Emails are an essential tool in today’s business world, particularly for SaaS sales teams. But while sending emails might seem straightforward, the way you structure them can make a significant impact on the success of your outreach. One of the key factors in effective email communication is simplicity. From reducing confusion to increasing response rates, simple emails are often the most powerful.

Why Are Short Emails Best?

In the professional world, time is precious. While academic papers may demand in-depth analysis, emails—especially in sales—require brevity. Long, dense emails can overwhelm the reader, leading to them being ignored or pushed aside.

Concise emails have several advantages:

• They’re easier to reply to.

• They increase response rates.

• They cut down on response time.

With approximately 40% of emails being viewed on mobile devices, it's crucial to write emails that fit on a small screen without excessive scrolling. Aim for around 80 to 100 words—enough to convey your message clearly without overwhelming your reader. That said, don’t go too short—an overly brief email can feel impersonal and leave too much unsaid.

6 Steps to Keep Your Emails Short Without Losing Impact

To help you craft more concise, impactful emails, here are six tips to streamline your messaging while maintaining clarity:

1. Write with Your Goal in Mind

Each email should have a specific goal, whether it's setting up a meeting, asking for approval, or requesting a deliverable. Focus on that goal, and avoid tangents. This will help you cut down on unnecessary details, making the writing process more efficient.

2. Look for Repeats

If you tend to repeat yourself, or use the passive voice excessively, take a second look. Repetitive language and wordiness can pad your email unnecessarily and weaken its impact. Be mindful of eliminating redundancies to keep your email lean and to the point.

3. Reassess Small Talk

Being personable is important, but small talk can quickly become filler. Instead of lengthy greetings or pleasantries, keep them to a sentence or two. It helps maintain a friendly tone without derailing the purpose of your message.

4. Nix Unnecessary Filler Words

Words like "essentially," "just," and "I think" might make you sound unsure, or they may be a crutch. Eliminate these to give your email more confidence and authority. A strong, direct message has more weight.

5. Take Advantage of Formatting

Format your email to enhance readability. Bullet points, numbered lists, and bolding important phrases like call to action (CTA) or deadlines can make key points stand out. This makes the email more scannable, ensuring that even busy readers can quickly digest the content.

6. Include a Clear Call to Action

Your email should end with a clear next step. A call to action can guide the recipient on what they need to do next. Whether it's confirming an appointment, providing feedback, or connecting with someone, a CTA ensures that your goal is met. Be specific and set clear expectations, including deadlines and necessary contacts.

Practice Makes Perfect

Short emails don’t happen overnight. It takes time to develop this skill, but once mastered, you’ll find your email communication much more efficient. By reducing fluff, focusing on your goal, and using effective formatting, you’ll get quicker responses and improve your productivity.

SchoolOfSDR offers specialized training to help sales teams refine their email writing skills, providing you with the tools to create messages that resonate and prompt action. Simplify your emails and see how clarity can lead to increased sales success.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of writing simple, concise emails is a powerful tool for boosting sales and improving communication. With practice, the benefits are clear—fewer misunderstandings, quicker responses, and a more professional impression. Whether you’re a seasoned sales rep or just starting, taking the time to craft short, effective emails can go a long way in helping you close more deals. Let SchoolOfSDR guide you in fine-tuning these skills to maximize your outreach efforts.

FAQs

1. Why are short emails better for sales?
   Short emails are more likely to be read and responded to quickly, especially on mobile devices. They help convey your message clearly without overwhelming the reader.

2. How long should a sales email be?
   Aim for around 80 to 100 words to keep your message concise and engaging while still providing necessary information.

3. What’s the biggest mistake in email writing?
   Overloading emails with unnecessary details or filler words can confuse the reader and reduce your chances of getting a response.

4. What’s a good call to action (CTA)?
   A strong CTA clearly instructs the reader on the next step, like scheduling a meeting or replying by a certain date.

5. How can I make my emails easier to read?
   Use formatting tools like bullet points, bold text, and short paragraphs to make key points stand out and improve readability.

6. How do I avoid sounding too brief or impersonal?
   Strive for balance—be concise but cordial, and avoid cutting the email too short to the point of seeming cold.

7. What is SchoolOfSDR’s approach to email writing?
   SchoolOfSDR offers tailored training that helps sales teams refine their email writing, focusing on clarity, brevity, and engagement to drive better results.