Essential Phrases

An important aspect to emailing companies is grammar. This isn't intended to be a post that summarizes your English class, but does draw on some basic principles of writing.

Now, didn't those few sentences sound authoritative? That's because I used more precise words. Also, I did not write how I talk. This is a key concept. Never, ever write like you are having a casual conversation with your mom! EVER!

This means, don't write this:
"Hey Cool Company, Inc. I wanted to know if you would be super cool and send me some free stuff? That would be super awesome!"
     -This style is way to casual. If you are sending an email to a super cool brand, like Beats, then maybe lay off the professional approach. Still, do NOT sound pushy, expecting, spoiled, etc.)

"Good morrow to you, Cool Company Incorporated, I wast wondering if 't be true thee could sendeth me free stuff? I would greatly appreciate t. Thank thee!"
     -This style is Shakespeare, you doofus! No one talks like that. Point is, don't over due the professional talk because it makes your selfish intentions incredibly obvious.

...but like this:
"Dear Cool Company, Inc. I would like to know if it's possible for your company to send me free stuff? I would greatly appreciate it."
     -This style uses everyday language correctly and more precisely, and is a lot more easier then cracking out the Thesaurus to sound more professional.

So, now that we got past the tone, let's look at some essential phrases.

Opening Sentences

• Dear ...,
• Hello ...!
• My name is...
• I enjoy your...
• I think your... is wonderful!

Body Sentences (The stuff in the middle that elaborates your point)

• Your company is very generous/amazing/wonderful/impressive
• Your ... is very useful
• I used ... the other day (pick anytime in the past)

Conclusion

• Thank you for your time
• (Regardless,) Thank you in advance
• I [(would) greatly] appreciate it/this/that
• Thank You

In short, sound educated and respectful when emailing companies. Be polite no matter the outcome!

That's it for this week. Next week, I will teach you about the SASE method.

Email Structure

Today on Tips, I'm going to teach you how to create a successful and proper email. When you are emailing companies for free things, you need to be respectful and polite, but not to formal. Remember that you are making a request, not emailing the CEO for a partnership. Follow these simple tips to quickly and easily make simple and successful emails.

Structure

1. Greeting: Say "Hello, I'm ..."
• Address them by their name
• Give them your first name
2. Compliment the brand
• What's your favorite product from them? Talk about it in 1-2 sentences. 
• Tell them WHY you like it. Be detailed!
3. Relate something
• This means to tell them a story involving their product. Use 2+
• Give details! Details prove you aren't just spamming the brand for stuff. Show you are generally interested in them!
4. Request
• Quite simply, request what you want! Don't be pushy or expectant. Just ask for stickers/samples/stuff
• Tell them what you want to do with the stuff
5. Thank them, no matter what
• Tell them "Thank You in advance!" A phrase along these lines in essential in being polite and can help add to the chances of success
6. Contact Information
• I recommend attaching your address so they don't have to wait for your reply
• You don't have to do this right away. If you aren't comfortable giving it out, just say that you'll give it to them if they can send stuff

That's it for this week. Next week I'll tell you about some essential phrases that can make the email more professional! Good luck and have fun emailing!