Whenyou’re wondering how to end an email, just think about this:
Doyou leave a book open whenyou’re done reading it?
No.
The same holds true when writing a professional email — you need to close it when you’re done.
But don’t just type the same email sign-offs into every message (“sincerely,” “from,” “best regards,” “best wishes,” “warm regards”). Each sign-off should vary depending on the context of your outreach.
This should be an engraved practice in your email format.
Below, we’ve compiledour best practices for ending an email, as well as 15 common email sign-offs and the best ways to end your email in various situations.
Eliminate the guessworkKnow when recipients read your emails, click on links, and view attachments
Ways to End an Email
When you’re thinking about an email closing sentence, you have two options:
- Add a general sign-off to your email signature above your full name to auto-insert itself into outgoing emails.
- Write out different sign-offs for each message so you can tailorin real-time what yousay.
So, which optionshould you choose?
A general rule of thumb: personalize your sign-off every time.
Only add a blanket message to the top of your email signature if it’s an apology for potential typos or an important notice.
It’s worth the two seconds of time it takes to write a sign-off for each email, and you can use a Gmail extension to spot-check for typos as you write.
15 Email Sign-offs for Every Situation
1. Email sign-offs for when you need an answer to a question
Sign-offs can be catalysts for action when they include a gentle reminder.
As humans, we respond to visual cues.
It’s what makes us skip to headlines as we read and what makes sightassociations affect our memory.
Research shows that when you associate a task withsomething in your line of sight, it increases the likelihood of you doing that thing by over 40%.
It’s been tested with elephant statues and stuffed aliens, and it’s an effective way to end an email. Here are some ways to remind your recipient:
“Sincerely appreciate your help in answering my question,”
“If you’re able to reply by [day or time], that would be great — thank you!”
“Thanks for pointing me in the right direction,”
2. Email closings for when you’re requesting a meeting
Keep in mind: your email might be scanned.
But that’s okay.
According to eye-tracking studies, people read in an “F” pattern. This means that your left-aligned sign-off is the final thing they see in the body of your email.
This creates a final chance to remind them to say “yes” to a meeting.
“Hoping for a hole in your calendar,”
“Eager to work around your schedule,”
Test: If you’re sending a sales email, try adding a P.S. line to reiterate: 1) what’s in it for them, and 2) the short amount of time being asked for.
“P.S. Promise the ROI of [x] minutes with me will be worth it; you’ll walk away with [tangible value].”
3. Email endings for when you need feedback or a task completed
According to Harvard Health research, gratitude helps people feel positive emotions and, in turn, builds stronger relationships. Expressing gratitudealso makes peopleview you more favorably, which is important when you’re asking for something. Use this to your advantage:
“Thanks in advance for your time,”
“I sincerely appreciate your help,”
“Looking forward to your reply,”
“Thanks, and let me know if there are any hold-ups,”
Tip: If their follow-up might require some time and/or they typically need a second nudge, set a reminder that monitors whether they reply and pings you if they don’t at the day/time you prefer.
4. How to end an email when you’re nurturing a relationship
You’re familiar with this recipient, so show them you care. End your email by showing them you’re rooting for them or including a piece of content they might find interesting. Here’s how:
“Stay awesome,”
“Keep fighting the good fight,”
“P.S. You might find this interesting.” (Link “this” to an article they might enjoy.)
5. Email sign-offs for when you’re prepping for a planned meeting or project
By addressing that you’re going to be in contact with each other, you leave the lines open to further communication. Make sure to include your contact information, including your phone number, if you want them to reach you by phone.
“Talk soon,”
“Speak with you soon,”
“Look forward to connecting soon,”
“Looking forward to chatting,” (Specifically for calls)
“Hope this helps,” (If you’re sending content or new information that is valuable to them.)
The Ultimate Guide to Sales Email (Backed by Data)Looking at the aggregated email habits of more than half a million sales emails, we’ve pulled together the best tips & strategies for improving the outcome of your sales emails.
6. Email closers for when you’re sending an update or fulfilling a request
The person (or people) receiving your email might havefeedback, questions, or concerns, so bear this in mind. Also, if there’s more information to come, let them know.
