As a texting rule, only send business-related text messages during normal business hours. Text messages have advantages and benefits over email and voice. But not all professional conversations are fit for text messaging. But business text messaging services like MessageDesk help to protect you from sending texts to contacts who haven’t opted in.
For commercial text messaging, it is not only etiquette, but illegal in many countries to disturb your customers in the middle of the night. Text messaging, by nature of its character limit, is intended for concise messages. Therefore, if a longer message is required, phone or email is more appropriate. On the converse side of ghosting, our instant gratification culture means we crave instant responses.
Here are ten tips for safer texting that can help you and your family put your best foot forward online. Being glued to your phone takes away from your professional image and can be quite distracting. Just as you wouldn’t check your email every 10 seconds, give your phone a rest so you can observe your environment and engage with others. Anything complex that might require further explanation should be handled with an email or a phone call. However, a short text could be a good start to inquire as to the best time to talk. If you do end up taking more than a day to respond, let the sender know why there was a delay.
Don’t: Resort To Text Speak Or Abbreviations
- It shows them that you are approachable, professional, and dependable.
- Similarly, exercise caution when using emojis, as different individuals may interpret them differently.
- Here are seven texting etiquette tips to keep in mind.
As it would be rude for you to dominate the conversation when you are speaking, it is also inappropriate when texting. Give the recipient the opportunity to respond before sending a multitude of messages. Respect others’ boundaries by sending business texts only during regular working hours. The only exceptions are transactional texts – messages automatically triggered by the recipient’s actions. When you communicate with clients, colleagues, or other business contacts via SMS, you represent yourself and your company.
These messages aren�t just inappropriate to send- they are also all too easy to forward into the hands of unwanted parties. Double check names and numbers before texting as well, especially if making an important statement, lest you risk accidentally reaching out to the wrong party. Text messaging should be strictly casual by nature, and is inappropriate for weightier or more meaningful communications. For more important news or interactions (ending a relationship, sharing unfortunate events, etc.) a phone call or in-person exchange is more appropriate. Texting is excellent for quick confirmations, sharing brief information, or coordinating plans. However, complex discussions are better suited for other forms of communication.
One of the most polite texting rules is to acknowledge receipt. If the message requires a response but you can’t reply immediately, acknowledge the message with a quick note, letting the sender know you’ll respond later. Every piece of communication is a reflection of your professionalism, including a simple text. Even though there are hundreds of fun emoji’s, reserve them for your personal correspondence. Avoid abbreviations that are confusing at worst, silly at best.
A simple message like “Nice job” can seem sarcastic when you actually mean it as a compliment. Saying “please” and “thank you” also helps keep your texts polite. Serious conversations, important topics, https://thelauradate.com or professional discussions are better handled through a call, email, or in person. Also, avoid texting while having a meal, watching a movie, or talking to someone face-to-face—it can seem rude. And remember, never text while driving because it’s dangerous and against the law in most places.
When you receive a message from a client or your boss, respond in a timely manner. On the other hand, when a text is emotional, give yourself some time to think your response through. The speed of texting is why we love it, but don’t let it work against you. There are differences between how to politely text with loved ones and colleagues. As a rule of thumb, you message as if your texts are being monitored by your company’s HR department, like they might monitor your Slack channel.
Texting is easy to do, but surprisingly easy to mess up. So whether you’re texting a friend, a date, your boss, or a group of coworkers, this guide will help you avoid awkward moments and text with confidence. Hanson says not only should you keep your phone off the table and out of sight, but you should switch it off, so it is not a distraction. “We have this Pavlovian response that, when the phone buzzes or lights up, we have to deal with it and it’s urgent, and 95% of the time it’s not. And beyond being disruptive, late-night texts can also create compliance issues.
Professional Texting Etiquette Tips: Dos & Don’ts
Not only is spreading gossip in a text not very nice, it can also come back to bite you. Someone can take a screenshot of a text or share it with someone less trustworthy. I’m assuming you don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, so consider what would happen if the person you’re gossiping about somehow sees the text. Now put yourself in that person’s shoes and think about how you’d react. What’s more, if you accidentally send a text to the wrong person, suffice it to say the consequences will not be good. If that person is your boss, you might want to update your résumé.
If you’re texting your customers through a business solution like Userlike , there is no excuse for using abbreviations because you’re using a keyboard. The key here is to not use the full spectrum of emoji and stick to the ones which are relatively free of misinterpretation. Very few people want to spend their time solving emoji equations to understand a text message. And when you’re communicating with an international customer base , it’s best to avoid hand gesture emoji altogether.
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