It is important that whether for business or personal use that you follow the basics of Email etiquette. By being aware of the basic rules everyone needs to follow when it comes to Email, you will be a joy to communicate with while being perceived as a caring and intelligent human being. Here are some tips to follow: 1. Make sure your e-mail includes a courteous greeting and closing. It helps to make your e-mail not seem demanding or terse. Don’t hesitate to say ‘thank you’, ‘how are you’, or ‘appreciate your help!’
2. Address your contact with the appropriate level of formality and make sure you spell that person’s name correctly.
3. Spell check – emails with typos are simply not taken as seriously.
4. Be sure you are including all relevant details or information necessary to understand your request or point of view. Generalities can many times cause confusion and unnecessary back and forths.
5. Always make one last check that the address or addresses in the To: field are those you wish to send your reply to.
6. Just because someone doesn’t ask for a response doesn’t mean you ignore them. Always acknowledge emails from those you know in a timely manner.
7. Be sure the Subject: field accurately reflects the content of your email.
8. Keep emails brief and to the point. Save long conversations for the old fashioned telephone.
9. Always end your emails with “Thank you,” “Sincerely,” “Take it easy,” “Best regards” – something!
10. If you bold your type, know you are bolding your statement and it will be taken that way by the other side – X10!
11. Stay away from fancy-schmancy fonts — only the standard fonts are on all computers.
12. When sending large attachments, always “zip” or compress them before sending.
13. Never send large attachments without notice! Always ask what would be the best time to send them first.
14. Include addresses in the Cc: field for those who you are just FYI’ing. Only use Cc: when it is important for those you Cc: to know about the contents of the email. Overuse can cause your emails to be ignored.
15. When forwarding email, if you cannot take the time to type a personal comment to the person you are forwarding to–then don’t bother.
16. Choose your email address wisely. It will determine, in part, how you are perceived.
17. Posting or forwarding of private email is copyright infringement — not to mention downright rude. You need permission from the author first!
18. If you cannot respond to an email promptly, at the very least email back confirming your receipt and when the sender can expect your response.
19. Take the time to review each email before clicking Send to ensure your message is clear and you are relaying the tone that you desire.
20. And finally… Type unto others as you would have them type unto you!
(Source: http://www.101emailetiquettetips.com)