8 Email Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Share this post | 3 min read

  

Emails

We send tons of emails daily so it can be easy to overlook mistakes. Even the smallest mistakes can be detrimental to your business relationships. Not only do poorly-written emails make you seem unprofessional, but they can also make you appear incompetent to the recipients [clients, potential partners, etc.]. To ensure your emails are always professional, avoid these eight common email mistakes.

 

1. No Greeting Or Closing


"The first thing that you must do, when constructing an email, is to have a solid greeting and closing," says Amelia Chadwick, a lifestyle blogger at OX Essays and Study demic. "Your email will be 'naked' without a greeting or closing since they are essential to structure. When beginning a conversation, a greeting will make the email more professional rather than come off as crass and demanding; the same is true for your closing line. Your main goal is to form a good impression in your email."

 

2. Vague Statements


It is essential to be clear in professional emails. When the key message or request is not clear, you risk creating misunderstandings or leaving room for incorrect interpretations. Therefore, when writing an email, make sure your central point is clear and concise to the recipient. This means avoiding jargon, lousy phrasing, and obscure statements.

 

3. "To Whom It May Concern"


Consider this the "email kiss of death" greeting. This generic greeting makes you appear unprofessional and shows you did not do any research. If you do not do your homework to find the correct recipient's name, it will be very easy for them to see the minimal effort you have put into the email. So, take the time to include a name to make your message feel personal and less generic. And if you can not find a specific name, try something like "To the DH Sales Department" or "Dear Hiring Manager."  

 

4. A Bad Subject Line

 

While your subject line should be eye-catching, it is crucial that it is appropriate. You need a balance between eye-catching and distinctive subject lines because your email will be competing with hundreds [or thousands] of others your recipient will be reading.  You need to make your subject line appealing by making it short and sweet, telling the recipient what is in the email, and making them want to open it to learn more. 

 

5. Keeping the Same Subject Line 

 

It is essential to update your subject lines if you are using one that is generic or canned. Automation is good in some cases, however, if you continue to use the same subject line for emails that are unrelated, or a continuation of a conversation, it can lead to the recipient assuming that you are too lazy or not creative enough to change it. Every time you email someone about a different topic, make sure to change the subject line of your email thread.

 

6. Long Emails

 

Professional emails should be clear and concise. In other words, do not bore your recipient with an unnecessarily long email. Shorter emails increase the chances of grabbing the reader's attention for the entire email. Your best bet is to use stock phrases and elaborate when necessary. Just remember that your goal is to be short and sweet. If it will take more than a paragraph, you might want to consider calling the person or setting up a meeting to discuss the topic in person. 

 

7. Do Not Email When it Should Be Said In Person

 

"Recipients prefer that you say important things in person rather than read an email about them later," says Erin Bull, a content writer at UK Services Reviews and Academ Advisor. "For example, offering criticism can't be said over email without creating a misunderstanding. Instead, call the person, or visit them in person. Plus, you can't make eye contact or have good body language over email – that personal touch comes from meeting someone in person." Be considerate when delivering difficult news, such as reductions, layoffs, or challenges facing the company. These announcements need to be made in person.

 

8. Spelling & Grammar Errors

 

The most detrimental mistake you can make when writing an email is not checking your spelling and grammar. Spelling and grammar errors lead to your recipient believing that you are not as professional as once thought. Therefore, you must proofread all emails before sending them to reduce embarrassment and avoid simple mistakes. If you are not confident in your spelling and grammar skills, download Grammarly, a free tool that can help you become a grammar and spelling star. 

 

Conclusion

 

Email is one of the most widely used forms of communication in the professional [and personal] world. Thus, knowing the proper way to write a professional email is essential. By avoiding these eight common email mistakes, you will not only maintain a professional voice, but you will also get the desired results from your messages.


When your culture is not operating at its best, then your employees will feel frustrated and not empowered to produce their best work.

 

The solution: create a happier, sustainable workplace culture that empowers and engages your team.

People Strategy Sessions

About the Author

Kristin Herman

Kristin Herman writes at Via Writing and
Writing Populist. She writes articles for online publications, such as
Best Essay Services. As a tech enthusiast, she blogs about tech trends.

Comments

Subscribe to our blog