As we’ve mentioned on this blog before, the website About.com is an outstanding resource for small companies and online businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Among their many small business experts is Darrell Zahorsky, who recently wrote a very helpful article entitled “6 Simple Savvy Small Business Email Tips.” The piece outlines some important “dos and don’ts” concerning this essential tool that’s so important to small online businesses — and unfortunately, so often poorly utilized (or underutilized).

“Email communication is nothing more than write and click … or is it?” Mr. Zahorsky writes. “Although email use has proliferated; proper and professional email use has not. It’s easy to resist the need for email management and manners.”

Indeed, it’s this very ease of use that makes email such an important tool for small businesses, often operating on threadbare budgets. It makes communicating with customers — current, ex-, or future — easy, inexpensive, and responsive.

The problem is this: Because it’s such a simple tool to use, many of us haven’t invested the necessary time and effort in mastering email’s finer points. Far too many email messages are sent out too quickly, chock full of poor grammar, bad spelling, unclear points, and rambling thoughts.

Going beyond bad grammar, there’s also a more business-oriented dilemma: Many of us simply don’t use email effectively enough. Whether that means sending messages to the wrong people, or losing track of important addresses due to poor organization, these types of problems are all addressed in Mr. Zahorsky’s six “Simple Savvy Small Business Email Tips”:

1. Collect ‘Em: … Relentlessly collect customer and lead email addresses all the time. Use a contact management program to handle your growing list.

2. Remove Barriers: Customers want fast and easy communication … Asking web visitors to fill in a form to send a simple mail will stop many in their tracks. Gather more customer information once you have gained the initial contact.

3. Avoid Sensitive Issues: Never handle sensitive issues by email. … There are times when you need to pick up the phone or set up a face-to-face contact instead of taking the easy way out with email.

4. Handle at Once: Don’t fall into the trap of reading emails and thinking, “I”ll respond later”. Later never arrives and soon your inbox is full of important and unimportant mail.

5. Use the 10 Second Rule: … Readers have a tendency to skim and miss critical details. Before you send out your email message, edit down to short sentences, add bullet points, and be concise. When someone opens your email they should be able to know within 10 seconds or less what your message is about.

6. It’s the Law: Know the rules of using email in the business world. Be aware of the laws and regulations in your business, industry, country, and state surrounding email usage. Our world is becoming increasingly transparent and customers expect your small business to handle their data in a private and confidential manner.

These tips will get your business well on the way to being email savvy. And the better impression you make on your customers, the more confident they’ll be doing business with you. Read Mr. Zahorsky’s full article here. Be sure to leave your comments below and let us know what you think!