Between
ebooks, case studies, data sheets, proposals, and contracts, you probably send
email attachments on a daily — if not hourly — basis.
And
that means you might be using the common phrase "Please find
attached." Other variations include "Attached please
find," Please kindly find the attached file," Please find the
attached file for your reference," and "Enclosed please
find."
Should
you use "Please find attached"?
No.
First, it sounds stuffy and overly formal. You want to strike a conversational,
natural tone with your prospect — not write like a nineteenth-century lawyer.
Second,
this phrase is unnecessary. Your attachment will show up in the email, so there's
no need to announce its existence unless your email doesn't already reference
it.
Third,
it's a "request" that's not optional. Like "thanks in
advance," that can make prospects bristle.
Alternatives to Please Find
Attached
1.
Attach the file with no explanation.
2.
Here is...
3.
I've attached...
4.
This [X] has …
5.
I'm sharing [X] with you.
6.
You'll find the attachment below.
7.
Let me know if you have any questions about the attachment.
8.
The requested document is attached to this email.
9.
Relevant information is in the attached file.
10.
The attached [X] includes…
11.
When you review the attached [X], you will see...
12.
Please see the attached [X] for more details…
13.
Take a look at the attached [X].
14.
Attached herewith this email.
15.
I've linked [X].
16.
For reference, I've appended…
17.
Please see the enclosed…
18.
...added [resource] to this email.
19.
The enclosed document shows...
20.
Enclosed is…
Option 1: Attach the file with no explanation.
If
the sole purpose of your email is sending an attachment, cut the phrase
entirely.
Example:
Monthly progress report
Hey
Marley,
Nearly
doubled my connect call conversion rate this month. I'm still a little shaky on
demos; planning on doing some extra prep for my next ones. Looking forward to
discussing with you.
-
Jackie
Option 2: "Here is"
You
can also opt for "here's [title of the attachment.]" Short
and sweet.
Example:
2017 pricing options
Hi
Saleh,
Great
talking to you today and learning more about Kensington's plans to expand into
the French market. Here's the pricing information you asked for.
Let
me know if you have any questions before our call tomorrow.
-
Jackie
Option 3: "I've attached"
This
is another simple, non-jargon-y alternative.
Example:
Getting employees to share their feedback?
Hello
Karim,
Congratulations
on the promotion! I've worked with many People Ops directors (including
LiveHire and 25/8) and know one of your first priorities is often increasing
employee survey participation. I've attached an ebook with some helpful
strategies -- page 32 in particular has good ideas.
Would
love to discuss how you could apply these to Granted; if you're open to that,
here's a link to my calendar: [Link to Meetings tool.]
Cheers,
Jackie
Option 4: "This [X] has …"
You
can also describe the attachment's contents, such as, "This case
study includes …" or "This business case explains
…"
Example:
Might be good to show your boss
George,
Hope
your trip went well and you got in plenty of beach time. This report shows the
impact of effective sales training on quota attainment; might be useful to show
to your boss if she's looking for potential ROI.
Best,
Jackie
Option 5: "I'm sharing [X] with you."
This
statement subtly puts you and your prospect on the same team, making your
relationship feel more collaborative.
Example:
Have answers for you
Liz,
I
did a little digging and found the answers to your questions. I'm sharing a PDF
with you that lists our reselling policies. Let me know if you have any follow
up questions.
Best,
Jackie
Option 6: "You'll find the attachment below."
You
never want an attachment to go unnoticed. This ensures your prospect is aware
of the information you attached, but keeps the tone conversational and light.
Example:
ABC Schematics+HubSpot Proposal
Elena,
Thanks
for telling me a little more about ABC's goals and challenges this year. You'll
find the proposal we spoke about attached below.
Best,
Jackie
Option 7:"Let me know if you have questions about the
attachment."
This
is another subtle way to communicate an attachment while letting your prospect
know your door is open and you're available for questions.
Example:
Questions? I've got answers.
Nesima,
Here
are the white papers we spoke about this morning. Please let me know if you
have any questions about the attachments.
Best,
Jackie
Option 8:"The requested document is attached to this
email."
When
sending a document that has been specifically requested, make sure your
prospect knows the information they asked for can be found in the attachment.
Example:
Details you requested inside
Michelle,
Thank
you for your time this afternoon. The report you requested is attached to this
email.
Best,
Jackie
Option 9:"Relevant information is attached."
If
the attached document expands on the topic of the email, call this out so the
reader knows to reference the document for more information.
Example:
All-access content details
Jason,
We
look forward to having you join us at the conference. All event details are
outlined in the document attached.
Sincerely,
Jackie
Option 10:"The attached [X] includes..."
For
lengthier or more comprehensive documents, you can include a brief synopsis of
what the prospect can expect to see when they open it.
