Things have changed
No one’s inbox is immune – email is definitely the preferred communication for work, and we’re all getting hundreds of emails a week. How do you make yours stand out?
While I can’t ensure your email will get replied to in a reasonable timeframe (I’m no magician), I can help you create professional, effective emails that should help you break through the clutter.
Read on for five basic pieces of advice that will help you navigate the email world efficiently.
Ensure you’re using the right email address
This doesn’t just mean avoid using the numbers 420 and 69. Think about when you say your email address out loud – what’s easier to remember, jen@dumitrescu.com, or jen.dumitrescu.sales.agent@jendumitrescu.com? Taking it a step further, do you have an uncommon, or tough to spell name? Are you .com, .ca, or something totally different that people may get wrong? It’s worth making sure your email address is clear, easy to understand, and avoids opportunities for people to type it incorrectly.
Lead with a great subject line
Subject lines are key. Without a great one, why should people even bother opening your email? Think about asking a question, using numbers (like, oh, I don’t know, ‘5 pieces of email advice’), or using other tried-and-true copy tactics to write a strong subject line that has your readers hooked before they’ve even read the first sentence.
Personalization is king
This is easy if you’re sending emails to just one person. You should spend your first paragraph or sentence relating something directly to them so they know this isn’t just a form email (even if it is). But what if you’re sending a mass email or newsletter – how do you personalize it in that case? Try using a program that allows for variable text when necessary, like entering in a client’s name, or their neighbourhood. They’ll still know it may be going out across the city, but the psychology behind it works.
Keep it simple
No one has time to waste on long, boring emails. Say what you need to say as quickly (but politely) as possible – and then hit send.
Include a strong call to action
This is perhaps the most important point. If your reader gets to the end of their email, and doesn’t know what you want them to do, you’ve just wasted their time – and yours. Ensure that within the first few lines it’s clear what you’re looking for, and reiterate again at the end of your email – don’t leave room for questions.
There you have it – five easy tips for improving the quality of your communication, without a lot of effort. Looking for more advice on how to effectively communicate with your clients and coworkers? Give me a call – or maybe, shoot me an email.