How To Write A P.S. In An Email: Mastering the Art of the Email Postscript

Crafting the perfect email is more than just conveying information; it’s about leaving a lasting impression. One often-overlooked element that can significantly impact your email’s effectiveness is the postscript, or P.S. This seemingly small addition can be the difference between a forgotten message and one that resonates with the recipient. This guide will explore the nuances of writing a compelling P.S. in your emails, helping you to elevate your communication game.

The Power of the P.S.: Why It Matters

The postscript, traditionally placed at the end of a letter, has found a new home in the digital age. In emails, the P.S. holds a unique position. It’s the final thought, the last thing the recipient sees before clicking “send,” and it can be incredibly impactful. Why? Because it often captures attention after the main body of the email, where the reader is already primed to absorb information. This makes it a prime location for reminders, calls to action, or adding a personal touch.

Unveiling the Psychology Behind the Postscript

The P.S. works psychologically by breaking the perceived formality of the email. It’s often seen as less essential, allowing for a more relaxed and memorable message. This can lead to higher recall and engagement. Furthermore, people tend to scan emails, and a well-crafted P.S. can easily grab their attention.

Structuring Your Email: Where the P.S. Belongs

The placement of the P.S. is straightforward: it always follows the signature. This is the standard and expected location. However, the content of the P.S. is what truly matters. Ensure your signature is professional and includes all necessary contact information.

Formatting for Maximum Impact

Keep your P.S. concise and easy to read. Use a single line, or at most, a short paragraph. Make it stand out by using a different font style (if allowed by your email client), or by using bold text. This visual distinction helps to draw the eye. Avoid lengthy paragraphs; brevity is key.

Crafting Effective P.S. Content: Examples and Best Practices

The content of your P.S. should complement the main body of your email. It should enhance the message, not detract from it. Here are some examples:

Reinforcing Your Call to Action

If your email includes a call to action (e.g., “book a demo,” “download the ebook”), the P.S. is a perfect place to reiterate it.

• Example: “P.S. Don’t forget to book your free consultation before the end of the week! [Link]”

Adding a Personal Touch

A touch of personality can make your email more memorable. This is especially effective if you’re building a relationship.

• Example: “P.S. I just finished reading the article you recommended – fascinating! Thanks again for sharing.”

Highlighting a Special Offer or Promotion

If you’re promoting a product or service, use the P.S. to draw attention to a special deal.

• Example: “P.S. For a limited time, receive 20% off your first order using code WELCOME20.”

Providing Additional Information or Resources

Use the P.S. to offer related resources or further information that might interest the recipient.

• Example: “P.S. Check out our latest blog post on [topic] for more insights: [Link].”

Addressing Unspoken Questions or Concerns

Sometimes, the P.S. can preemptively address potential questions or concerns.

• Example: “P.S. We understand you might have questions about the new pricing structure. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team.”

Avoiding Common P.S. Mistakes

While the P.S. is a powerful tool, it can be misused. Avoid these common pitfalls:

Overusing the P.S.

Don’t include a P.S. in every email. Doing so dilutes its impact. Use it strategically.

Being Irrelevant

Ensure your P.S. is relevant to the email’s content or to the recipient. Avoid adding random or unrelated information.

Making It Too Long

Keep it brief. A lengthy P.S. defeats its purpose.

Using a Negative Tone

Maintain a positive and professional tone. Avoid negative or critical comments.

The Importance of Testing and Refinement

Like any aspect of effective communication, the best P.S. content will vary depending on your audience and the purpose of your email.

Analyzing Your Results

Pay attention to your email metrics. Are your calls to action getting more clicks? Are you getting more responses? Use these insights to refine your P.S. strategy.

Adapting to Your Audience

What works for one audience may not work for another. Tailor your P.S. to match the interests and needs of your specific recipients.

Advanced Techniques for a Winning P.S.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can experiment with more advanced techniques.

Using Humor (Carefully)

Humor can be effective, but it must be appropriate for your audience and context. Be mindful of your tone and avoid anything that could be misinterpreted.

Creating a Sense of Urgency

If appropriate, use the P.S. to create a sense of urgency. For example, “P.S. Only 3 spots left for the workshop!”

Leveraging Social Proof

If you have testimonials or positive reviews, you can include them in the P.S.

• Example: “P.S. Read what our customers are saying: [Link to Testimonials]”

Frequently Asked Questions about Email Postscripts

Here are a few common questions people have about writing a P.S., and concise answers.

Why should I use a P.S.?

The P.S. is a fantastic way to grab a reader’s attention and add a final, memorable touch to your message. It’s often read, even when the body of the email is skimmed.

Can a P.S. be in the middle of the email?

No. While you could technically put something in the middle, that wouldn’t be a P.S. It would just be additional content. The P.S. should always be at the end.

Is it okay to use a P.S. in a formal email?

Yes, but use it sparingly and appropriately. A personal touch, or a quick reminder, can be perfectly acceptable in a formal setting.

How do I make my P.S. stand out?

Use bold text, a different font (if your email client allows), or a concise and compelling message. Make it visually distinct.

Should I always include a P.S.?

No. A P.S. should be used strategically, when it adds value to your message. Overuse will diminish its impact.

Conclusion: Mastering the Email Postscript for Enhanced Communication

Writing an effective P.S. in an email is a subtle art, but one that can significantly elevate your communication. By understanding its purpose, crafting compelling content, and avoiding common mistakes, you can harness the power of the postscript to reinforce your message, build stronger relationships, and achieve your communication goals. Remember to be concise, relevant, and always consider your audience. With practice and attention to detail, the P.S. will become a valuable tool in your email arsenal.