Why do we need email etiquettes?

A company needs to implement etiquette rules for the following three reasons:

Professionalism: by using proper email language your company will convey a professional image.
Efficiency: emails that get to the point are much more effective than poorly worded emails.
Protection from liability: employee awareness of email risks will protect your company from costly law suits.

Most Important Tips

Be concise and to the point
Answer all questions, and pre-empt further questions
Use proper spelling, grammar & punctuation
Make it personal
Use templates for frequently used responses
Answer swiftly
Do not attach unnecessary files
Use proper structure & layout
Do not overuse the high priority option
Do not write in CAPITALS
Don’t leave out the message thread
Add disclaimers to your emails
Read the email before you send it
Do not overuse Reply to All
Mailings > use the bcc: field or do a mail merge
Take care with abbreviations and emoticons
Be careful with formatting
Take care with rich text and HTML messages
Do not forward chain letters
Do not request delivery and read receipts
Do not ask to recall a message.
Do not copy a message or attachment without permission
Do not use email to discuss confidential information
Use a meaningful subject
Use active instead of passive
Avoid using URGENT and IMPORTANT
Avoid long sentences
Don’t send or forward emails containing libelous, defamatory, offensive, racist or obscene remarks
Don’t forward virus hoaxes and chain letters
Keep your language gender neutral
Don’t reply to spam
Use cc: field sparingly