How to Properly Close an Email

The way you close an email is more important than you think. There are so many different options when it comes to signing off that it’s no wonder you may be confused. It’s important to determine what message you are attempting to convey when it’s time to say “goodbye”. To choose an appropriate closing you must take into consideration the nature of the email, as well as the connection you share with the recipient.

Your email signature is also another opportunity to share your logo, links to your social media profiles, or even recent articles or interviews. Let’s start with the basics and discuss what each type of phrase conveys.

Previously published on HuffPost.  

No Signature

While this may seem rude for business communication, it depends on the situation. During an active conversation, an email can appear more like a chat than correspondence. In this case, repetitive signatures can clutter up responses in a long thread and should be left out.

Old Faithful

The list of formal conclusions used in the past fall into the same general category. Some parting statements are more comfortable to use than others, and there are varying opinions on which ones are best. Depending on the situation or circumstance, they are still perfectly acceptable. They include:

• Yours, Yours truly
• Sincerely, Sincerely yours
• Best, All the best, Best wishes
• Regards, Warmest regards, or Best regards

For a formal, professional email, the best choices are still the standards. Personally, I favor “Sincerely.” It’s simple and straightforward, not demanding or pushy. I also use “Best” as another option.

Thank You

Expressing thanks is appropriate when you are asking the recipient to take action or have a reason to thank them, but be careful to avoid presumption. If you ask for a favor and close with thanks, it implies you already know the answer. Avoid the appearance of assuming their answer by being more specific. Closing with “Thank you for your consideration” or “Thank you for considering me” is thoughtful without sounding submissive. If you are going to close with gratitude, “Many Thanks” or “Thanks so much” are more personal, modern expressions.

The Pretentious Close

Any word co-opted from another language is cringe-worthy. Words like “Cheers,” “Ciao,” or “Aloha” are more likely to annoy your recipient than impress them.

Abbreviations and Emoji’s

While thx (thanks), TTYL (talk to you later) and the hand-waving emoji’s are fine for texting your friends, they are unprofessional for business correspondence. Spell words out and avoid the inclusion of icons for a professional appearance.

Signature Block

Many professionals today skip the valediction altogether and end with their signature block. It’s a little abrupt, but appropriate.

Call-to-Action

You have probably never considered “hope to hear from you soon” or “looking forward to your response” as a CTA. It’s certainly not on the level of “click here to buy now,” but it is a clear request. If you’ve asked a question and are waiting for an answer, it’s perfectly appropriate as long as you’re comfortable leaving the next move to your recipient.

Personal Note

The closing I prefer for most email contacts is a personal comment that relates to the person or the content of the message. I might say “stay warm” when a blizzard is impending, or a more personal “enjoy your weekend on the slopes” for a more intimate closing. This is an acknowledgment of past conversations and the relationship you share. Your closing should echo the tone of your email and reflect the relationship you have with your recipient. 

You may also like 6 Soft Skills You Need to Land Your Next Job. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on Huff Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.