Are you getting tired of typing up “best regards” at the end of every email you send? In this handy guide, you’ll learn what “best regards” means when to use it, and alternatives that might be a better email closing sign off depending on who you’re speaking with. Plus, we’ve included many great examples of informal and friendly alternatives to end an email. Let’s dive in!

The meaning of “best regards” in the email

One of the most popular ways to sign off an email is with the phrase “Best regards.” Essentially, saying “best regards” is a shortened version of saying “I wish you the best.” It’s a general and respectful way to end an email without assuming anything about your relationship or setting any expectations other than “goodbye.” 

“Best regards” is a neutral sentiment that communicates that you appreciate the person you are addressing without coming on too strong. Think of it as giving a handshake instead of a hug. It’s the perfect sign-off for professionals familiar with their clients but not well-acquainted with them yet. 

There are several situations where you might opt to use “best regards” over another valediction. For example, you can use “best regards” as a sign-off when:

  • Emailing current clients
  • Speaking to vendors with whom you have built a rapport already
  • Communicating with prospects that you have engaged in regular conversation with
  • Reaching out to coworkers and colleagues across your organization
  • Any time that the other party sets a casual tone with you over email

Many professionals use “best regards” through email. But is it really necessary to use a closing email phrase if you are familiar with whom you are speaking?

Why should you use a closing email phrase?

Think about the last few emails you sent, or maybe take a quick peek through your Sent folder. Do you use a closing email phrase? What does that closing email phrase say about you? How might your recipients perceive that closing phrase? 

If these answers aren’t aligned with your conversations and goals with clients, colleagues, and others, you may need to consider using a different closing phrase at the end of your emails.

A good closing can capture your reader’s attention and make them feel good about sending you a timely response. Using a closing email phrase ensures that your message has a clear format, and it can set the tone for the conversation. 

Plus, it’s easy to set up email signatures using today’s most popular email platforms. According to a recent survey, 80% of respondents reported that they preferred using Gmail as their primary email provider. With Gmail, you can set up business email signatures that include a valediction at the end of each email. (And you can use Wisestamp to make your Gmail sign-off even more impactful.)

What can we use instead of “best regards”?

There are many ways to sign off on an email, but there are a couple of phrases to say goodbye that are most popular. 

“Kind regards” and “warm regards” are two alternative versions of “best regards” that sound similar but convey a slightly different message. “Kind regards” is a more formal version, while “warm regards” tends to be a more familiar way to end an email. 

When to use “warm regards”:

  • Correspondence between friends or family members
  • In communication with team members whom you work with closely
  • Sending a message to a colleague that you are friends with outside of work

Oklahoma State University Military Historian Dr. Jen Murray recently tweeted a funny email closing phrase she hadn’t heard before: “pandemically.”

“Best regards” is a safe way to end an email, whether you are speaking to colleagues, higher-ups, and friends. But if you’re tired of using the same closing phrase for every email you send, you need some inspiration. 

Various official “best regards” alternatives

If you’re tired of using “best regards” as a sign-off and want to close your emails with a new phrase, you can choose another closing phrase that still gives off a respectful and cordial vibe:

  • Cordially
  • Take care
  • Sending you the best
  • Respectfully
  • All My Best
  • Best Wishes
  • Warm Wishes
  • Regards
  • Sincerely
  • Speak With You Soon
  • Wishing You a Wonderful Day
  • Warm Regards
  • Warmly

Various informal “best regards” alternatives

After building a working relationship, you may feel like you can speak in a more friendly manner in your emails. If “best regards” is starting to feel a bit too formal for some of your email recipients.

Here are some good closing alternatives that are more informal:

  • Best
  • All the best
  • Cheers
  • Talk soon
  • Looking forward to our next conversation
  • Looking forward to hearing from you
  • Have a wonderful [day, weekend]
  • Happy weekend
  • Let me know if you need anything

Here are some ways how to end an email with thank you for showing your appreciation:

Ways to end an email with appreciation

In addition to less formal valedictions for the workplace, there is also a time and place for appreciative closing email phrases. Sometimes you just want people to know that you see how hard they are working. And in the US, saying “thank you” to someone is key to sustaining relationships. 

  • Thank you for reading
  • I can’t thank you enough
  • Many thanks
  • Thank you
  • With appreciation
  • Thanks for your consideration
  • With gratitude
  • Thanks again
  • Thank you for your time
  • All my thanks
  • Thanks in advance
  • I owe you one
  • Thanks a million
  • Much appreciated
  • Thank you for everything
  • Thanks for reading
  • Many thanks
  • Thanks so much
  • Thanks for your help

Friendly manner to close the email

Finally, if you’re looking for a new way to close emails to family and friends, here are some good options:

  • Good luck
  • Have a good one
  • Here’s to a great [Day of the Week]
  • Enjoy your [Day of the Week]
  • Hope you’re making it through [Day of the Week]
  • Happy [Day of the Week]
  • Make it a great day
  • Have a great day
  • Hope this helps
  • Pleasure catching up with you
  • Sending good vibes
  • See you tomorrow
  • Your friend
  • You’re the best

If you’re feeling a little playful and you know your email recipient well, a closing email phrase is also a good time to inject some personality and humor:

  • Toodles
  • Peace out
  • The End
  • See you later, alligator
  • Congrats on reading this whole email
  • Keep on keepin’ on
  • One step closer to Friday
  • Tag, you’re it
  • Live long and prosper

Adding a dynamic best regards GIF to your signature 

If you’re like most professionals in today’s connected business environment, you send dozens of emails daily. Imagine what it would be like if you had a professional email sign-off template that you could use. What if you could say “best regards” with a GIF?

WiseStamp enables workers to add a premade sign-off GIF to the end of every email. That way, you can say whatever you want with a dynamic signature that is still professional and high-quality. 

Do you need to use a closing phrase for all the emails?

Although a closing phrase is seen as proper email etiquette, there are occasions when you may not need a closing email phrase at all. 

Here are some examples of situations where you may not need a closing email phrase:

  • If you are close to the recipient in your personal life
  • When responding to email conversations with a lot of regular back and forth
  • When you work closely with someone on a daily basis

Final thoughts

Using a business email address to communicate internally and with customers gives brands a unique opportunity. Email signature branding integrates design, functionality, and even marketing opportunities. So it’s important to use the right salutation at the end of your emails to ensure that you are giving off the right tone according to your audience. 

If you’re still having trouble deciding which closing email phrase to use, here is one last piece of advice:

When in doubt, match your recipient’s tone. 

For example, if they say “sincerely,” use another official phrase such as “respectfully.” Or, if their salutation seems more friendly, feel free to close your email with “cheers” or “talk to you soon.” The key is to establish a consistent and authentic voice with every interaction. Take advantage of a captive audience with a great closing email phrase.