RE meaning in email: Definition and correct usage

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You’ve likely seen RE in email subject lines and wondered about the exact RE meaning in email. Well, this term is used to indicate that an email is a reply to a previous message.

It plays a key role in email threads, where multiple replies can accumulate and make conversation tracking difficult. In this situation, using RE can help provide context to the messages.

However, that’s not all there is to know about this abbreviation. So, in this post, we’ll answer the question — what does RE in an email mean?

Additionally, we’ll explore its correct usage and how it contributes to the overall clarity of email correspondence. With this knowledge, you’ll become more confident in handling email conversations.

What does RE mean in email?

RE meaning in email is the shorthand for “regarding.” It’s used to indicate that the email is a reply to an ongoing thread. When you hit “Reply” on an email, most email automation tools populate the subject line with “RE:” to show the connection to the original message.

Correct usage of RE in email subject lines

Using RE in email subject lines indicates the context of email messages, but it’s important to use it correctly. When used inappropriately, it can make your email appear spammy. This practice can lower open rates, as many people may ignore it if they think it’s irrelevant or untrustworthy. 

So, here are some cases when using “regarding” short form is appropriate:

• Use RE in subject lines when you’re genuinely replying to an email thread. For example, if a customer has inquired about a product, your response should include the subject line “RE: Your inquiry about our new shoes.” This lets the recipient know you’re following up on a previous conversation.
• Another appropriate use is for internal team emails when discussing ongoing projects. For instance, if you’re emailing a team about an ongoing sales strategy, the subject line could be: “RE: Q1 Sales Strategy – Discussion with John.” This shows that the email is part of an ongoing conversation specifically related to the Q1 sales strategy.
• In promotional emails, how to use RE is when you’re responding to a specific action taken by the recipient. For instance, after a customer registers for a webinar, using “RE: Confirmation for your webinar registration” would be appropriate. 
• Marketers and sales teams can also use the “regarding” abbreviation as an appreciation for a previous purchase. For example, if a customer has subscribed, the team can send a thank you email and write something like, “RE: Thank you for subscribing. Here’s your confirmation.”

What are the benefits of using RE in email?

Whether you’re writing a personal or professional email, RE can often be used to convey the purpose of the email. Aside from that, here are the primary benefits of using RE in subject lines:

• Improves clarity: RE provides immediate context by showing the topic or ongoing discussion. Recipients don’t have to open the email to guess its purpose.
• Fosters better organization: Using RE helps enhance the overall readability and flow of email conversations. It creates a clear visual hierarchy, making it easier for recipients to follow the progression of the discussion. 
• Indicates relevance: Emails marked with the short for regarding (RE) can help recipients prioritize messages. Since the subject line outright shows that the email pertains to an ongoing conversation, it’s less likely to be overlooked.
• Encourages engagement: RE in emails can prompt quicker responses as they signify active discussions. Recipients may feel compelled to reply promptly, knowing that the subject is already established and relevant.
• Adds a professional impression: Using RE shows a structure in correspondence. It reflects attention to detail and shows you’re keeping track of the recipient’s concerns or interests. This can portray a professional image, whether in business or personal settings.
  
  Below is an example of an email thread with customer support:

How can you use RE in email marketing?

Using RE in email marketing subject lines creates a sense of continuity in email communications. Marketers can strategically use it to increase engagement while maintaining authenticity. Here are some ways to use RE in your email marketing campaigns:

• Create a sense of urgency: It can be used for emails sent as a follow-up on an important matter. For example, using “RE: Your Unfinished Order” can create urgency, prompting recipients to open the email and act quickly.
• Re-engage inactive subscribers: If a subscriber hasn’t interacted with your emails in a while, automated replies via email marketing software with a RE subject line can remind them of your previous communication. A re-engagement email example can have a subject line of “RE: We Miss You — Special Discount Inside.”
• Reaffirm your value proposition: A RE subject line can reinforce the value of your product or service. For instance, “RE: Get 20% Off Your First Purchase” signals that you’re following up on a previous offer and highlights the benefit clearly.
• Share additional related information: RE can also be used to share new, related content. With this, you can reinforce the context of an ongoing conversation, add an email image, and present new details or information that aligns with past communications.
  
  Take a look at this email from Swehl, which uses the subject line “RE: the [Winding] Path to Parenthood” to share a newsletter that adds more content and links related to a previous email:

It’s important to align the subject line with the content of the email and send emails at the right time. If you’re using RE to imply a response or follow-up, the email should reflect that. 

Email marketing platforms like Omnisend can help you craft tailored email campaigns. Omnisend offers templates and automation features to automate email sequences based on subscriber behavior and trigger RE lines appropriately.

How does RE affect email open rates?

Using RE in your email subject lines can be a double-edged sword. While it might seem like a simple way to grab attention and imply urgency, its impact on open rates can be nuanced. 

For instance, if a recipient has previously engaged in a conversation or transaction related to the email’s subject matter, the RE prefix can be used to create a sense of familiarity and encourage them to open the message to continue the interaction.

However, indiscriminate use of RE can also negatively impact open rates. If recipients receive emails with “regarding” short form in the subject line but can’t recall the original message or if the email appears to be a deceptive attempt to gain attention, they may become suspicious. This highlights why understanding the RE meaning in email and using it strategically is crucial to avoid causing mistrust among recipients.

What are the best practices for using RE in email threads?

Using the “regarding” abbreviation is a powerful way to manage email conversations. When used correctly, it can improve clarity, efficiency, and professionalism. Here are some best practices to keep in mind on how to abbreviate regarding in your email:

• Use clear and concise subject lines: Avoid overly long or vague subject lines, but use concise subject lines that depict the email’s context. As the conversation progresses, modify the subject line to reflect the current focus.
• Avoid unnecessary replies: Resist the urge to reply to every single message in a thread. Only reply when you have something relevant to contribute. Avoid cluttering inboxes with one-word replies like “Thanks” or “Noted” unless confirmation is essential. 
• Maintain proper threading: Always reply within the existing thread when discussing the same topic using appropriate email fonts. Avoid creating multiple threads with similar subject lines, as this can confuse recipients. Proper threading can help keep conversations organized and searchable.
• Avoid overusing RE: If a thread becomes excessively long or deviates into multiple topics or content, you can start a new email chain with a clear subject line. Summarize key points from the previous discussion to provide context. 
• Trim irrelevant content: When replying to long email threads, avoid quoting entire previous messages unless necessary. Instead, reference only the relevant parts of the conversation. This will make it easier for recipients to digest information without wading through excessive text.

Conclusion

Email threads can quickly become cluttered with lengthy conversations. However, using the “regarding” short form helps manage these threads, allowing participants to track the progression of discussions without losing context. Knowing the RE meaning in email correspondence — and its correct usage — can help you use it effectively to keep conversations organized and easy to follow.

As you continue to use email for both professional and personal communication, remember to keep subject lines clear, concise, and relevant. Using a tool like Omnisend can help you come up with the right subject lines and then automate these emails for seamless email campaigns. 

These practices will enhance the readability and authenticity of your messages and improve response rates, ensuring that emails remain effective.

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