If you still include "Sent from my iPhone" at the bottom of your messages, it's time you thought about the etiquette of sending a mobile email.
According to data collected in the most recent U.S. Consumer Device Preference Report, nearly 63% of emails were opened on a mobile device, while only about 37% were opened on a desktop computer. With more and more people opening and sending emails on their smartphones and tablets for both personal and professional communication, your mobile email manners are as relevant as ever.
Below, we've compiled seven tips to ensure your mobile emails leave the best possible impression.
1. Consider whether mobile is the best medium.
It's best to reply to important emails on a desktop computer, especially if they demand a comprehensive or otherwise significant response (for example, accepting a job offer or communicating with a client).
If you want to send a timely response and don't want to wait until you're back at your computer, respond shortly by phone to let the recipient know you've seen his or her email, and explain that you'll send a more complete response as soon as possible.
2. KISS Keep it stupid simple.
Typing on your phone can be risky — see: autocorrect embarrassment — and time-consuming, especially for sending longer emails. Keep your mobile emails brief and direct, answering important queries or giving essential information first before providing any details.
Organizing dense information in a mobile email is difficult, so having a lot to say may be a sign that you should wait to send the email from a computer.
3. Subject lines still count.
Sending an email on a mobile phone doesn't mean you can take a shortcut past ordinary email etiquette. Avoid leaving subject lines blank, or, alternatively, sending an email that only consists of the text in the subject line.
If you're emailing someone for the first time or within a formal relationship, make sure you include a greeting to begin the email, as well as a sign-off.
4. Clean up links.
It's much easier to clean up long URL addresses on a desktop than it is on a mobile phone. To clean up hyperlinks on your phone, you can download a URL shrinker app like Bit.ly, and avoid bombarding email recipients with long links.
5. Double-check before hitting 'Send.'
A lot can potentially go wrong when you type messages on your phone. Before you hit "Send," double-check your email for typos or embarrassing autocorrect mistakes that you can't take back, especially if you are sending a professional email.
6. Change your signature as you see fit.
Avoid looking tacky by omitting the mobile signature that reads, "Sent from my iPhone" or "Sent from my Android."
It's really easy to change your signature in the Gmail app. Consider creating the generic signature (name, company, contact information) for your phone if you send many emails for business purposes.
If you know you're prone to typos on your phone, consider including a message apologizing for mobile typos.
7. Avoid SMS language.
Using the same language you use in your texts makes typing out emails easier, but you should try avoiding this temptation. Most people perceive email to be a more serious medium of communication, and styling your emails accordingly will make them look more professional.