Inboxes are literally flooded with emails – some you want, some you need and some that get deleted so fast it could give you whiplash.

With that knowledge, how many of you send out emails that aren’t worth the read? (or are just not sponge-worthy, for you Seinfeld fans).

According to Emma*, one of the nation’s most popular email management services, there are 5 basic email tactics to consider before you hit “Send”:

1. Does my subject line entice readers to open? Because if they don’t open it, you may as well not even bothered to send it. Come up with a great subject line, every time.

2. Am I making the most of the preview pane? Many people use an email browser or have configured their web-based email client to preview each email. Knowing this, be sure some attention grabbing stuff is up front.

3. Is my email easy on the eyes? I get some ugly emails – poor font choices and formatting can make me hit delete faster than you can say Bob’s Your Uncle. (no offense, Uncle Bob)

4. Does the message come through, even if the images don’t? Images go a long way in dressing up an email and creating interest. But many spam filters block images. Make sure your body copy tells the story in full. And when inserting images, use the description and caption options, that way if the picture is missing, the words describing it are there.

5. Does my email have the personal touch? Keep your email message in a conversational tone. Use your email managers tools to ensure that each contact receiving the message is addressed by name. Add some of your personality to each email, but don’t go overboard.

*There are many email management systems, most are essentially the same – but some have specific features you may want or need. You should investigate each one to ensure it offers the services you require.