WRITE A WINNING EMAIL

Communication in writing presents a whole set of complications you don’t have when you’re speaking in person. There are no gestures or expressions you can make that will help your audience understand what you’re trying to say beyond your words. Always choose your words carefully. Here are some good tips to keep in mind as you write:

1) Be clear. Again, without any additional way to explain yourself, word choice really matters. No one reads as long on screen as they do on a printed page. Make your point using as few words as possible—and be sure every word you use has impact.
2) Be on point. Make sure the information you’re delivering speaks to the audience who’s receiving it. Make sure your word choices are part of your audience’s vernacular.
3) Be sensitive. Strive to avoid words that will land your email right in the SPAM filter of your recipients. This could include profanities but also things like excessive dollar signs and other symbols. Words like “confirm,” “join,” “opportunity,” and “assistance” also fall into this category. As does the excessive use of ALL CAPS.
4) Be succinct. Do you know the term “above the fold?” It’s an old term used for newspapers which means you need to keep all the important information at the top, “above the fold.” You don’t want to take a chance that your recipient will stop reading before they get to the message you want to share. To avoid that, don’t ramble. Make your point right away and then substantiate it.
5) Be creative. People get hundreds of emails a day. Be sure your subject line is enticing and will make recipients want to open and read your message.

Get more exciting communication tips in Your Self-Sabotage Survival Guide by Karen Berg. Read more here: tinyurl.com/y786t4ax