Email: Always Use a Subject Line
Cary, NC – Part of our shtick is to advise clients on best practices when it comes to Web 2010. The value of email subject lines continues, surprisingly, to come up.
“RE:” IS NOT A SUBJECT LINE
You do a service to your clients, associates, friends and family when you use a descriptive subject line in all your emails. I’m not talking about email marketing blasts. For those, subject lines are, of course, crucial to success. Read more about crafting good subject lines.
For everyday email correspondence, using a subject line is still important. The main benefit is that it allows your readers to find important messages by scanning their inbox. Without a subject line, your readers must open multiple emails just to find the desired message.
So don’t leave the subject line blank. Ever.
MORE ADVICE ABOUT EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE
Once again, I’m talking about personal or business email correspondence, not email marketing blasts.
1. Included a Signature Line in Plain Text
A good signature line should include two things:
- Your Full Name
- Phone Number
Depending upon your situation, it might also include a street address or a link to your website.
Picture text, for example a gif or jpg with your logo or picture and the contact info, will not be automatically loaded in most email programs. The reader must press a button to “load images.” It’s okay to include a picture or logo. Just put your key contact info in plain text.
Think to yourself, “if this person wanted to get hold of me and opened my last email, would they find the necessary contact info?”
2. The Protocol of Greetings
If you are corresponding with a close buddy, you can omit the greeting and signature. In the course of a active project, this may also be the case.
But in most situations, a greeting is required. “Dear_____” has given way to “Hi _____.” Use the recipients name, not just “Hello!”
Using the appropriate greeting strikes the right tone in any phase of a relationship.
3. Including a “Recent Content” Link
If you are a content creator (blogger, photographer, videographer, musician), including a link to new work in the signature link will boost viewership.
4. Example
So here’s what a good email to a colleague might look like:
SUBJECT: Meeting with Hal on Tuesday Feb 2
Hi Bob,
Just confirming our meeting on Tuesday Feb 2, 10 o’clock, at O’Keefe’s Coffee Shop. Call me if you need to reschedule.
Hal
———–
Hal Goodtree
Goodtree & Co.
919-389-0129
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