--- title: 4 Tips to Make Your Business E-mail Writing More Effective description: Overcome the challenges of e-mail writing for business, and learn how to write effective e-mail that will get you the results you need. image: https://www.people-onthego.com/hs-fs/file-15461765-jpg/images/lynda_mcdaniel_100x100.jpg --- - [Home](https://www.people-onthego.com/) - [Contact Us](https://www.people-onthego.com/company/) - [Blog](https://www.people-onthego.com/blog/) [![pog_logo_on_white_tall](https://www.people-onthego.com/hs-fs/file-2213160099-jpg/people-onthego/pog_logo_on_white_tall.jpg)](https://www.people-onthego.com/) ![Less Is More Blog Productivity Tips](https://www.people-onthego.com/hs-fs/file-15411125-jpg/Top%20pictures/pog_top_5.jpg) ### Join us at the Webinars **[![2021_Webinars_Schedule_People-OnTheGo](https://www.people-onthego.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2021_Webinars_Schedule_People-OnTheGo.jpg?width=163&name=2021_Webinars_Schedule_People-OnTheGo.jpg)](https://www.people-onthego.com/webinars)** **[Click for our Webinars Schedule.](https://www.people-onthego.com/webinars)** ### The Perfect 15-Minute Day Method is here! 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We also complain about e-mail because it’s fast and easy. The speed of e-mail too often means irritating, typo-filled messages that don’t get to the point quickly (the number one pet peeve in surveys of e-mail recipients.) #### **What’s wrong?** Some problems with e-mail stem from the challenge of all written words: no gestures, no facial expressions, no eye contact or tone of voice to support the message. Without the twinkle in the eye or the pat on the back, the reader may misinterpret the meaning of the words. The speed of e-mail also contributes to its problems. Because we can send it fast, we think we should write it fast, dashing off messages without editing or proofing. Otherwise, it's not fast, is it? As a result, huge blocks of sloppy, rambling copy clog our inboxes. Only to be deleted. ![describe the image](https://www.people-onthego.com/hs-fs/file-15504141-jpg/images/write.jpg?width=216&height=49&name=write.jpg)I was amazed when I learned that at least half my students and clients freely admit to deleting e-mails they don’t like the looks of. When I asked what they said if asked about the message, they shrugged and answered, "We just say we didn't receive it." Ouch! All that work, but no one reads it. #### **What's right?** Let’s look at how you can overcome these challenges to write effective e-mail that get the results you need. ### **-> Sign up for our [Business E-mail Writing webinar](https://www.people-onthego.com/time-management-e-mail-outlook-excel-word-powerpoint-sharepoint/effective-business-email-writing/) on April 10, 2014.** #### **1. Subject line** You have only 10 seconds to grab your potential readers’ attention, so be sure to craft subject lines from *their *perspective. Include benefits* *they can relate to. For example, which of these would you open? *Carpet repair today *or *Early closing today* The writer wanted her staff to leave at 2:00 p.m. because the office would close early for carpet repairs. She sent the subject line on the left and was surprised to see everyone still working at 2:10 p.m. Her subject line didn’t pass the “What’s in it for me?” (WIIFM?) test.  *No one* read it. If she’d sent the second version, everyone would have left at 1:59 p.m. #### **2. Get to the point quickly** Make sure your first paragraph informs your readers about the reason for your e-mail. Summarize your topic and then go into detail.  Remember: everyone is asking WIIFM? #### **3. Write to your readers, not at them** Don’t just data dump. Tell stories, benefits, and results through your readers' eyes. Use the word "you" often to engage them. "You" is a proven magnet that keeps people reading. #### **4. End with impact** Leave a lasting impression and make your expectations known. E-mail offers fast calls to action—just tell your readers to hit reply, click a link, download a document. Finally, let them know what the next steps are—you’ll call, they need to call or RSVP. And include your contact information. No contact information is another high-ranking pet peeve. We'll go into detail on all these points—plus many more in my upcoming[ Business E-mail Writing](https://www.people-onthego.com/time-management-e-mail-outlook-excel-word-powerpoint-sharepoint/effective-business-email-writing/) webinar on April 10, 2014. ### **-> [Click now for more details on the webinar.](https://www.people-onthego.com/time-management-e-mail-outlook-excel-word-powerpoint-sharepoint/effective-business-email-writing/)**   #  Additional Resources & Webinars - [Business Writing for Success](https://www.people-onthego.com/time-management-e-mail-outlook-excel-word-powerpoint-sharepoint/business-writing-for-success/) - [Creativity & Innovation](https://www.people-onthego.com/creativity-and-innovation/) Topics: [business writing](https://www.people-onthego.com/blog/topic/business-writing), [email etiquette](https://www.people-onthego.com/blog/topic/email-etiquette), [guest bloggers](https://www.people-onthego.com/blog/topic/guest-bloggers) ### Subscribe by Email [![Need an employee training solution that's flexible and affordable? 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