Feeling Swamped by Emails? Here's How You Can Take Control: Email Tips for Business Owners

So you own a business, and drowning in emails seems like your new normal? I get it! Email overload can be like quicksand sometimes, pulling you deeper into your inbox with each new message. But fear not! I've got some email tips to help you stay afloat in the sea of emails that flood your inbox daily (don't worry, I'm done with the boat puns).

Unsubscribe from Marketing Emails

Let's start with a simple yet effective tip - unsubscribe from those pesky marketing emails. You know the ones – promotions, newsletters, and offers that clutter your inbox. I'm not saying that these don't have a place at all, just keep them in your personal email account. Even if they are business related items, you likely want to keep them out of your business email so that you know that when you get an email, it is important and requires action, not just a huge sale that your favorite brand is having. Try to keep your work inbox for client communication and important business matters, NOT marketing.

Snooze Emails for Later

Picture this: you're in the middle of answering all of your emails. You know the days where you feel like you're sitting there typing all. day. long. If you know that you don't have an answer yet or maybe you're waiting to hear back from another bridal inquiry before you book someone. Snooze the email. This will not only help with getting back to the inquiry, but will also make sure that it doesn't get buried by the time you're sure of what you want to reply. This also helps if a bride has said they will get back to you by a certain date. Reply to them and then snooze it for the day after they said they'd get back to you so you're sure to follow up.

Set Aside Admin Time for Emails

One of the key secrets to managing your inbox stress is setting aside specific admin time to answer emails. Block out chunks of time during your day designated solely for responding to emails. Don't feel the need to reply instantaneously to every email; it's okay to take your time and craft meaningful responses. Couples will want to book with you because of the outstanding service that you provide - not because you answer emails in a matter of minutes.

TIP: try setting "office hours" so that couples know when they can hear back from you. Include these hours in your email signature or in an auto reply when they fill out an inquiry form. This way they know that you will get back with them during that time and aren't alarmed when you respond to them after 24 hours.

Feeling overwhelmed with your inbox? I totally get it. Emails are hard to dedicate time to, especially when you are a talented service provider and you love what you do. If you feel like you're done having to handle emails, consider hiring a VA to do it for you. It's truly what makes us light up!!

cheering you on

laura