clarity
- Brevity
- Consistency
Avoid any words that will trigger SPAM or even hint of SPAM. You'll need to learn what these are. HubSpot has a good list of SPAM trigger words you should know about. Visit HubSpot.com for the list.
The subject line should able to be read on a mobile device.
Did you know that most people are likely to read your email on a mobile device? Send one to yourself and see what it looks like. Would you get it at a glance? Would it make you open it?
Make your subject line powerful and use words that will deliver what you want in a few words. Spend time on a good subject line. Don't rush. Develop the skill to tell the reader what action you want them to take in a few words.
Write how you talk.
Email is not always formal.
Write how you talk. Pausing by using ellipses... Did you know that it increases readership?
Yep... It does.
It's OK to use words like "you'll"... "we'll"... "you're"... or, "they'll."
Use more white space in your email.
If you want your emails read, use more white space. Remember, people will read on their mobile device, so make it easy for them.
Another set of secrets to writing so that email messages get read is by following these tips.
Strive to use:
- short words
- short paragraphs
- short sentences
Do you feel the urge to impress people with big words? Think first. They may make people dislike reading your messages. Ouch!
Consider replacing long or words not used in everyday speech with short words that say the same thing. Reduce syllables when ever you can.
If you proofread your message and see that you can eliminate a few words and still say the same thing, it will be much more enjoyable to read.
Tell your reader what action to take.
If your email message requires action on the part of the reader, tell them exactly what action they need to take.
If the action item is important, put it at or near the top of your message. The purpose of your message should always be put 'above the fold' of your email. If someone has to scroll down to get to the action, it is likely that no action will be taken.
Always use a professional email signature.
For business email, this is a must... No excuses.
Here's an example:
Simple? It should be. Long email signatures can distract from your message in many ways and it can even make people think less of you. More isn't better.
If you want to add all kinds of pretty icons and plaster the page with badges of where you are found online, be careful that you don't sacrifice the integrity of your message. Too many may come across as self-centered.
Not every email message needs a popcorn trail of "find me here" dots like refrigerator magnets... So, use them appropriately. Not everyone cares.
Writing simple and effective email messages for business takes practice and patience. The rewards of developing the skill of writing good emails is well worth the effort and will reward you with retaining customers, readers and respect from your audience.
Mark Whitmer is a writer, public speaker and business consultant who has helped people grow profitable and consumer-friendly businesses on and offline. Contact Mark via http://www.markwhitmer.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Whitmer
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8103330
.jpg)
0 comments:
Post a Comment