10 Professional Sign-Offs and Tips for Ending Emails

I. Introduction

As the world becomes more digitized, email communication has become an essential form of business communication. However, how to end an email professionally remains a common problem for many people.

The ending of an email is just as important as its content and can leave a lasting impression on the recipient. Creating a professional and lasting ending can help you build a strong business relationship and effectively communicate with your colleagues, clients, or potential employers. This article will delve into tips for ending an email professionally, different types of sign-offs, dos and don’ts of email sign-offs, and ways to conclude your email like a pro.

II. 10 Professional Sign-Offs to End Your Email

When ending your email, the sign-off can greatly affect the tone you are trying to convey. Here are ten professional sign-offs with explanations and examples:

Best regards: A simple and formal sign-off that can be used in most business settings. Example: Best regards, [Your Name]
Yours truly: A formal sign-off used when closing a letter or email to or from a company. Example: Yours truly, [Your Name]
Sincerely: A classic and formal sign-off used when closing an email to a person or business. Example: Sincerely, [Your Name]
Thank you: An appropriate sign-off used when the recipient has done something for you. Example: Thank you, [Your Name]
Kind regards: A warmer but still formal sign-off, often used when the recipient is familiar or a colleague. Example: Kind regards, [Your Name]
Respectfully: A formal and polite sign-off used when showing respect or deference to someone. Example: Respectfully, [Your Name]
Cheers: A casual yet polite sign-off used when closing emails to a friend or colleague. Example: Cheers, [Your Name]
Take care: A friendly and informal sign-off used when closing emails to friends or family. Example: Take care, [Your Name]
See you soon: A casual and friendly sign-off used when closing emails to a person you will see soon. Example: See you soon, [Your Name]
Until next time: A warm and friendly sign-off often used when closing emails to a familiar contact. Example: Until next time, [Your Name]

III. How to Finish Strong: Tips for Ending Professional Emails

The conclusion of your email is an excellent opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your recipient. Here are tips for crafting a strong and effective ending:

1. Summarize the Key Message

As you end your email, it is essential to remind your recipient of your main objective. You can include a brief summary of your message and emphasize any action items you need the recipient to do.

2. Include a Call-to-Action

To make sure your recipient knows what you expect them to do next, include a call-to-action in your email’s conclusion. This can be a request for information, a deadline to meet, or an invitation to a meeting or event.

3. Convey Gratitude

Showing your appreciation to your recipient can help strengthen your relationship. You can include a line of gratitude at the end of your email, thanking them for their time, help, or consideration.

4. Personalize the Ending

Tailor your sign-off to the recipient or the context of the email. Consider your relationship with the recipient and the content of the email to choose the best sign-off.

Here are some examples of strong email endings:

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I am happy to assist you.
Thank you again for your help. I appreciate your support.
Warm regards, [Your Name]
Best wishes for a successful week, [Your Name]

IV. The Dos and Don’ts of Email Sign-Offs

Here are some dos and don’ts of email sign-offs:

A. Dos of Email Sign-Offs

1. Keeping it Professional

Always maintain a professional tone in your emails, regardless of the recipient. Keep in mind that emails can be forwarded or shared with others, so ensure that your language, tone, and sign-off are appropriate.

2. Being Polite

It would help if you chose a sign-off that shows gratitude, respect, or appreciation, depending on the context of the email. Using polite language and a respectful sign-off can go a long way in strengthening your relationship with the recipient.

3. Understanding the Context

Consider the context of your email before choosing a sign-off. For example, a formal or traditional sign-off may not be suitable for emails to close colleagues, friends, or family members. Conversely, a casual sign-off to a senior executive or a person you are meeting for the first time may not be appropriate.

B. Don’ts of Email Sign-Offs

1. Using Inappropriate Language

Avoid language that is inappropriate or offensive, including slang, curse words, and derogatory statements. If you are not sure about the tone or phrasing, proofread and edit your email before sending it.

2. Being Too Informal

While being informal in some contexts, you should still maintain proper email etiquette. Avoid using overly casual language or sign-offs that are inappropriate to the recipient or context of your professional email.

3. Using Abbreviations

Avoid using abbreviations or acronyms that your recipient may not understand. Spell out words or terms that may not be commonly used or understood to ensure that the recipient knows what you mean.

Here are some examples of dos and don’ts:

Do: Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, [Your Name]
Don’t: TYSM! C ya, [Your Name]
Do: Dear Mrs. Smith, Respectfully, [Your Name]
Don’t: Hey, Sue! Later, [Your Name]
Do: Thank you, in advance, for your help on this. Kind regards, [Your Name]
Don’t: Sup? Thanks, [Your Name]

V. 5 Ways to Conclude Emails Like a Pro

Here are five additional ways to conclude emails:

1. A Signature Ending

Creating a signature that includes your name, job title, and contact details can give a professional ending to your email.

2. A Compliment

You can include a compliment or an expression of appreciation that shows your recipient that you value their input, expertise, or work.

3. A Question

You can end your email with a query or question related to your content. This encourages your recipient to reply promptly and keep the conversation going.

4. A Reference to a Future Interaction

Include a reference to future interactions, such as meeting, phone call or email exchange. This shows your interest in building a long-term relationship with the recipient.

5. A Thank You

Simply saying, “Thank you,” at the end of your email can also be an effective way to end your email. Expressing gratitude shows your recipient you appreciate their time and effort.

VI. Mastering the Art of Email Endings

Mastering the art of email endings takes practice and effort. Here are some tips:

1. Proofread and Edit Emails

Before hitting send, make sure you proofread and edit your emails. Check for grammar, spelling, tone, and sign-offs. This helps increase the chances of a positive and professional impression.

2. Study Effective Email Endings

Observe how other professionals end their emails. Take note of the language, tone, and style they use depending on the context of the email and the recipient.

3. Practice Writing

Take every opportunity to practice writing effective email endings. This helps you build your writing skills, explore different sign-offs and approaches

VII. Conclusion

Ending an email professionally requires attention to detail and careful consideration. The sign-off you choose can reflect your personality, tone, and communication style.

Remember, choose the appropriate sign-off that matches the recipient, context of the email and your desired tone. Use critical tips that focus on summarizing the key message, including a call-to-action, conveying gratitude, and personalizing the ending.

Use the dos and don’ts to ensure you maintain proper email etiquette. Consider experimenting with different sign-offs and styles to find what works best for you. With practice and effort, you can master the art of ending an email professionally and effectively.