Etiquette is what makes the world go round. When it comes to email, you have two options for subject lines, formal or informal. The way you choose to end your subject line not only reflects what kind of person you are, but also how seriously you take email etiquette.
Lighthearted and whimsical subject lines like “Howdy!” or “Greetings” are perfect for those that want to show their playful side.
You only have a few seconds to capture the attention of your audience, so it is essential to create an appropriate subject line. If you are writing to someone you are close with, then the person's name or nickname can be included at the beginning of the subject line. For example: Hey Kristen! I wanted to check if you needed any help packing for your move on Friday?
Email etiquette is a large aspect of business communication, providing clarity to both sender and receiver. The subject line of an email should be informative, concise, and clear to avoid confusion. Subjects that are too long or too vague will not be received as well by the recipient. Subject lines should only contain one or two words that give a general understanding of the email's content without being presumptuous.
If you work in an office, you almost certainly use email as your main mode of communication on a daily basis. People, on the other hand, are often dissatisfied when they do not get responses to their emails. They have no idea that their communications are being relegated to the garbage folder, unread!
The Subject Line Often Determines If an Email Gets Opened
Many people will eliminate an email if the subject line seems uninteresting or the sender is unknown. Sending emails with poorly written subject lines can result in lost marketing opportunities, as well as wasting time and energy on unopened emails.
A subject line can make all the difference in an email’s success rate. A good subject line should be short, to-the-point, and cater to the recipient’s interest.
The subject line often determines if an email gets opened. The length, strength of message, and relevancy to the reader are all things that need to be taken into consideration when composing the subject line for your email. Email subject lines should also take into account that many people now use their mobile device as their main means of checking emails.
The subject line is often the reason why an email is opened. If the subject line isn't intriguing enough, the sender risks having their email go unread. This can be frustrating for both sender and recipient, especially when it's important information that needs to get delivered.
The subject line of your email is often the determining factor in whether it gets opened. Consequently, it is in your own best interests to draft a subject line that will encourage the recipient to open and read your message.
So, what exactly constitutes a compelling subject line? There are two things:
1. It eliminates any ambiguity on the topic of the email.
2. Readers are aware of the benefits they will get.
A subject line such as “Budget numbers” is just too ambiguous and does little to entice the reader to open the email. What about the financial statistics in the budget? Is it true that you're providing them my information? Are you requesting a copy of my financial statements? You're welcome to whatever type of feedback you desire from me. Is it necessary for me to do this right away?
All of these questions create a state of perplexity in the reader's mind, and a confused mind is prone to doing nothing.
Consider the following alternative subject line: “Your budget numbers are necessary for the President's report by Friday am, Maria.” Isn't it true that this immediately changes the picture? It does, since it satisfies both of the requirements. It describes precisely what the message is about and why Maria should pay attention to it in the most concise manner.
Consider the following scenario: I send you an email with the subject line “Monthly Sales Meeting.” This month's meeting will be conducted on the final Wednesday of the month, which means that today is merely the second Tuesday of the month. Because I'm busy, I'm likely to opt to leave this message for now and read it later — which, of course, may mean never!
But what if I say something like, “Change of time and date for this month's sales meeting.” That gives a very different message, don't you think? Given that I have a financial incentive to be at the meeting on time and that I will need to make an adjustment to my schedule, I will open the message as soon as it is received and respond accordingly.
It is a good habit to include your subject line at the conclusion of your message, after you have reviewed and approved it. Your crucial communications will be read and responded to, rather than being tossed into the trashcan.
