How to sign off an email is almost as important as the email itself. This is because of its strong influence on the response of the email recipient. While your email subject and introduction create the first impression on your recipient, closing and ways to sign off an email dictate the kind of response you get. You definitely don’t want your business email closing to water down the contents of your email.
In addition, the content and arrangement of the information in the ways to sign off an email is very important and strategic. You should always aim to make yourself very easy to contact by including all your important contact information, especially in first contact emails. If you are contacting a potential client, business partner or associate for the first time, you should provide alternative contact information in your closing. These should include phone, email, website etc.
How to Sign Off an Email
Different people have their preferred ways to sign off an email that is professional. Some people like to simply close with Thank you and then sign off their name. Some end by reminding their recipients to take action on the emails or by reminding them of the main thrust of the emails.
Common Business Email Closings
Let’s consider some of the more common business email closings:
1. How to Sign Off an Email Showing Anticipation and Concerns
Some people like to end their emails with an expression of the action expected from the recipient. They believe this will commit the recipient to take action on the email. This method is very much acceptable in business.
Between business partners or entrepreneur to venture capitalist:
Looking forward to discussing the proposal at the dinner.
Business owner to client:
Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns.
Manager to secretary:
Looking forward to receiving the minutes of the meeting.
2. How to Sign Off an Email Expressing Appreciation
Closing a business email by showing appreciation is a nice way to end an email. Just like in our everyday life, people like to be appreciated. Aside serving as a closing, this kind of closing also leaves the recipient feeling good.
Thanks again,
Ayo Oyedotun
Thank you for letting know you will be available.
Ayo Oyedotun
I truly appreciate this gesture.
Ayo Oyedotun
3. Email Endings Formally Requesting Action
This kind of closing seems rather straightforward. From the examples below, you will see that this kind of closing shows there is little or no relationship between the sender and the recipient. This is the type of closing you would expect from a choleric or a melancholy; but there is nothing wrong with closing like this.
Recruiter to a job seeker:
Please reply to this message to confirm that you accept our new offer.
Supervisor to student:
Please contact me for a proper review of your project proposal.
HOD to student representative:
Please contact me to discuss the timetable for next semester.
4. How to Sign Off an Email with Considerations
When you use any of the closings (1 to 3) above, it is nice to also sign-off with a consideration even though it is not compulsory. Most people eventually jump this step after a few seconds of mulling over the right consideration to use. However, the most important thing is to ensure the consideration you choose is based on your level of familiarity with the recipient.
In most business settings, it is fine to sign-off with:
“Yours faithfully” [very formal, good for first time contact emails]
“Kind regards,” [formal, okay for second time contact emails]
“Warm regards,” [personal and professional, okay for subsequent email interactions]
“Yours truly,” [very personal, okay for regular clients]
“Regards,” [personal, okay for second time contact emails]
“Sincerely,” [personal, okay for regular clients]
“Yours sincerely” [personal, okay for regular clients]
“All the best” [personal, okay for regular clients]
4 Things You Should Know About Business Email Closings and Sign Offs
Before you make your choice of closing and/or sign-off to use, there are a couple of things you should know about ending professional emails:
1. How to sign off an email should be in tandem with the message of the email. It will be awkward to close a nasty email to a debtor with Cheers or All the best.
2. Your closing should include your name (full name for first time contact emails), even if you don’t have time to include other details like job title, contact information and website. For some people, these are already part of their email signature. Also avoid those huge signatures or advertising banners.
Normally, your business email closing should be in this order:
Best wishes,
Ayo Oyedotun
Editor-in-Chief
Woculus Inc.
234-805-392-8069 ext. 12
Ayo@woculus.com
http://woculus.com/
After your consideration, jump a line and write your full name followed by your contact details. Your official email address should be included if you are emailing from a personal email address.
3. Your closing should remind the reader of the main thrust of your message and, at the same time, show your pleasure in communicating with the recipient.
4. Business email closing should also leave the recipient feeling good about you. This is where your choice of consideration also comes into play.
Below are other considerations you can use in closing your emails. Be sure to select one that fits your message.
- Best
- Cordially
- Cheers
- Best
- Cheers
- Yours
- Kindest regards
- Warmest regards
- I remain yours truly
- Warmly
- Take care,
- Have a great day!
- Happy Holidays!
- Enjoy your weekend!
- Keep up the good work!
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