You’ve spent twenty minutes agonizing over the perfect subject line. You’ve edited the body of your message three times to make sure you don't sound like a jerk or, worse, a robot. But then you hit the wall. The sign-off. Is "Best" too cold? Does "Thanks" sound passive-aggressive if they haven't actually done anything yet? Finding good ways to end an email isn't just about being polite; it’s about making sure the person on the other end actually does what you need them to do without feeling annoyed.
Most of us just default to whatever our brain spits out in the last two seconds. We type "Regards" and hit send. It’s boring. It’s safe. But honestly, it’s often a missed opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the relationship.
Why Your Sign-Off Actually Matters (More Than You Think)
A study by the email app Boomerang, which analyzed over 350,000 email threads, found that emails ending with a variation of "thank you" got significantly more responses. We’re talking a 36% relative increase in response rates compared to other popular closings. That’s huge. It turns out that expressing gratitude isn't just a "nice to have"—it’s a functional tool for getting what you want.
People are busy. Their inboxes are a nightmare. When they reach the bottom of your message, the last thing they see acts as a psychological "closing note." If you end with something stiff like "Sincerely," you’re creating a formal barrier. If you end with "Cheers," and you’re emailing a conservative law firm in the Midwest, you might look like you’re not taking things seriously. It's all about context.
The Psychological Weight of "Best"
"Best" is the vanilla ice cream of email endings. Everyone uses it. Nobody hates it, but nobody loves it either. It’s short for "Best regards" or "Best wishes," but by chopping it down, we’ve stripped away the warmth.
Expert linguists often point out that "Best" has become a "contested" sign-off. Some see it as efficient. Others see it as the ultimate sign of "I am too busy to care about you." If you’re emailing a close colleague, "Best" is fine. If you’re trying to build rapport with a new lead, you can definitely do better.
Good Ways to End an Email Depending on the Vibe
Let’s get specific. You can’t use the same ending for your boss that you use for the guy fixing your HVAC system.
When You Need a Favor
If you are asking for something, "Thanks in advance" is the heavyweight champion. It creates a subtle psychological phenomenon called "prosocial motivation." Basically, by thanking them before they’ve done the task, you’re acknowledging that they are the kind of person who helps. It’s hard for people to disappoint that expectation. However, be careful—if you’re asking for something massive or overstepping, "Thanks in advance" can feel a bit presumptive, like you’re forcing their hand. In those cases, try "I’d really appreciate your help with this."
The Professional-But-Not-Stiff Approach
For most business interactions, you want to land somewhere between "Supreme Court Justice" and "Texting my college roommate."
- Regards: It’s a bit dry, honestly. Use it when you’re annoyed or want to keep a distance.
- Warmly: This one is polarizing. Some people find it too "touchy-feely" for business, but in industries like HR, non-profits, or creative arts, it works beautifully.
- Stay tuned: Great for project updates where there is more coming.
Short and Punchy
Sometimes, you just need to get out of the way. If the email chain is 15 messages deep, stop using a formal sign-off entirely. Just use your name. Or even just your initial.
"Best,"
- J
That’s it. Anything more feels performative when you’re just discussing where to put a file on Google Drive.
The "Gratitude" Hack
I mentioned the Boomerang study earlier, but it’s worth doubling down on. Specifically, "Thanks in advance" had the highest response rate at 65.7%, followed by "Thanks" and "Thank you."
Why? Because human beings are wired for reciprocity. When someone thanks us, we feel a tiny hit of dopamine. We feel valued. Even if the email is about a boring spreadsheet, ending with "Thanks for your time" makes the recipient feel like their labor is being seen. It changes the dynamic from a demand to a collaboration.
What to Absolutely Avoid
Stop using "Sent from my iPhone." Seriously. It’s 2026. We know you have a phone. Back in 2010, it was an excuse for typos. Now, it just looks like you couldn't be bothered to set up a real signature. It’s lazy.
Also, avoid "Yours faithfully" unless you are writing to a literal monarch or finishing a 19th-century epistolary novel. It’s weirdly intimate and outdated. The same goes for "Cheers" if you aren't British, Australian, or currently at a bar. If you’re an American accountant using "Cheers," it feels like you’re wearing a costume. It’s just... off.
The Power of the "Call to Action" Ending
Sometimes the best way to end an email isn't a sign-off at all, but a clear instruction.
"Let me know if that works for you."
"Looking forward to hearing your thoughts."
"I'll wait for your green light before moving forward."
These endings take the guesswork out of the interaction. You aren't just saying goodbye; you’re handing the ball back to them.
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Handling the "Non-Response" Fear
We’ve all been there. You send a perfectly crafted email with a great sign-off, and... silence.
One of the most effective good ways to end an email when you're worried about being ignored is to include a "low-friction" exit. Something like: "If you're too swamped to look at this right now, no worries—just let me know a better time to follow up." This removes the guilt the recipient feels for not responding immediately, which actually makes them more likely to send a quick "Next week!" rather than ignoring you for a month because they’re embarrassed.
Cultural Nuances and Global Context
If you’re emailing someone in Japan, your sign-off needs to be far more formal than if you’re emailing a tech startup in Berlin. In many European cultures, "Kind regards" is the gold standard for professionalism. In the US, we tend to get casual much faster. If you aren't sure, look at how they ended their last email to you. This is called "linguistic mirroring." If they signed off with "Best," you should probably use "Best" or "Thanks." If they used a full formal signature, you should probably do the same.
Real Examples of Impactful Endings
Let’s look at a few scenarios where a specific ending changed the game.
Scenario A: The Cold Pitch
Weak: "Hope to hear from you soon. Best, Sarah."
Strong: "Thanks for considering this. I've attached the brief so you don't have to go hunting for it. Talk soon, Sarah."
Why: It shows empathy for the recipient's time.
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Scenario B: The "I Screwed Up" Email
Weak: "Sorry again. Best, Mark."
Strong: "Thanks for your patience while I get this sorted. I'll have the update to you by 4 PM. Regards, Mark."
Why: It shifts the focus from the mistake (the "sorry") to the solution and gratitude for their patience.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Email
You don't need to overthink this every time, but a little intentionality goes a long way.
- Audit your default signature. If it’s just your name and a phone number, consider adding a standard "Best," or "Thanks," above it so you don't have to type it every time.
- Match the energy. Look at the last three emails from the person you’re messaging. Are they brief? Be brief. Are they flowery? Add a bit of warmth.
- Use gratitude as a default. When in doubt, "Thanks" is almost always the right answer. It’s the safest, most effective way to ensure a reply.
- Kill the "iPhone" tag. Go into your settings right now and delete "Sent from my iPhone." Replace it with nothing, or a simple "Best, [Your Name]."
- Test a "Low-Friction" sign-off. Next time you ask for a meeting, end with "No pressure if this week is too tight." Watch how much faster people actually get back to you.
Ending an email is the final touch on your digital handshake. Don't make it a limp one. Use a closing that reflects who you are and what you need, and you’ll find that people are a lot more willing to help you out.