Yes, It Does Matter

To communicate effectively via email, there are several things you should consider. The points below are common expectations in the online world.

First, in business emails, pay special attention to spelling and grammar. Don't use abbreviations, or smiley faces or other emoticons. Keep the content on a professional level, and ensure the content is coherent. Good grammar and spelling project a professional, polished image. Bad spelling and grammar simply doesn't. Consider saving emails as drafts before sending them out, then proofreading them again a minimum of 30 minutes later before actually sending them out. Your proofreading is more effective this way.

Your ability to communicate your thoughts in a coherent, logical, and understandable fashion also impacts your image in the recipient's mind, so check your emails for these issues as well.

Keep your email messages short. If you have more than five lines of communication to transmit, then find a way to break it up or do your communicating by phone or face-to-face. (We all knew how to do this before the internet.) No one wants to read a long email message.

Refrain from profanity and obscene language, especially in business emails. Remember, chances are that your employer is monitoring your emails. Don't put anything in your emails that you wouldn't say in public.

Your email communications are a part of the image you project at work. If your goal is to project a competent, professional image, then yes, your email is important.