Blogger Outreach? Start With a Proper Email Address

Somehow I came across this article on why the email address matters that got me thinking… Here’s a list of emails John August is listing as an example:

And here are John’s feedback on each:

and here is an important conclusion John is making:

Based on just their email addresses, I start with mildly positive impressions for Bill, Christina and Verdun. I start with mildly negative impressions for the other four. All that may change once I start reading — but only if I start reading.

The Importance of a First Impression

Now, do we realize what impression our email address is making on people we are pitching? I for one start feeling a bit uneasy in “seo” part of my “seosmarty” email – people seem to think I am selling something each time they see it 🙂

It may sound judgmental or rash, but you have no idea how often I come across a stupid, unprofessional or flat-out inappropriate email address that often correlates to a lack of quality in the actual message…

There’s another neat article listing some email address advice for job applicants that lists some criteria of a winning email address:

• The combinations of your first and last name wins!
• Make your email address type-in-friendly: (1) Avoid the letters ‘O’, ‘i’, ‘o’ and ‘L’ (2) Do not use underscores (3) Avoid the numbers ‘1’ and ‘0’

This thread offers some insight as well.

I would tend to avoid underscores, as lots of people seem to have real trouble figuring out how to type them, or knowing what the character is called if you have to give your address over the phone. Also, when written they can get confused with hyphens.

It’s also discussing using numbers in an email address:

Conclusion

Image makes a big difference when it comes to blogger outreach. If you have been finding it difficult to hear back, there is a chance that could be the culprit. Take a look at your address and ask yourself “Does this sound professional?” If the answer is no, it may be time to make a switch.

And to close in a funny way, here are some funny emails you may want to stay away from. And here are more.

What are some of the weirdest email addresses you have encountered? Let us know in the comments. Be sure to leave out the domain details!

Further Reading and Tools:

• 3 Ways To Instantly Create A New Email Address For Yourself
• What is the best alias for a customer service email address?