How to Close an Email: Mastering the Art of Email Sign-offs
Most of us spend a lot of time carefully crafting the body of our emails, but when it comes to closing them, we often give it little thought. But the truth is, how you end an email is just as important as what you say in it. The right email sign-off can leave a lasting impression on the recipient, while a poorly phrased one can undo all the good work of the body of your message.
In this article, we’ll provide some tips and ideas for effective email closing. We’ll explore some creative ways to end an email, discuss email dos and don’ts, offer advice for making a lasting impression, suggest some alternative sign-offs, and provide a comprehensive guide to mastering email etiquette.
5 Creative Ways to End An Email
When you think of email closings, phrases like “Best regards” or “Sincerely” probably come to mind. But if you want to make an impression, why not try something a little more creative? Below are five different approaches to ending an email, along with examples of how they could be used in different contexts:
1. With a quote
Using a quote can be a great way to add a personal touch to your email and leave a lasting impression on the recipient. If you’re writing to a friend or colleague, you could use a quote from a favorite film or TV show that you both enjoy – for example, “May the force be with you” from Star Wars. Alternatively, you could use a motivational quote that’s relevant to the context of your email – for example, “Believe you can and you’re halfway there” by Theodore Roosevelt.
2. With a call to action
If you want to encourage the recipient to take action, you could include a call to action at the end of your email. This could be as simple as “Looking forward to hearing from you”, or you could be more specific and ask the recipient to do something – for example, “Could you let me know your thoughts on this before the end of the week?”
3. With a question
If you want to keep the conversation flowing, you could end your email with a question. This could be a follow-up to something you’ve already discussed in the email, or it could be a new question that you want to ask. For example, “What are your plans for the weekend?” or “How did your presentation go?”
4. With a statement of gratitude
If someone has done something for you, or you just want to express your gratitude for their time and attention, you could end your email with a statement of gratitude. For example, “Thanks again for your help with this – it’s much appreciated” or “I really appreciate you taking the time to consider this.”
5. With an emoji
If you’re writing to someone with whom you have a more informal relationship, why not use an emoji to add a personal touch to your email? This could be a smiley face, a thumbs up, or even a heart, depending on the context of your email.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Email Closing
Now that you know some creative ways to end an email, let’s take a look at some basic rules for crafting an effective email close:
Do:
- Keep it professional, unless you’re writing to a friend or family member
- Thank the recipient for their time and attention, if appropriate
- Include any necessary information such as contact details or a meeting time
- Use consistent formatting throughout your email and sign-off
Don’t:
- Use unprofessional or overly casual language – for example, “Cheers” or “Later”
- Use colors, fonts, or images that aren’t consistent with your brand or your email’s content
- Include irrelevant information or ramble on unnecessarily
- Forget to proofread your sign-off for spelling and grammar mistakes
Making a Lasting Impression: How to Close Emails with Impact
If you want to really leave a lasting impression on the recipient, there are some additional tips you can follow:
Summarize key points
If you’ve discussed a lot of information in your email, consider summarizing the key points in your closing statement. This can help to reinforce the most important information, and make it easier for the recipient to respond to your email.
End with a personal touch
If you know the recipient well, try to include a personal touch in your closing statement. This could be as simple as wishing them a good weekend, congratulating them on a recent achievement, or even just saying hello to their family.
Beyond ‘Best Regards’: Alternative Ways to Sign Off on Emails
If you’re tired of using the same old sign-offs like “Best regards” or “Sincerely”, here are some alternative options:
- “Warmly” – adds a personal touch to your email, without being too informal
- “Yours truly” – a classic sign-off that’s still widely used in professional settings
- “All the best” – a friendly, casual sign-off that’s appropriate for most situations
- “Cheers” – a more informal option that’s best used for emails to friends or colleagues
- “Take care” – a sign-off that expresses concern for the recipient’s well-being
Mastering Email Etiquette: How to End Your Emails Like a Pro
Finally, if you want to master email etiquette and end your emails like a pro, here are some best practices to follow:
- Use a clear, concise sign-off that’s appropriate for the context of your email
- Proofread your email and sign-off for spelling and grammar mistakes
- Use consistent formatting throughout your email and sign-off
- Be careful when using humor or sarcasm, which can often be misinterpreted in written form
- Avoid using overly formal or stilted language, which can make your email sound insincere
Conclusion
Closing an email might seem like a small detail, but it can have a big impact on how your message is received. By following the tips and suggestions in this article, you can craft effective, professional, and memorable email closing statements. Whether you choose to use a traditional sign-off like “Sincerely”, or a more creative option like a quote or emoji, the key is to make sure it’s appropriate for the context of your email and that it leaves a positive impression on the recipient.
