What punctuation mark follows the salutation in a business letter?

In formal business letter writing, the punctuation mark that follows the salutation is a colon. This convention reflects a more formal tone suitable for professional correspondence. The use of a colon indicates that the reader should pause before proceeding to the body of the letter, which aligns with the purpose of a business letter to convey important information clearly and respectfully.

The colon is preferred over other punctuation marks such as a comma, semicolon, or period because it sets a definitive tone for the communication. A comma may be used in less formal contexts but does not convey the same level of seriousness or professionalism. A semicolon is typically not appropriate in this context, as it is used to connect related independent clauses. A period would lead to an incomplete structure, as it is not commonly used after a greeting in a letter format.

Using a colon after the salutation aligns with standard business writing practices and ensures clarity in the presentation of the letter.