10 Cold Email Tips To
Boost Open Rates & Replies
Cold email outreach can feel like playing the world’s smallest violin for those struggling to get a lead. You pour your heart and soul into crafting the perfect cold email, hit “send,” and then… crickets.
It’s enough to make you want to pull your hair out and curse the inbox gods. But don’t give up just yet!
There is a way to reach your audience and make your cold emails more effective. By following these cold email tips and best practices, you can tap into your inner sales maestro and make beautiful music with your target audience.
In this article, we’ll explore the top practices that will have you strumming the right chords and generating leads in no time. You’ll learn valuable tips for your cold email campaigns, like how to write effective cold emails and schedule automated follow-ups.
1. Write An Amazing Subject Line
Writing a subject line for a cold email can be a real conundrum. You want to be funny and relatable and avoid being marked as spam, all in 50 characters or less! It’s like trying to fit an elephant into a Smart car — not easy, but it can be done.
So, how do you craft the perfect cold email subject line that will make people want to open your email? Well, here’s the lowdown:
- Get your chuckle on: People love a good laugh, so why not bring the funny to your subject line? Just make sure it's still relevant to the content of the email.
- Keep it real: People love to know they're not alone in the world. Use pop culture references, common struggles, or relatable experiences to connect with your audience.
- Short and sweet: Attention spans are shorter than a goldfish. Therefore, ensure your subject line is short and to the point. Aim for something under 50 characters that gets straight to the point.
- Make it personal: Personalizing the subject line is like giving someone a hug - it makes them feel special. Use the recipient's name, company name, or location to make your email feel more relevant.
- Avoid spam triggers: There are certain words and phrases that can trigger spam filters, like a red cape in front of a bull. Words like "earn money" or "free" are big no-no's.
Below are some good examples of cold email subject lines to spark attention.
In addition to the subject line, the first sentence is also crucial. In most email clients, this will also show up in prospect’s inboxes even without opening the email. So, having an intriguing first sentence can give a major boost to your email open rates as well.
2. Show Your Brand’s Personality
Bringing your brand’s personality to life in cold emails can be a game-changer! People love doing business with brands with unique voices and personalities, so why not make yours stand out?
Here’s how to show your brand’s personality in a nutshell:
- Know your brand's voice: Are you playful or professional? Use words and phrases that match.
- Be yourself: Let your brand's personality shine through genuinely and authentically.
- Add humor: If your brand is lighthearted, bring the funny to your subject line!
- Highlight values: Show your audience what you stand for, whether it's sustainability or giving back.
- Consistency is key: keep your brand's tone and personality consistent in every email, no matter who's writing.
3. Craft A Personalized Message
Sending generic cold emails? That’s like showing up to a first date wearing sweatpants. It’s just not gonna cut it. Personalizing your emails not only shows you’ve done your research but also makes you stand out like a good outfit on a first date. Here’s why:
- Show you care: Personalized emails show that you actually care about the recipient and their specific needs.
- Better response rate: Personalized emails tend to have a higher response rate than generic ones. Because who wouldn't want to respond to a well-dressed suitor?
- Stand out in a crowded inbox: Everyone's inbox is packed these days, but personalized messages will help you stand out like a unicorn in a herd of horses.
- Demonstrate your knowledge: A Personalized email allows you to show off your knowledge of the recipient's biz and specific pain points. Like a well-informed bartender, you'll be the talk of the town.
Personalization means actually making the cold emails specific to the prospects. Below is a good example of that.
4. Use Call-to-Actions in Cold Emails
The art of the cold email! If you want to hit the right note with your recipients, there’s one ingredient you simply can’t do without — a software CTA.
- Clear as crystal: CTAs offer your recipients a crystal-clear next step, like a beacon at night. No more aimless wandering. They'll know exactly what to do.
- Engagement to rival Romeo and Juliet: By including CTAs in your emails, you'll see a spike in engagement that would make even Romeo and Juliet jealous.
- Track results like Sherlock Holmes: With software CTAs, you can track the results of your emails like the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes.
- Conversions fit for a king: CTAs make it easier for recipients to take action, leading to increased conversions and more leads. It's like being crowned king but in the world of cold emails.
So, if you want your cold emails to sing like a Shakespearean sonnet, include a software CTA. It’ll provide clear next steps, increase engagement, and boost conversion.
Below is a good example of a cold email template.
There are plenty of cold email templates available for you to use.
5. Write an Informative Email Signature
Your email signature is like the cherry on top of your message sundae. Make it count with these tips!
- Show off your smarts: Include your credentials, skills, and experience in your signature. It's like a virtual business card that says, "I'm smart, and you should hire me."
- Connect with a smile: Add your contact information so people can get in touch with you easily. No more playing hide and seek. They'll find you in a snap.
- Brand it up: Promote your brand in your signature, making a lasting impression on your recipients. It's like a billboard that's personal and all about you.
- Leave a lasting mark: A well-crafted signature can make a lasting impression and set you apart from the crowd. It's like leaving a trail of awesomeness, leading people straight to you.
A firm and informative email signature is the perfect way to end a cold email.
6. Choose The Best Cold Email Software
The best cold email outreach software exists to help you tailor your emails into personalized masterpieces. Whatever your writing style, the right software can help you soar to new heights of communication and make your cold emails a work of literary art.
Such a product can boost your response rates by streamlining the whole process. Explore the roadmap below:
- Personal Touch: With all your recipient information stored in one place, you can send emails that are tailored to their specific needs. Like a superhero power, it makes your cold emails super effective!
