Business letters are quite effective in getting points across. It also serves different purposes depending on the reasons behind the writing. In any case, writing a good one is common across these purposes so better beef up your writing skills when writing one.

Here’s a follow-up to my tips on planning a letter or a memo. Here are ten tips for an effective business letter.

• Be sure to know the key person to address and address that person.
• Be courteous and maintain a polite tone.
• Know what your purpose is and state it in the letter.
• State your appreciation of the reader’s interest and concern.
• Conclude with the same polite tone.
• Proofread. Any typos or grammar lapses spell unprofessional.
• Sign your letter. It means that it’s official.
• Identify everyone who’d be receiving a copy using c. (for a single co-recepient) or cc. (for multiple entities).
• Be consistent with your formatting. And be sure to print it out nice and neat with the company letterhead.
• Keep it brief and concise. Business people (like you) are always busy.