when
I first started this blog. At that time I was showing
you step by step how to layout your business online.
Utilizing this tool is paramount in getting your business in front of future customers and possible business partners. But, while it is important that you know how to use email, it is even more important in that you are sending emails that are read.
So remember it is not just about email avoiding the spam filter and hitting the in box. It is also important that you are opened, but it is most important that you are read, because if you are not read nothing, else you did will matter.
Important you want to be read
How do you make that happen you may ask?
1. Use the same yardstick in sending mail that you do when scanning and deciding what you yourself will read.
2.
Write a compelling subject line that is all about them.
Do not try and sell in a subject line. But do try and connect with the person
you are trying to woo into being a reader with a tempting invite to open.
3.
Use the first person.
The name of who you are writing is so much more powerful than a generic
greeting. Good morning, Hi, Hey’ Hello, May I have a movement of your time
(their name)
4.
Stroke egos and spotlight people.
Make the email all about them the most fascinating person in the world is YOU
right? Your reader is no different. So make your letters all about what you can
do for them. The email should pop out at them as me, Me, ME
MEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!It should sing it!
5.
People are busy.
We are doing more now than any time in history so do not waste time, their time
IS VALUABLE and they need to know you know it. So don’t send lot of filler- get
to the point and establish a purpose for your letter.
6.
Forget what you heard about giveaways.
Freebee’s are nice but if they are not relevant they hold no value and your
reader not you gets to determine value. Straight usable information is far more
likely to convert a reader.
7.
Short is better.
Keep your letters brief and provide content that is useful to them. Do not send
a bunch of things about you it is not about you it is about them. Remember me,
Me, ME MEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! What can you do for, what will it do for ME!!!!
8.
Be persuasive.
Show them how in taking action on the information you sent they will find
answers and will feel good for doing so. Make your offer something that they will
benefit from something they will want to do.
9.
Use your name.
People like real people not letters from cashcow or lets payyou or money4you
etc. Put your REAL name (First and Last) in the who from section and at the end
of your email. With so many emails from get rich quick and anonymous help your
business no replies- personal names stand out! Your messages should say your
name.
10.
Do not tease.
Never hint around or say get back to me for the details, why would they? Who
are you? Instead show them why they would wish to go further with you. Leave
them feeling warm and fuzzy before they leave your email to click on your link
or check you out. So they want to, not because they had no idea why they
should.
11.
Do not overload either.
Do not get too chatty. Never look desperate, never beg anyone to read or check
links out “no pleases or pleazzzzes”. Instead show them why they should read.
Hey’ Bob I would love if you would take a look… Bob this could be right up your
ally. Use the recipient’s name more than once in the letter only IF it is
applicable, don’t force it in. Remember again about time is valuable so do not
ask more than one thing of your reader in this first email.
12.
Break your email into small paragraphs.
Segmented emails are easier to read. DO NOT fill with slow loading graphics.
Proof read, spell check read and edit at least one time before you send.
The old What, When, Where and How used in the newspaper industry still
holds true. Nothing more is needed, everything else should be edited out.
We are bombarded with emails every day and the average person spends seconds deciding who to open and who to trash. But even if you clear that first hurdle with a catchy subject line or something that screams this is about them, that doesn’t mean you will be read.
You need to catch their attention quickly as they scan the first few words, their name there is a good start. Write a short intro that shows how reading your email will solve a problem or stop pain and is all about them. Use an attractive lead in that most people will read through.
Then do follow up email that shows you are interested in their success, happiness, and are willing to spend the time building a relationship.
Lastly remember email etiquette end with a Best Wishes, Sincerely, or some sort of salutation I use Take Care and I truly mean that when I write to people. Consider people you do not know yet as future friends and colleges and do not YELL at them in all caps! Show the same respect to them that you want for yourself.
Please let me know what you think about this and any post; or if you have questions or comments on the entire site. Feedback is ALWAYS appreciated!
- And please leave feedback on what other topics you would like to see discussed here LOVE to hear from you
- See us at IBOSOCIAL too and check out the buzz!!!
Take Care
Sandy Metcalf
