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Business Texting Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

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Business Texting Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts
5:40
  • Ettiquette for Business Texting


In this blog, you'll discover the essential do's and don'ts of business texting etiquette to improve your professional communication.


Table of Contents



The Importance of Business Texting Etiquette

In today's business world, texting has become a standard method of communication. However, it's essential to understand the importance of business texting etiquette. Text messages are often more informal than emails or phone calls, but that doesn't mean professionalism should be compromised. Business texting etiquette is crucial for maintaining a positive and professional image.

When you communicate with clients, colleagues, or other business contacts via SMS, you represent yourself and your company. The way you compose and send your messages can leave a lasting impression. It's essential to understand the impact of your texts and the importance of conducting yourself professionally in this medium.

Essential "Do's" for Effective Business Texting

To ensure effective business texting, there are some essential do's that you should follow:

1. Use proper grammar and spelling

  • While texting may be more casual, it's important to maintain proper grammar and spelling. Avoid using excessive abbreviations or slang that may confuse the recipient.

2. Be clear and concise

  • Text messages should be brief and to the point. Avoid rambling or going off-topic. Keep your messages focused and easy to understand.

3. Use appropriate language

  • Maintain a professional tone in your texts. Avoid using informal language or slang that may be perceived as unprofessional.

4. Respond in a timely manner

  • Treat business texts with the same urgency as you would with emails or phone calls. Respond promptly to maintain effective communication.

5. Use proper salutations

  • Begin your messages with a polite greeting or the recipient's first name. This adds a personal touch and shows respect.

6. Be mindful of tone

  • Text messages can be easily misinterpreted due to the absence of vocal cues. Be mindful of your tone and use appropriate language to avoid misunderstandings.

7. Double-check before sending

By following these essential do's, you can improve the effectiveness and professionalism of your business texting. For more, visit our guide on sending mass text messages.

Common "Don'ts" in Business Texting

While there are important do's to follow, there are also common don'ts that you should avoid:

1. Don't use text shorthand excessively

  • While abbreviations can reduce your character count, excessive use of text shorthand can make your messages difficult to understand.

2. Don't send sensitive or confidential information

  • Text messages can easily be forwarded, screenshotted, or otherwise shared. Avoid sharing anything over text that you wouldn't want to be made public.

3. Don't use texting as a substitute for face-to-face communication

  • Texting is convenient, but it shouldn't replace important face-to-face or phone conversations. Use texting as a supplementary communication tool, not a primary one.

4. Don't send messages outside of appropriate hours

  • Respect others' boundaries by sending business texts only during regular working hours. Be mindful of time zones as well. The only exceptions are transactional texts – messages automatically triggered by the recipient’s actions.

5. Avoid texting when emotional

  • Businesses often use mass texting to send company-wide updates or share news and announcements. However, if you're upset or angry, it's best to wait until you have calmed down before sending a text. Emotional messages can lead to misunderstandings and damage relationships.

6. Avoid Sensitive Topics

  • Text messaging is not the place for sensitive or complex conversations. Matters that require careful consideration or emotional sensitivity are best dealt with in person or over a phone call.

7. Don't send unsolicited texts

  • In a professional setting, it's crucial to have consent before sending text messages, especially for marketing purposes. Unsolicited messages can be intrusive and unwelcome.

You can avoid potential pitfalls in business texting by avoiding these common don'ts.

Tips for Implementing Professional Texting Etiquette

To implement business texting etiquette effectively, consider the following tips:

1. Set expectations

  • Communicate with your contacts about your preferred methods of communication, including texting. Establish guidelines for response times and appropriate topics for texting.

2. Respect preferences

  • Some people might not prefer texting for business communications. Respect their preferences and adjust your communication channel accordingly.

3. Regularly review and adapt your practices

  • As texting norms evolve and as you engage with different individuals and cultures, be prepared to adapt your texting etiquette to suit the situation better.

Implementing these tips ensures that your business texting is effective, efficient, and professional.

Leverage Powerful Business Texting Tools with Mozeo

When the time comes to leverage texting tools, Mozeo offers a robust platform that enables businesses to connect with their audience through SMS marketing, appointment reminders, and notifications. Whether it's reaching out to customers, conducting surveys, or promoting products and services, Mozeo provides an efficient solution for businesses to leverage the power of text messaging in their overall communication strategy. Try Mozeo today.