Let’s face it, social media may be the life of the party, but it’s email that gets the job done. And if you’re a small business owner, you can’t afford to overlook the power of this unassuming tool.
But before you start sending out those emails, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid. Trust me; I’ve seen them all in my work with solo professionals and small business clients.
Mistake #1: A generic or hard-to-understand “from” line. We all know the importance of a catchy subject line, but the “from” line is just as crucial. It’s the first thing the recipient sees, and if they don’t recognize the sender, chances are they’ll assume it’s spam and hit delete. To avoid this, ensure your “from” line includes your full name and company name.
Pro Tip: Try this – First and Last Name | Company Name
I use my full name followed by my company name
ex: Torrie Wrenn Eubanks | Wrennovate Business Solutions
which helps the recipient realize who I am. (You’ll find the vertical separator line that I use – “|” – above the backslash, near the top right of your keyboard.)
Mistake #2: Not using a custom domain for email. This mistake is a simple one to fix. Yet, I see it all the time, small businesses and solo professionals who use Gmail, Verizon, and other providers to act as their domain.
An example is companyname@gmail.com.
If you own a domain, you can create email addresses that use that domain name at no additional cost.
By using a custom domain, you’re not only setting yourself apart as a legitimate business, but you’re also constantly promoting your company and website.
So there you have it, two easy ways to up your email game and make sure you’re getting the most out of this powerful tool.
Happy emailing!