Getting feedback from your team just got easier with Outlook voting buttons. It’s a nifty feature that allows you to send out a question with pre-set answers to your recipients. They can quickly select an option, and you can easily track responses. Ready to streamline decision-making? Let’s get to it.
Step by Step Tutorial on Using Outlook Voting Buttons
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s understand what we’re aiming for. By following these steps, you’ll be able to send an email with voting options, which recipients can select directly within the email, making collecting and tallying responses a breeze.
Step 1: Create a New Email
Open Outlook and start a new email by clicking on ‘New Email’.
Creating a new email is your starting point. Make sure you have your recipients and email content ready before adding the voting buttons.
Step 2: Go to the Options Tab
In your new email window, navigate to the ‘Options’ tab.
The ‘Options’ tab is where you’ll find all the settings to customize your email, including the voting buttons feature.
Step 3: Click on ‘Use Voting Buttons’
Under the ‘Options’ tab, you’ll see a section titled ‘Tracking’. Click on ‘Use Voting Buttons’.
‘Use Voting Buttons’ is the feature that allows you to insert pre-set answer options into your email.
Step 4: Choose a Voting Button Option
Outlook provides a few default button options like ‘Yes;No’ or ‘Accept;Reject’. Pick one or create custom buttons.
Choosing the right voting option is crucial. Think about what you need to ask and the kind of responses you want to receive.
Step 5: Send Your Email
Once you’ve selected your voting options, finish your email and hit ‘Send’.
After sending the email, all that’s left is for your recipients to cast their votes. Wait for the responses to roll in and tally them up directly within Outlook.
After completing these steps, your recipients will receive the email with the voting buttons. They can simply click on their preferred option, and you’ll be notified of their choice. All votes are compiled in Outlook, making it easy to see which option is the most popular.
Tips on Using Outlook Voting Buttons
- Make sure your question is clear and concise. You want your recipients to quickly understand what they’re voting on.
- Limit the number of voting options. Too many choices can lead to indecision.
- Test the voting buttons before sending out to a large group. Send a test email to yourself or a colleague to ensure everything works as expected.
- Customize the voting button options to suit your needs. The default options are a good starting point, but customizing them can make your poll more effective.
- Follow up with your recipients if you notice not everyone has responded. A gentle reminder can help you get all the answers you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I see who voted for what in Outlook?
Once votes are in, open the original sent email with the voting buttons, go to the ‘Message’ tab, and select ‘Tracking’ to view responses.
Can I use voting buttons in Outlook for Mac?
Unfortunately, the voting button feature is not available in Outlook for Mac.
Can recipients change their vote after submitting?
Yes, recipients can change their vote by simply opening the email and selecting a different option.
Can I export the voting results?
Yes, you can export the results to a spreadsheet by manually copying the tracking information.
Is it possible to add more than two voting options?
Absolutely, you can add as many custom voting options as you need.
Summary
- Create a new email
- Navigate to the ‘Options’ tab
- Click on ‘Use Voting Buttons’
- Choose a voting button option
- Send your email
Conclusion
Using Outlook voting buttons is a game-changer for quick decision-making and gathering opinions within your organization. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can seamlessly integrate this powerful feature into your communication toolkit. It’s not just about efficiency; it’s also about engagement. By involving your team in the decision-making process, you foster a collaborative environment where everyone’s opinion counts.
Remember, the key to successful use of Outlook voting buttons lies in the clarity of your question and the relevance of the options provided. Ensure your emails are concise and to the point, and don’t be afraid to follow up with a reminder if necessary. Whether you’re planning a team meeting or seeking consensus on a project, Outlook voting buttons can make your life a whole lot easier.
So, why not give it a try? You might just be surprised at how something so simple can have such a big impact on your workflow. Happy voting!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.