“Stay tuned,”
“More soon,” (only if you’re committing to a future update)
“That’s all for now,”
“Happy to help if you want to know more,”
“Let me know if you have any questions,”
7. How to end an email when someone’s done something for you
Someone went out of their way to do something for you. Here’s how to end an email with appreciation:
“Thanks again for [what they did for you — make it a quick phrase],”
“You’re the best,”
8. Email closings when you feel comfortable breaking the norm
We like these pattern interrupts from Criminally Prolific that help you move away from what everyone else is sending. They also add humor, which can serve asa persuasive tool to increase reply rates.
8 funny email closer examples to copy and paste:
“Have a great day and watch out for falling space stations,”
“Sent from the bottom of my heart,” (a play on the typical mobile sign-off)
“This message made from 100% recycled electrons.”
“FUN FACT: Penguins have knees.” (Didn’t know that, ThoughtCatalog)
And for mobile, some funny alternatives to “Sent from my smartphone”:
“Typed with big thumbs on a small phone,”
“Sent by my carrier pigeon, Percy Finkleberry,” (Props to Mashable for this one)
“Typed on tiny keys, just for you.”
“Written in smoke, translated by warlocks, sent from my palms,” (thanks to The Atlantic)
9. How to personalize your email sign-offs according to send-time
We all like a good shortcut to getting something done.
Well, sending your message at the best time to send emails no longer means waiting around. You can write it now and schedule it for later, personalizing your email sign-offs for when it will land in their inbox.
Here’s how to do that right from your Gmail inbox. And some examples to play off of:
“Have a splendid [morning/date/afternoon/evening],”
“Have a great week,” (If you’re sending on a Monday or Tuesday and don’t expect an immediate reply).
“Have a great weekend,” (For Fridays)
“Hope your weekend is going well,” (Sent on a Saturday or Sunday)
“Enjoy your holiday,”
10. How to end an email when you’re wrapping up a project or other type of collaboration with a vendor
You completed a project with someone, and it went great! Now take a second to show some extra appreciation for your collaborator — it’ll go a long way.
So with that in mind, here’s how to end a formal email to a collaborator:
“Great working with you,”
“Thank you for your hard work,”
11. How to end an emailreplying to rejection
Something didn’t work out the way you wanted it to. You’re feeling disappointed, but it’s still important to appreciate the opportunity in the first place. Doing so can actually win you whatyou lost in the first place — especially in the case of a job where you’ve sent a resume or cover letter.
Be gracious throughout your email and express your desire to keep in touch. Then, sign off by reiterating the sentiment:
“Thanks for your consideration,”
“Appreciate your time and consideration,”
Tired of re-writing emails?Save your emails and sign-offs as templates for every type of email
12. Email closings when you’re sending a reminder
Another instance of summarizing your main points. If your email was quickly scanned over, reiterate your main point to complete a task.
“Don’t forget to [action],”
“Again, please [action],”
13. Email endings when you’re sending a congratulatory note
When someone gives you a compliment, you feel obliged to give one back.Right?
It’s called the Rule of Obligation.
You might need a favorfrom your recipient in the future, so end your email with a final note that furtherrecognizes their accomplishment. It will create subconscious, positive attitudes of you and your company.
“Keep up the great work!”
“Congrats again,”
“In awe of what you’ve accomplished,”
14. How to end your email whenyou need a last ditch effort to catch their attention
Every time you end your email, chances are you’re conforming to a social norm. (“Thanks,” “Thank you,” “Yours truly,”“Best” — you get the point.)
So if your goal is to really get someone’s attention, break it.
It’s like when someone stands facing the oppositeway on an elevator; everyone notices. Here’s one way to do it:
“Love you,”
We liked this real-life example from Ralph Jones, who spent a month replying to emails with “I love you” (surprisingly, people were pretty cool with it). Here’s how his experiment played out:
That escalated quickly. So much
15. How to end your email when your email is more of an instant message
There’s one exception to the rule of always ending with professional email endings:
If you don’t start your email with a salutation (“hi, “hello,” “hey,” etc.), you don’t need a formal sign-off with your full name. Many people use “thanks,” or even “thx,” to sign off from an informal email.
It’s like an Irish exit at a social gathering — it happens sometimes, and everyone understands.
How Yesware Can Help You Better Manage Your Emails
Save your email sign-offs for every type of situation as templates that live in your inbox. Then re-use whenever you need.
Measure the effectiveness of your emails so you’re always in the know of the most effective email messaging possible.
Continue to iterate and get creative by A/B testing different sign-offs.
Change it up and find what works best for you and your specific audience.