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Do Your E-mails Go Unanswered? How to Fix That

Are you frustrated by the lack of response to your emails? The way you write them and when you send them are just a few of the factors that may be the reasons for the lack of response.

Do your emails go unanswered? Keep reading for a few proven tips that will help get your message across.

1. Ask For One

If you want a response, be sure to ask for it, not just in the body of your email. Ask for a response in your subject line too. Using RESPONSE NEEDED or PLEASE REPLY can be effective ways to get someone to click Reply.

2. Mention Key Stakeholders

If you’re interacting with others at an organization or on your own, it can’t hurt to put a little peer pressure into play. Note that others have responded, what those responses are, and how many in a group you’ve heard from, and you’re likely to get a reaction.

3. Change the Subject

Often, we end up with never-ending email chains with responses from multiple players. Seeing the same subject line over and over can cause some people to tune out from the conversation. Consider changing up the subject line within a response, especially if you’re only looking for one person’s response. Acknowledge the long chain but call it something different.

4. State the Reason

Stating the reason you need a response allows the person to understand the impact the lack of an answer is having on you. This may not work as effectively in sales (you don’t want to say “I need a response to meet my sales quota”) but it can work with those who want a reason for making the effort to reply.

Knowing when to change the subject line and what to ask for can lead to better response rates.

5. Include a Greeting

You want to keep your emails personal when you haven’t heard from someone. Generic emails that do not include a Dear NAME are often seen for what they are – mass emails sent to multiple parties. Keep it personal and you’re more apt to spur action.

6. Keep It Simple

When you need to get an answer, ask only one question. Sure, you may have lots of business you need to conduct with the recipient, but sometimes the best business strategy is to focus on one thing. Once you get a response to that one item, you can follow up with all the other items on your list but focus on the most important or pressing issue first and make it easy for someone to reply to you.

7.  Timing Matters

Everyone has their own style and preferences for when it comes to responding to emails. Some react right away, while others try to tackle emails only a few times each day. Many business leaders who are stuck in meetings most of the day will only look at email in the morning and late in the day. Consider timing your emails based on what you know about the person’s typical day. If you know their mornings are especially hectic, then send your message later in the day.

8. Short is Sweet

Email is not the ideal format for detailed, lengthy discussions, especially given that many people read emails on a smartphone today. Keep your message clear and concise to keep a reader’s attention and interest.

With a few strategic approaches to email, your response rate is likely to improve.