Sending an email through LinkedIn can be a great way to connect with other professionals, share valuable insights, and grow your network. However, knowing how to properly end a LinkedIn email is key to making a good impression. The email closing sets the tone for the interaction and leaves a lasting impact on the recipient.
When ending a LinkedIn email, you want to sound professional yet personable, be clear in your intent, and promote future correspondence. This allows you to build strong relationships that further your career and business goals. With the right email sign-off, you can ensure your messages are warmly received and prompt responses.
There are several options for closing a LinkedIn email effectively. The approach you choose depends on your relationship with the recipient, the purpose of the message, and the level of formality required. Here are some recommendations on how to end an email on LinkedIn for common scenarios:
If You Know the Recipient Well
If communicating with someone you already have an established relationship with, such as a close colleague, you can use a more casual closing:
– Best regards, [Your name]
– Sincerely, [Your name]
– Thanks, [Your name]
– Talk soon, [Your name]
These closings convey warmth and familiarity while remaining professional. Since you already know the recipient well, you likely do not need to formally introduce yourself again. Focus on sounding approachable and friendly to maintain the existing connection.
If You Don’t Know the Recipient Well
When reaching out to new connections or less familiar contacts, use a more formal email closing:
– Best regards, [Full name and company/title]
– Sincerely, [Full name and company/title]
– Kind regards, [Full name and company/title]
Including your full name and position/company adds context. This allows the recipient to easily identify who you are, which is especially helpful if they do not already know you well. The polite closings set a courteous, professional tone.
If Your Goal is Building a Relationship
Sometimes your aim in an email is to kickstart a new relationship, like when networking or prospecting. In these cases, close with:
– Best, [Your first name]
– Regards, [Your first name]
– I look forward to connecting, [Your first name]
Using your first name only creates a sense of approachability and personal outreach. This encourages the recipient to respond on a more familiar level, helping set the groundwork for a budding relationship. Expressing interest in connecting further advances that aim.
If Your Message Requires Action
When you need the recipient to take some action after reading your email, include a call-to-action in the closing:
– Please let me know if you need any additional information.
– I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the proposal.
– Feel free to reach out with any other questions!
Politely yet clearly tell the person what you would like them to do next, such as provide feedback, answer a question, schedule a meeting, etc. This gives your message a definitive purpose and next steps.
If You are Thanking the Recipient
Expressing gratitude for someone’s time or assistance? End with:
– Thank you again for your help, [Your name]
– I appreciate you taking the time to connect, [Your name]
– Your insights were invaluable. Thank you, [Your name]
Show that you recognize and value the effort they made. Sending an email just to say thanks? Simply sign off with “Thank you” or “Thanks again!”
If Replying Quickly on Mobile
Sometimes you need to fire off a quick reply on your phone. In that case, brief closings like these get the job done politely:
– Best, [Initials]
– Thanks, [Initials]
– Sincerely, [Initials]
Using just your initials signals a quick response sent from your mobile device. The warm wishes still maintain professionalism.
What to Avoid
Some common closing mistakes to stay away from in LinkedIn emails:
– “Sent from my iPhone” – This looks lazy and impersonal.
– “Email me back” – Can sound demanding rather than inviting.
– “Ciao”, “See ya”, etc. – Too casual for most professional emails.
– Simply your name – Reads abruptly without a preceding greeting or comma.
– Nothing – An email without any closing can come across as cold or rude.
Stick with the recommended sign-offs in most situations to keep your emails warm yet professional.
Email Closing Examples
To see proper LinkedIn email closings in action, here are some template examples you can follow:
Replying to a new connection:
Dear Jane,
Thank you for connecting! It was great learning more about your background in corporate training. I think our skills in strategic communication and change management could complement each other nicely. I would enjoy discussing potential collaborations or client referrals. Please feel free to reach out anytime.
Best regards,
[Your full name]
[Your company/title]
Following up after meeting someone at an event:
Hi Matt,
It was a pleasure meeting you at yesterday’s industry conference. Thank you again for your insights on the latest innovations in our field – very informative! Please let me know if you would like to schedule a call next week to continue the conversation. I look forward to collaborating more in the future.
Regards,
[Your first name]
Requesting information from a new connection:
Good afternoon Paula,
I hope this email finds you well! Your profile mentioned your expertise in digital marketing analytics. I am interested to learn more about the techniques you use to measure campaign impact. Would you have time for a quick video call this week? I would value hearing your approach.
Looking forward to connecting!
[Your first name]
Responding to a prospect:
Hi Ryan,
Thank you for your interest in [company name] and the services we provide. Please find attached a brochure with more details on how we can help you achieve your business goals through strategic marketing partnerships. Feel free to reach out with any other questions! I am happy to setup a custom proposal for you.
Talk soon,
[Your first name]
Saying thanks:
Peter,
I just wanted to send a quick note of thanks for introducing me to your colleague Sarah last week. We had a very productive discussion and I think there are some promising areas for collaboration between our departments. I really appreciate you making that valuable connection!
Gratefully,
[Your first name]
As you can see, carefully choosing the right closing for your particular situation and objectives helps ensure your LinkedIn emails are well-received. Keep the tone professional yet personable. Be clear in your intentions. And remember to always sign off with your name.
Additional Email Closing Tips
Beyond using the right sign-off term and formatting, here are some additional tips for ending emails effectively on LinkedIn:
– Briefly summarize key points or action items from the email body so the recipient is clear on important details.
– Express appreciation if the recipient provided you with information or assistance. A quick “Thank you!” goes a long way.
– On lengthier emails, pull the closing up onto the same page/screen as the end of your message body so it is visible without scrolling.
– It is unnecessary to write “Email” or “Electronic mail” before your name. This just states the obvious.
– Avoid overused phrases like “Cheers!”, “Cordially”, “Yours truly”, etc. Sound formal yet contemporary.
– Use a warm yet professional tone – sincerely polite, gracious, enthusiastic but not overly effusive.
– Check spelling and grammar to prevent typos or autocorrect errors from undermining your credibility.
– For recipients in certain cultures, also stating your honorific title (Dr., Mr., Ms.) can be customary. When in doubt, formal is safest.
– Don’t make the closing too long. Your sign-off should not be more than one line.
Conclusion
Ending an email appropriately is critical for making a good impression on LinkedIn. Be sure to match the tone of your closing to the recipient and intent of the message. Sign-off with your full name and company details when first connecting with someone, but use your first name only if aiming to build a relationship. State any requested next steps clearly. And always follow standard etiquette like avoiding overly casual language.
With the right email closing strategy, you can consistently leave your LinkedIn connections with a great final impression that paves the way for productive professional relationships. A thoughtful sign-off reflects well on both you and your business or organization. So take those extra seconds to craft an excellent email conclusion.
Situation | Recommended Closing |
---|---|
Replying to someone you know well | – Best regards, [Your name] |
Introducing yourself to a new connection | – Kind regards, [Full name and title] |
Building a new relationship | – I look forward to connecting, [First name] |
Requesting action | – Please let me know if you need anything else |
Expressing thanks | – Thank you again for your help |
Quick reply from mobile | – Thanks, [Initials] |