If youre concerned that your email introductions seem weak, dont worryyoure not alone.
Even skilled writers spend hours crafting the perfect intro.
Everyone knows they should grab the readers attention, but only a few manage to do it.
To master email opening lines, study what bad ones look like first.
Here are some damaging yet commonly overlooked mistakes to avoid when writing professional emails.
After all, expressing emotions through text is tricky.
Instead of accurately describing the nuances of nonverbal communication, youll find it easier to click digital images.
For a more personal feel, you could evenmake customized emojis using apps.
Despite the convenience of emoticons, you shouldnt use them in work emails.
Some readers might even associate you with annoying marketers who start emails with massive emojis.
The same rule applies to excessive punctuation marks.
While multiple exclamation marks and periods signify heightened emotions, they sometimes come off as spammy.
Only use them with close friends and peers.
Otherwise, youll risk looking like shady marketers who overuse !
to create fake urgency.
Using Sales-y Language
Aggressive email tactics rarely work anymore.
Recipients automatically close emails with sales-y introductions, regardless of the message intent.
Once they do, they dont reopen them.
Some people will even block the sender altogether if they dont know them on a personal level.
To avoid getting the same treatment:
3.
Taking Too Long With the Introduction
Ironically, people tend to over-explain when theyre lost for words.
They compensate for uncertainty by rambling and diverting readers to associated yet non-essential elements.
Its a natural response.
If youre careless, you might find yourself typing several paragraphs before reaching the core of your message.
Although seemingly helpful, over-a puts off readers.
Keep your opening straightforward.
Remember: Intros must set the tone of your message, not summarize it.
Try writing an informative, attention-grabbing introduction that provides context and prompts readers to engage.
Also, limit yourself to two or three sentences.
Introducing Too Much Jargon
Jargon refers to technical words used within specific communities.
They quickly convey complex concepts that would otherwise require lengthy, redundant explanations.
These terms have no synonyms.
Youll rely on them the most when discussing industry-specific matters with fellow professionals.
Albeit essential, jargons also feel exclusionary.
You shouldnt carelessly assume that recipients will understand complex, technical ideas.
Otherwise, you might intimidate them.
Always start emails with general phrases and concise language.
Only use jargon once youve introduced yourself and established the messages intent.
Pro Tip:Avoid technical terms and jargon when writing to people outside the industry.
If you have to elaborate on overly complex matters,upload relevant resources as large file attachmentsinstead.
Acting Over Familiar
Workplace communication doesnt always require a friendly, jolly demeanor.
Personal stories, filler phrases, and fluff will muddle your opening line if taken out of context.
Before setting the tone of your introduction, consider your level of closeness to the recipient.
Respect their professional boundaries.
Superfluous, formal terms sound impersonal, but an edgy, inappropriate attitude could come off offensive.
Be personable without acting overly familiar.
And if youre unsure about your approach, play it safe and lean toward a formal tone.
Avoid phrases that could be misinterpreted.
Only adopt a less formal attitude once the other party warms up to you.
Throwing Around Jokes and Punchlines
Many marketers swear by humorous email introductions.
They claim that witty remarks build rapport and grab the readers attention.
Funny intros might make your emails more engaging, but the risks outweigh the benefits.
Jokes are hard to convey via email.
Only consider using jokes in casual conversations with colleagues whom you know on a personal level.
Otherwise, keep your work emails professional.
Most email providers accommodate the same font styles, sizes, and colors found in word processors.
you’ve got the option to even download new ones fromfree font websites.
Although fonts express creativity, carefully choose the ones you use in professional messages.
Not everyone appreciates unusual formats.
To play it safe, use the default style when writing work emails.
Outrageous designs are not only unprofessional, but they also compromise readability.
There are more professional ways of expressing creativity.
Making Aggressive Warnings
Marketers like those in the above image start their emails with a made-up deadline.
Although attention-grabbing, its also annoying.
Even commercial banks and lenders introduce themselves before getting down to business.
If your message opens with an aggressive warning, readers will dismiss it as spam.
Explore other ways you could create urgency.
Instead of leading with deadlines, which rarely influence purchases, emphasize the value of your limited-time offer.
Prospects dont respond well to aggressive approaches.
But if you could avoid adding deadlines to your opening line, hey do so.
Provide value before creating urgency.
Closing a deal without explaining your proposition will make you look pushy and desperate.
stash your CTAs for last.
Start Emails With a Strong, Professional Opening
The perfect opening line doesnt exist.
Remember: generic, overused intros never yield results.
While your opening line sets the tone for your email, dont spend all your time on it.
Work emails comprise several parts.
