Business email format: a simple structure that gets replies

2 min read · Updated

The short answer

A business email format that works has five parts: a subject that says what it's about, a short greeting, the point in the first sentence, one clear ask or next step, and a signature with your name and phone. Keep paragraphs to two or three sentences. Most business emails are read on phones.

The structure

  1. Subject: specific. "Quote for the Oak St. deck", not "Following up".
  2. Greeting: their name.
  3. First line: the point.
  4. Detail: only what they need to decide or act.
  5. Ask: one clear next step and a date.
  6. Signature: name, role, business, phone.

Small things that help

  • One topic per email.
  • Dates and times written out: "Thursday, October 9, at 9 a.m."
  • Attachments named clearly, and mentioned in the text.

Questions

How long should a business email be?

As short as it can be while still being clear. Usually a few short paragraphs.

Should I use "Dear"?

"Hi" plus their name is normal for most small-business email.

Do I need a signature?

Yes. It's how people call you back.

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