17 email etiquette tips

Not sure how to get your point across? Debating whether to copy someone? Follow these tips to fix some bad habits.

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He recently shared some great email tips to help you be more productive.

In the spirit of using email better, and helping others use email better, below are his tips—with my thoughts about them—that anyone can implement:

1. Keep your message simple and clear. Edit unnecessary words to focus your recipient on what’s most important. Short sentences and bullet points make your message easier to read on a computer screen and smartphone. It’s estimated that people read more than 40 percent of email on a smartphone.

2. Answer all questions and be proactive. Avoid wasting time with back-and-forth emails. Answer all the questions someone poses to you, and proactively answer the questions your recipient will likely ask next.

3. Respond quickly. Email is built for speed. Respond within 24 hours. If it will take longer to respond, let the sender know you received his or her email and are working on a response. You will build trust among your friends and business associates, and amaze your clients and prospects.

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