How To Get A Reply To Every Email You Send In 24 Hours Or Less...Guaranteed.

Have you sent or replied to an email with what you felt was urgent information only to wait hours and maybe even days before getting a response?

Have you ever gotten what you would call a less than adequate response to an email you've sent to someone?

Tired of getting those email replies that simply say "Thanks" or "I'm in?"

Well, fret no longer. Here are 5 quick ways to make sure your email is answered quickly and in a way that provides you all the information you're looking for the first time.

The "To" Line
You have a 95% higher chance for response if you put only one person's name in the "To" line. Also, make sure in the body that you address the recipient by name. Don't assume because they are in the "To" line they know you're talking to them.

Subject Line
First of all, have one. Secondly, don't simply find an old email from someone in your inbox, hit reply, and assume using the old subject line for a new idea is going to get you a prompt response. Think about it. The person most likely assumes you're still sharing info on that old project. Not a priority in their mind. Most importantly, use persuasive copy writing tricks to get your email opened. What subject line from the two below piques your curiosity?

Subject: Project Status

Subject: 5 reasons why the XYZ project may miss the deadline

Use Code
Another excellent system to implement whether it's company-wide or merely within a small team is subject line code. Begin your subject line with NRN telling your reader before they even open the email: No response necessary. Better yet, AR stands for Action Required. If you need someone to act, let them know in the subject line. It will help them prioritize their inbox. They'll love you for it. Other codes include URG for urgent and RR for review requested.

Formatting
Is your email just a huge block of text with no breaks or sub-headers? How easy an email is to read is one of the primary factors determining how quickly the email is replied to. Break your text up into multiple small paragraphs if you have a lot to say. Put bold sub-headers above each paragraph so that people can scan for the info that is most relevant to them. An excellent way to get someone to respond is to tell them what action you expect at the very top of the email. Most people provide the background to a situation first then explain next steps at the bottom. Flip this. Provide next actions at the top of the email to ensure people know what you need.

Make It Time Sensitive
Whether you're working under a strict time line or not. Be explicit with your recipient on when you need a response by. Even consider putting that information in the subject line to create a sense of urgency. No, putting that little red exclamation point on your email doesn't create a sense of urgency. In fact, some people report that they tend to prioritize those lower, just to be spiteful. Stay away from that trap and simply outline in a friendly way when you need a response. And, more importantly, what could happen to your project if they don't respond in time.

So, give these five tips a try and let me know how it goes. If you don't start getting responses within 24 hours or less, I will give you 100% of your money back on this post.

Do you have a number 6 that tends to work for you when you really need a response?

Comments

[Chris Hughes]

Hey good stuff. They didn't teach us email etiquette in school. :)

Chris Hughes
Chief Visionary Officer
Personal Development for Free
http://www.pd4free.com

[Paula Brett]

Some great tips here, thank you.

It does annoy me when I get an email that doesn't address me as "Hi Paula" or "Dear Paula" etc. It just seems so rude.

Maybe I'm old-fashioned but I write my emails like I'd write a normal letter, more or less -- well, at least etiquette-wise

Best wishes
Paula

[Chris Bonney]

Chris and Paula-
Thanks for your comments. Sometimes these things seem like common sense, but so few have that good old-fashioned sensibility like Paula mentioned. Take care.