Cold emailing tips
If you’re considering undertaking your first cold email campaign, you may be wondering where to start.
While it can be tempting to plug some basic information into a cold email template you find online and send it out, putting more thought into your cold emails will generally produce better results.
A personalized cold email can help you get a prospect's attention and generate a response. Below are some tips that can act as a cold email cheat sheet and help you write a great personalized cold email and run a successful cold email campaign.
Personalize the email
Personalizing emails is a key part of any successful cold email outreach campaign. Those who receive your email want to see that you’re interested in them and know a little bit about what they do. Sending a generic email doesn’t present value to the recipient and they generally won’t take the time to reply if it doesn’t look like you put in the effort when reaching out.
So what does email personalization look like? Of course, you may use the recipient’s name or address their job title in your email. However, effective cold emails tend to take personalization a step further.
Take the time to do some research on the recipient and try to identify their values and interests. By addressing the recipient’s unique wants and needs, you can demonstrate that you devoted time and effort to understanding who they are.
When the recipient can sense a real person on the other side of the email, they may be more inclined to respond.
Edit email “From” line
Many people fail to pay attention to the “from” line when sending cold emails, and this can be a costly mistake. The “from” line, which is located right near the email’s subject line, indicates who an email is from and it can have a significant impact on whether or not a recipient opens an email in the first place.
According to LinkedIn, 68% of Americans decide whether to open an email by looking at the “from” line. If your “from” line appears to be trustworthy and relevant, then there’s a better chance the recipient will open your email.
So, as you devise a cold email campaign, put some thought into what you want your “from” line to be, whether it’s your first name, your full name, your job title, the name of your company, or something else. The best “from” line will vary depending on the person you’re reaching out to and your business goals.
Craft a strong subject line
Like the “from” line, the subject line is something a recipient will see before they even open your email. Well-written cold email subject lines will draw someone in, while a poorly written subject line can send your email straight into the trash folder.
As you write your email’s subject line, consider personalizing it or tailoring it to the recipient’s point of view. Also, try to add a hint of mystery or intrigue that will make the recipient want to read the rest of your email and hear what you have to say.
Introduce yourself
A proper introduction is the first step in virtually any personal or business interaction, and the same holds true for cold emails. When sending cold emails, you’re essentially reaching out to a stranger. They don’t know you and they may be unsure why you’re reaching out in the first place.
With a warm, friendly introduction, you can explain to the recipient who you are and why you’re contacting them. As a general rule, keep the introduction to a few sentences and try to quickly get to the point of why you’re sending the cold email.