Subject: Field Tips

On a regular basis those who I communicate with comment on how I use the Subject: field to help keep e-mail conversations clear and more organized for both sides. I use the Subject: field to help set the tone or to let the recipient know what to expect.

This only taks a minuscule amount of effort but is well worth it when you consider the clarity added to both your message and ability to keep your messages organized by topic.

Before the established Subject:, I type in the following:

FOLLOW UP:
FYI:
QUESTION:
UPDATE:

Or when I reply to an inquiry I use: REPLY:. Then, as the conversation goes on, I change that to reflect REPLY [2], REPLY [3], etc. Doing this helps both sides keep the conversation in order when organizing e-mails by the Subject:.

You get the idea…  By adding to the Subject: field as noted above, I let the other side know basically why I am replying to that specific e-mail and what I am looking for. Compared to other cryptic e-mailers, using the Subject: field in this manner will have you appear as a more professional and efficient communicator. And that is always good for business!

Some More Info for You:

1. Please Do Change the Subject in Your Business E-mails
2. The Subject: Field is for the Subject!
3. Top 5 Subject: Field Mistakes
4. The Subject: Field is Not for URLs
5. What about CAPS in the SUBJECT: Field?