How to write a formal email (with tips & templates)

write a formal email

Globally, the number of sent and received emails per day is projected to increase to 376.4 billion by 2025.If you’re a business professional, you need to be careful with how you communicate over email. 

It’s easy to slip into the habit of writing emails informally, with abbreviations, slang, and poor grammar. This is why learning how to write a formal email is important. 

But how do you go about doing this? Learn how to write a formal email that will leave a good impression with these top tips, or take advantage of the formal email templates we’ve created. 

1. Decide on the email’s target audience and aim 

Step one in learning how to write a formal email should be understanding who you're sending the message to. Your target audience will directly impact the writing style of the email. 

You can then tailor your message to support this clearly. For example, if you’re looking for the recipient to review something, your content has to be tailored to this aim. 

2. Use a personal email address 

Recipients typically trust a personalized email address as a rule. You’re more likely to get someone to open your email from a real address (dsmith@company.com) rather than a generic company address (sales@company.com). 

3. Use a strong subject line 

A powerful subject line can make or break the success of any formal email. It needs to grab the recipient’s attention the moment they look at it and encourage them to come looking for more. After all, it’s the first piece of information that a recipient sees, so it needs to be clear, concise and accurate. 

A good subject line might be “Meeting date changed” or “Suggestions for the proposal”. Many recipients will decide to open your email based on the subject line alone. Choose one that lets them know that directly relates to their business concerns or issues.

4. Use an appropriate email greeting 

The way you start a formal email depends on how well you know the recipient. 

Casual greetings 

  • Hi [Name], 

  • Hi there, 

  • Hi everyone, 

  • Greetings all, 

Formal greetings 

  • Dear [Name], 

  • Hello [Name], 

  • Good morning [Name], 

  • To whom it may concern, 

  • Dear [Job Title], 

  • Dear Sir/Madam, 

5. Make the email body brief and concise 

When writing a formal email, it needs to get to the point quickly. All your recipients are busy people and won’t read reams of text. The best formal email examples stick to one topic so it’s easy for someone to answer any questions you may have. This will also encourage quicker replies. 

At the same time, consider your audience. If you’re emailing someone you’ve never spoken to before, you should be as formal as possible with the language. This might make the email a bit longer, so consider how much information you really need to include. 

6. Consider the formatting of your emails 

Proper sentence structure is really important when it comes to writing a formal email. Using correct grammar and punctuation is the first place to start. Full stops, commas, and question marks; these should be used correctly throughout. 

Use paragraphs to break up the message and structure it so that it’s easy to read at a glance. If the email can be read briefly, it’ll get higher levels of engagement even if the recipient doesn’t have the time to read it properly. 

Standard font size (10pt or 12pt) is the only size that should be used when writing formal emails. Keep your font colors simple; black is the easiest color to read on all devices. 

It’s recommended you use a web-safe font such as Arial or Calibri as these are easier to read. If you use custom fonts when sending an email, the font may not be installed on your recipient’s device. This means the text will automatically change to a default font such as Times New Roman. 

Try to refrain from making your text bold, italicized, or underlined unless it is 100% necessary. It may come across as rude or pushy. Instead, use words to emphasize your point. 

7. Use polite and friendly language 

As formal emails are used within a professional context, the wording needs to reflect this. Complete sentences should be used with no casual language or slang. 

It’s best not to include humor unless you know the recipient well. Even then, jokes can easily get lost in translation, so it’s best to avoid using them within formal emails. 

8. Use a suitable email closing to encourage action 

So, how do you end your email? The main point is to ensure the copy clearly states what you want the recipient to do. Tell them if you want an answer to a specific question, confirm a meeting time, etc. Whatever the action is, make it clear and simple to carry out this action. 

Once completed, close the message with an appropriate email sign-off. As with the opening, consider the context of the email. Some standard signoffs include: 

  • Kind regards 

  • Thank you in advance 

  • All the best 

  • Sincerely 

  • Regards 

  • Many thanks 

9. Use a professional email signature 

Most people don’t think too much about their email signatures, even though they're an important part of any corporate email. When a signature is designed well, it presents your brand positively and professionally. 

Always ensure that your email signature includes essential contact details such as name, job title, company name, phone number, website URL, and email address. These can be generated automatically by using email signature management solutions. 

10. Proofread your message before sending your formal email 

Before you press send, double-check your email for spelling and grammar. Check for typos, grammatical errors, and spelling mistakes. Avoid sending rushed emails and take the time to properly read all the content carefully. 

Formal email example 1 

Subject Line: New product brochure 

Hi [FULL NAME], 

Following your recent request, please find our new product brochure attached. We are sure that you will see the quality of what we have to offer.

A member of our sales team will contact you shortly to discuss your business requirements and to schedule a meeting at a time that is suitable for you.

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Kind regards,

[YOUR NAME]

Formal email example 2 

Subject Line: New White Paper and Check-In 

Dear [NAME],

I hope this email finds you well.

I’m reaching out to you today to send you the latest white paper we have written. It focuses on how you can write a formal email and the important elements that need to be included.

Given our previous conversations, I thought it would be sensible to send a copy of this to you. Any feedback you have would be greatly appreciated.

Please also let me know if you are still available for our meeting next Thursday or if you need to reschedule.

I look forward to hearing from you.

All the best, 

[YOUR NAME]

Formal email example 3 

Subject Line: Meet our new Sales Manager 

Hi team,

I am pleased to announce that [NAME] is starting today as our new Sales Manager.

They will be in charge of the day-to-day running of our sales department, making sure that we provide the best sales experience for our customers.

Please join me in welcoming [NAME] to the company.

Best regards,

[YOUR NAME]

Summary 

It’s important to note that you represent your company in every email you send. A poorly written email doesn’t just reflect badly on you, but on the company too. Knowing how to write a formal email is something that can take practice.

Learning how to write formal emails can go a long way with business contacts, especially when forging new professional relationships. By following this guide, you’ll ensure you make a lasting impression with every formal email you send. 

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