For many people, the hardest part of writing an email is trying to figure out how to end it. After all, an email closing is the last thing your audience reads after finishing your message and can be the motivating factor in how quickly they respond—or whether they respond at all.
A sign-off should be tailored to each recipient based on the relationship and the environment in which the correspondence takes place. According to David Shipley, author of the book Send, “Being aware of the relationship — length, formality, professional, familial, romantic, whatever — is key,” Mr. Shipley said. Send is an excellent in-depth look at how to craft the perfect email.
Consider starting your closing with a simple closing line. Followed by your full name, title, and ending with your contact information.
So, what are some examples?
“Regards,” “Thank you,” and “Sincerely,” should be the first remarks you reach for when closing an email. These three phrases show that you can be trusted to handle formal correspondence and leaves a positive impression on the reader. An email sign-off can be thought of as the conclusion to a conversation. Expressing gratitude for their time and communicating your respect is key to motivating the recipient to continue further communication lines.
A few other examples of closing remarks are;
- Best
- Kind regards
- Warm wishes
- With gratitude
- Many thanks
- Respectfully
Some to be avoided in a professional setting are;
- Your friend
- Cheers
- Peace
- Thanks a bunch
- Chat soon
- Yours truly
In a world where most workplace communication is taking place online, it is paramount to maintain a polished and professional image. By keeping these concepts in mind, you can feel confident in your ability to send well-received and appropriate emails.
