Email is one of the most powerful tools you will use to grow your business. Often, it is the only way you will have to interact with prospects, many of whom will be in countries far away from your own. Follow these simple rules and you will have mastered the art of effective communication via email.

1. Be concise and to the point

2. Answer all questions, and pre-empt further questions

3. Make it personal. Use their name. People want to feel special!

4. Use a meaningful subject that grabs their attention

5. Use proper spelling, grammar & punctuation

6. Use active instead of passive words

7. Use templates for frequently used responses – these can be found in your promotional briefcase

8. Answer quickly

9. Use proper structure & layout. Make it easy on the eyes. Put some space between sentences or paragraphs.

10. Bullet points are very effective in pointing out benefits

11. Take care with abbreviations and emoticons

12. Avoid long sentences

13. Write like you speak. Use plain, easy to understand English.

14. Do not write in CAPITALS. This is the equivalent of shouting at someone online

15. Take care with rich text and HTML messages

16. Keep your language gender neutral and always speak to only one person

17. Add disclaimers to your emails regarding SPAM

18. Read the email before you send it. Often you will find mistakes the 2nd time around

19. Do not overuse the high priority option. If used too much, it will lose its effectiveness

20. Do not overuse Reply to All

21. Avoid using URGENT and IMPORTANT

22. Don't leave out the message thread

23. In Group Mailings, use the bcc: field or do a mail merge

24. Do not attach unnecessary files

25. Do not forward chain letters

26. Do not request delivery and read receipts

27. Do not ask to recall a message

28. Do not copy a message or attachment without permission

29. Do not use email to discuss confidential information

30. Don't send or forward emails containing libelous, defamatory, offensive, racist or obscene remarks

31. Don't forward virus hoaxes and chain letters

32. Don't reply to spam

Like any other business, you must understand the proper way to use the tools of the trade. Learn these email techniques and you will increase your response rate tremendously.

By: Anne Ahira
Editor The BEST Affiliate Newsletter
http://www.thebestaffiliate.com

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