E-Mail Messages and Web Writing

2. To learn how to Format e-mail messages. Use e-mail effectively. Write effective subject lines for e-mail messages. Manage time. Write for the Web. E-Mail Messages and Web Writing

3. Start by answering these questions: How should I set up e-mail messages? What kinds of subject lines should I use for e-mail messages? Should I write e-mail messages the same way I write paper messages? E-Mail Messages and Web Writing

4. Start by answering these questions: What e-mail “netiquette” rules should I follow? How and when should I send attachments? What style should I use when writing for the Web? E-Mail Messages and Web Writing

5. Start by answering these questions: Can I use blogging on the job? What other technologies use the Internet? E-Mail Messages and Web Writing

6. Start by answering these questions: What e-mail “netiquette” rules should I follow? Should I worry about viruses? E-Mail Messages and Web Writing

7. When Writing E-Mail, Remember • All principles of good business writing still apply with e-mail. • While e-mail feels like talking, pay attention to spelling and grammar. • You should proofread messages. • E-mail should interest the readers in the subject line and first paragraph.

8. E-Mail Subject Lines • Are specific, concise, and catchy. • Give good news in positive messages. • Give negative news when it’s serious, the reader needs the information to act, or you report your own errors. • Make the request clear in persuasive messages.

9. “Flame” your audience. Send unnecessary e-mails. Compose e-mail messages when you’re angry or upset. For Proper “Netiquette,” Never

10. Web Writing • Business writing basics apply. • Be clear, concise, and complete. • In general, keep the style simple and conversational. • Readers skim. • Use short sentences and paragraphs. • Use titles, headings and bulleted lists.

11. Web Writing • Work with designers on format. • If links seem too many, they probably are. • Test your design with potential users. • Images should support text. • Avoid complex introductions that slow loading a page. • Tell a story with titles and captions.

12. Scannable Text • According to John Morkes and Jakob Nielsen • Highlight key words. • Use meaningful subheadings. • Include bulleted lists. • Use one idea per paragraph. • Use “inverted pyramid” organization. • Use half the word count of a printed page. • Avoid “marketese.”

13. Blogging • Blogs can be used for business. • Company may own the space. • Stay professional. • Avoid deeply personal information or unflattering opinions about the company or its employees. • Popular blog sites are blogger.com and businessblogconsulting.com.

14. To Create a Blog for Business • Jeff Wurio suggests • Identify your audience. • Decide where your blog should live. • Start talking. • “Blog roll,” or link to other sites and blogs. • Emphasize words. • Keep it fresh. • Watch traffic closely.

15. Technology • Web-based technology • PDAs. • Cell phones. • Videoconferencing. • Technology changes—be flexible—but choose useful technology.