How to Write SMART Emails

Most emails are poorly written. Not because people can’t write, but because they haven’t thought about what a SMART email actually requires.

SMART emails are:

Specific. One topic per email. Not ‘a few things I wanted to mention.’ One thing. If you need to cover multiple topics, send multiple emails.

Measurable. If you’re making a request, it should be clear what’s being requested, by whom, and by when. Vague requests get vague responses or no response.

Actionable. Every email should have a clear next action. If the recipient doesn’t know what to do after reading it, the email has failed.

Relevant. Is this person the right recipient? Copying people unnecessarily wastes their time and dilutes accountability.

Time-bound. If there’s a deadline, state it explicitly. ‘When you get a chance’ means never. ‘By Friday 5pm’ means Friday 5pm.

Write fewer emails. Make them SMART. You’ll get better responses and waste less of everyone’s time.