You’ve just drafted a professional email, but you just aren’t sure how to sign off. Is “Sincerely” really the best way to close off your message, or are there other options that you can try? You’re in luck—we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to end an email, along with some closers that you should definitely avoid.

Expert Q&A

  • Question
    How do you end a business email with a professional closing?
    Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM
    Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM
    Life & Career Coach
    Shannon O'Brien is the Founder and Principal Advisor of Whole U. (a career and life strategy consultancy based in Boston, MA). Through advising, workshops and e-learning Whole U. empowers people to pursue their life's work and live a balanced, purposeful life. Shannon has been ranked as the #1 Career Coach and #1 Life Coach in Boston, MA by Yelp reviewers. She has been featured on Boston.com, Boldfacers, and the UR Business Network. She received a Master's of Technology, Innovation, & Education from Harvard University.
    Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM
    Life & Career Coach
    Expert Answer
    "Sincerely" works well, especially if you've felt sincere in your communication throughout the email or letter. "Best" or "Best regard" are other excellent choices.
  • Question
    How do you formally end an email?
    Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM
    Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM
    Life & Career Coach
    Shannon O'Brien is the Founder and Principal Advisor of Whole U. (a career and life strategy consultancy based in Boston, MA). Through advising, workshops and e-learning Whole U. empowers people to pursue their life's work and live a balanced, purposeful life. Shannon has been ranked as the #1 Career Coach and #1 Life Coach in Boston, MA by Yelp reviewers. She has been featured on Boston.com, Boldfacers, and the UR Business Network. She received a Master's of Technology, Innovation, & Education from Harvard University.
    Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM
    Life & Career Coach
    Expert Answer
    Try to include a call to action! Things like "I look forward to hearing from you" or " Please read my attached document and let me know your feedback" are both great options.
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About This Article

Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM
Co-authored by:
Life & Career Coach
This article was co-authored by Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Shannon O'Brien is the Founder and Principal Advisor of Whole U. (a career and life strategy consultancy based in Boston, MA). Through advising, workshops and e-learning Whole U. empowers people to pursue their life's work and live a balanced, purposeful life. Shannon has been ranked as the #1 Career Coach and #1 Life Coach in Boston, MA by Yelp reviewers. She has been featured on Boston.com, Boldfacers, and the UR Business Network. She received a Master's of Technology, Innovation, & Education from Harvard University. This article has been viewed 279,242 times.
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Co-authors: 23
Updated: March 1, 2022
Views: 279,242
Categories: Email | Writing Emails
Article SummaryX

1. Remind the recipient of the email's purpose.
2. Choose a tone-appropriate sign-off.
3. Avoid using affectionate terms.
4. Include basic identifying info.
5. Keep your signature brief.

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