Email: it’s one of the most commonly used forms of communication today, with messages being sent and arriving in inboxes at rapid rates. So, how’s your email etiquette? Do you always keep your digital manners in check? As commonplace as it may be to some, there are those behind their keyboards who simply rattle off anything that comes into their minds, without thinking about manners. If you want to make sure that the person on the other end isn’t offended or put off by your last email, here are some great tips on how to brush up on some basic email etiquette:

• Always be courteous. Having a simple greeting and closing on all your messages will go a long way. I can’t tell you how many messages land in my inbox daily that are one-word messages – don’t be that person.
• Spell check. This one should go without being said, but, again, you’d be shocked how many people are still strangers to some basic grammar rules.
• That being said, make sure you’re using proper English and typing in complete sentences. Refrain from subbing in shorthand and abbreviations like “u” and “ur” for the actual word. Also make sure you’re using the proper sentence structure. Enough with the excessive usage of “????” or  “!!!!!” in any sentence, and all caps.
• Font choices. Keep it simple here. Basic font styles and automatic black text. There is never any need for colored font and calligraphy when talking business via email.
• If you’re attaching an item, always go the extra mile and point that out in the text of the email, to ensure the recipient knows to continue looking for it. This will avoid any unnecessary back-and-forth afterwards, too.
• Don’t write a novel. Keep your email messages to the point. If you have to explain something a bit, that’s fine, just make sure it’s clear what your message is; save anything that requires too great of detail for a phone call.

Bottom line, make sure what you’re sending wouldn’t annoy you if it were arriving in your inbox. Taking the time to craft your email in a professional manner will make the conversation that much easier to follow and go much smoother.