Email Subject: Field Attention Getters

You need a response to a previous e-mail and want to do a follow-up but are unsure how to make a point that you really need a response.  Or, you looking for the proper way to address e-mails that may be hot issues or need further assistance (asking for help, needing a response, clarification).

Keep in mind that specifically with follow-ups where you may be frustrated due to a lack of response, consider whether picking up the phone and actually have a person-to-person discussion may be more productive than sending a follow-up that is terse in tone or demanding in intent.

To encourage specific results, what I do is use the Subject: field to help set expectations and the tone for my e-mails.   Before the established Subject:, on ongoing conversations I use:

FOLLOW UP:
FYI:
QUESTION:
UPDATE:

You could also use:

PLEASE RESPOND:
RESPONSE REQUIRED:
COMMENTS PLEASE:

You get the idea… This lets the other side know why I am replying to that specific subject and what I am looking for.  You may also find that those you communicate with appreciate this little “hint” in the Subject: field too!

Some More Info for You:

1. Subject: Field Tips
2. What about CAPS in the SUBJECT: Field?
3. The Subject: Field is Not for URLs
4. The Subject: Field is for the Subject!
5. Top 5 Subject: Field Mistakes