When it comes to email, we focus on how to optimize email marketing campaigns for the best performance. But, we tend to forget about managing email outside of a campaign setting. What about your inbox?
You hear it all around the office (and probably experience it yourself). You might walk away from your desk for 5 minutes and come back to 10 new emails, or more! Managing your inbox can take up your whole day, if you let it. You can’t sit in your inbox all day managing email as it comes in, not without using time that could have been spent on something more productive.
Your time is valuable, so it makes sense to ensure it’s well-spent. With that in mind, here are 4 easy tips to help you tame your inbox and make the most of your time:
1. Folders
Inbox zero is a beautiful place to be. It makes managing incoming email seem less intimidating. Not to mention, your e-mails are more organized and easier to find. Your search function will be able to work faster as well with a lesser amount of emails to sift through, enabling you to get what you need, when you need it.
2. Automated rules
If you’re lucky enough to be using an email provider with automated rules (and at this point, you should at least be offered the functionality), using them can save you a lot of time. Rules will help you prioritize your emails easier too. Between organizing emails into folders automatically and assigning priority based on sender and/or subject line, you’ll be able to take reading your email from tedious to efficient – all while freeing up your time for more important tasks.
3. Break it up
Gauge how long you’ll need to effectively handle your inbox each day (keep in mind, those numbers could change based on implementation of folders & rules). Once you have an average amount of time to work with, break it up into smaller chunks throughout the day. Having specific blocks of time set aside for email allows you to get through your email in more manageable chunks and focus your attention entirely on the other tasks you need to complete.
4. Experiment
Don’t be afraid to experiment! You may find that tweaking a setting in your rules filters your email more efficiently. You might find you work better by reading & prioritizing emails during one block of time and then responding during the next block. The best breakdown is going to vary based on how often you receive email, what percentage of your email requires a response, and how detailed those responses need to be.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. However, if you implement these tips, you may find your day looking a little brighter, your productivity increasing, and your schedule becoming a little less hectic. Your time is valuable, so don’t be afraid to spend a little bit of it now to save it in the long run and ensure it’s well-spent moving forward.