Example:
Product selections requested
Hi
Lily,
The
attached catalog includes the new products launching in 2020. Please let me
know your selections so we can proceed.
Best,
Jackie
Option 11:"When you review the attached [X], you will
see..."
This
statement both instructs the recipient to review the attached document and
outlines what the document entails.
Example:
2019 performance metrics
Hi
Erin,
Thank
you for your insightful questions in today's meeting! When you review the
attached spreadsheet, you will see a full breakdown of the metrics we covered.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Jackie
Option 12:"Please see the attached [X] for more
details..."
This
helps you clearly call out what the attached document is and what pertinent
details it contains for your prospect.
Example:
Monthly check-in
Hi
Cleo,
Thank
you for attending our monthly check-in. Please see the attached presentation
for more details about last month's performance.
Best,
Jackie
Option 13:"Take a look at the attached [X]"
Use
this statement when you have a document that you need the recipient's feedback
on.
Example:
Request — your feedback is needed
Hi
Eckhart,
Our
team is developing our next catalog and would like your feedback on which
design you prefer.
Please
take a look at the attached samples and let me know which you think is better
by 5:00 PM PST, on Wednesday November 6.
Best,
Jackie
Option 14:"Attached herewith this email..."
If
you are sending an email that is more formal in tone, this phrase is a good
option. Because it is more business formal and may not hold up well in more
casual conversations, we recommend using it sparingly.
Example:
Following up on sales manager interview — Jackie Johnson
Dear
Zoey,
Thank
you for time during today's interview. I appreciated your thoughtful questions
and am honored to be a candidate for the sales manager position. Attached
herewith this email are my professional references.
Best,
Jackie
Synonyms to "Attached"
Need
some more alternatives? Switch it up with ‘attached' synonyms.
Option 15: "I've linked"
Whether
you're linking to site pages or content downloads, let your prospect know to
look out for a link, so they don't miss the valuable information you've
included.
Example:
Here's that info I promised you
Hey
Adam,
I'm
following up on our conversation yesterday. I've linked our pricing page here
[insert link] -- let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Jackie
Option 16: "For reference, I've appended … "
Use
this for a first introduction. If the prospect downloaded a piece of content
from your site, let them know you noticed, and provide them with additional
resources in your introductory email.
Example:
So nice to meet you, Bailey
Hi
Bailey,
Thanks
for downloading "10 Growth Hacking Ideas to Try." I've helped many
small businesses like Danielson Design transform their marketing initiatives
into lucrative campaigns. For reference, I've appended a client's case study
below. Together, we grew their customer base by 30% in a period of six months.
If
you're interested in implementing some of these strategies, I'd love to share
more. Here's a link to my calendar: [Insert calendar link].
All
the best,
Jackie
Option 17: "Please see the enclosed … "
This
is a bit formal, but it's helpful when attaching important documents that
require action.
Example:
Next steps with Quinn Industries
Hi
Sarah,
I'm
excited to continue working with you to revolutionize Quinn Industries'
warehouse efficiency. Please see the enclosed contract and let me know if you
and your team have any questions.
Thank
you,
Jackie
Option 18: " … added [resource] to this email."
If
you've wrapped up a call or meeting with a prospect, send them a recap email and
include notes about what was discussed. It keeps the conversation at the top of
your prospect's mind and reinforces key points and takeaways.
Example:
Following up on our call
Hey
Adam,
Thanks
for your time today. I've added notes from our call to this email, along with
key takeaways and action items. Reach out with any questions before our next
meeting on Tuesday, October 16 at 2:00 PM.
-
Jackie
Option 19: "The enclosed [X] shows..."
If
you're using a document to reiterate a point or idea, mentioning the attached
file will keep your reader focused on the key takeaway.
Example:
Let's keep the conversation going
Hi
Candace,
I
look forward to continuing our partnership in 2020. The enclosed proposal shows
the deliverables we would like to offer moving forward. Here's a link to my
calendar [insert calendar link] — schedule a meeting at your soonest
convenience to discuss next steps.
Sincerely,
Jackie
Option 20: "Enclosed is..."
This
is a simple way to indicate a document needs the reader's attention without
saying "attached."
Example:
Thank you for your feedback
Hi
Sacha,
Thank
you for participating in our 2019 end-user survey. Your feedback is greatly
appreciated. Enclosed is a token of our appreciation for providing your
thoughts.
Sincerely,
Jackie
These "please
find attached" alternatives will make your emails feel less stiff
and stilted. Small words, big impact.
P.S.
Do you know what else is unnecessary? Countless email exchanges to schedule a
meeting. Use our meeting scheduling tool to
keep your emails laser focused.
Editor's
note: This post was originally published in November 2, 2017 and has been
updated for comprehensiveness.
Originally
published Oct 23, 2019 10:40:00 PM, updated October 24 2019
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