A subject line should be SMART.
S -- Specific
M -- Meaningful
A -- Appropriate
R -- Relevant
T -- Thoughtful
10 steps for good business writing:
- Remember your ABC (Accurate, Brief, Clear)
- Be courteous and considerate
- Use appropriate tone
- Write naturally and sincerely
- Remember the KISS principle (Keep it Short and Simple)
- Use modern terminology
- Include essential details
- Be consistent
- Use active not passive voice
- Compose CLEAR communications (Clear, Logical, Empathetic, Accurate, Right)
(from
Taylor S. Model Business Letters, Emails & Other Business Documents, 6th ed. Pearson, 2004)