- Hit the Bullseye: The software will analyze recipient behavior to determine the best time to send emails, so you'll never miss the mark again!
- Keep it Tidy: All your cold emails will be stored in one neat and tidy place, making it easier to track who you've reached out to and when. No more messy note-taking!
- Test, Test, Test: Automated A/B testing of subject lines, email content, and calls-to-action will help you find the winning formula for response rates.
- Never Give Up: The software will automatically follow up with non-responsive recipients, ensuring you don't give up on a potential lead. Just like a wingman who never gets tired or gives up!
With cold outreach software by your side, make a lasting impression on your recipients. This software is built to maximize email deliverability as well. This ensures that your emails will land in prospects’ inboxes.
7. Show Them That You Know Them
To boost your success ratio, craft a personalized cold email. Include some bits and pieces from real life, showing that you know them and their work. Bonus points if you can already refer to their pain point.
To win over a prospective client or ally, one must first show them they are seen and understood. This requires research: scouring their website, LinkedIn page, and any news about their company for insights that can inform a meaningful and relevant approach.
To make a lasting impression, one must also provide value from the outset. A research report or article, for example, can be used as a tool to build trust and credibility and set the tone for a mutually beneficial relationship. From there, the possibilities are endless, and the correspondence can grow into something truly great.
8. Schedule Automated Follow-ups
First and foremost, make sure your recipient list is on point. Then, and only then, can you start oozing value. But, be cool, calm and collected about it. Take your sweet time, ease them into your world and never, ever be pushy. If you can keep the value train rolling over time, they’ll be all ears when the timing’s right for them.
But, let me warn you – if you go overboard and blow up their inbox, you’ll be in hot water faster than you can say “unsubscribe.” So, don’t be a spammy McSpammerson, okay?
Moreover, effective follow-up can greatly improve your chances of receiving a response.
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where a deal that was previously progressing smoothly suddenly comes to a halt? Days turn into weeks without any communication, leaving you unsure about what went wrong and if there’s any way to salvage the situation.
In such cases, it’s highly likely that you’ve already sent previous follow-up emails or left voicemails in your prospect’s inbox. However, even if the situation seems unfavorable, it’s crucial to persist with your follow-up efforts despite the lack of response.
As you can conclude from the chart above, the success of your cold email outreach depends on your consistency and following up.
There are specific days and times that are more effective for sending follow-up emails. According to our Mailshake, Tuesdays have been found to be the most optimal day for email correspondence, and 6 a.m. is the ideal time.
9. Focus on Benefits
Now, here’s the deal – don’t just throw a list of product features at ’em. Don’t brag about how much money you can make. Instead, focus on the benefits they’ll get from working with you. And don’t be vague about it. Specificity is the spice of life. If you’re not clear about what you’re offering, your message will be as clear as mud. So, spice it up, be specific, and watch the magic happen.
10. Focus on Giving Value, Rather Than Selling Your Product
As a cold email, it’s important to keep your focus on the “give” rather than the sale. While it may be tempting to immediately tout the benefits of the product, pushing too hard can turn off potential prospects. After all, people prefer to make their own purchasing decisions rather than feel pressured into a sale.
In your sales outreach, it’s crucial to build a foundation of trust and connection before trying to sell anything. Focus on giving value first in your cold pitches.
By establishing a rapport with the recipient, you increase the likelihood that they will be receptive to your message and ultimately more willing to take action.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Emailing
Is Cold Emailing Effective?
The short answer is yes. Cold email strategy is one of the most effective strategies for increasing sales and improving your sales process.
It can be a valuable method for businesses to connect with potential customers, provided it’s executed effectively. With people spending a significant amount of time going through their email inbox, it’s essential for business owners to prioritize cold emailing as a means of reaching out to prospects.
How Long Should a Cold Email Be?
Klenty Research indicates that the ideal length for an email is 50-150 words, with a maximum limit of 200 words. Keeping your message short and concise can pique someone’s interest and initiate a dialogue. Remember, a few well-crafted sentences are all it takes to start a conversation.
What Percentage of Cold Emails is Successful?
Targeted cold emails have demonstrated an average response rate of 15-25%, according to GMass research.
Which Cold Email Software Should I Use?
Building your own cold email software from scratch might seem like an attractive idea, but it comes with a lot of challenges that can hinder your progress. One of the primary reasons is that you would require the expertise of a technical co-founder, who can understand the technicalities involved in building software.
Their expert services demand a big budget, which can overrun in case of a delay or error. Additionally, you would need to choose a software development methodology, which can take up a significant amount of time and resources. The process can delay your plans, especially if you are running short on time.
Rather than investing in developing your own cold email software, it’s advisable to opt for an existing solution that has a proven track record of success. There are several established cold email software services available that can cater to your requirements, such as:
By utilizing these cold email platforms, you can save time, reduce costs, and benefit from their extensive features and functionality. Some of them are event free tools, like GMass.
How Many Cold Emails Can I Send per Day?
Cold email tools might have different sending limits, and exceeding those limits could result in your account being flagged as spam. Consequently, it’s crucial to begin with a small batch of emails and gradually increase the number over time.
To increase the likelihood that your message will be read and understood, make sure your emails are personalized and pertinent to the recipient. The secret to effective cold emailing is to strike a balance between sending enough emails to reach your target audience and making sure that your messages are carefully written and customized for each recipient.
A good rule of thumb is to start with a small batch of emails, perhaps 50 to 100, and monitor email metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and responses. The number of emails you send each day can be gradually increased after you make necessary adjustments to your email strategy in light of the results.
Should I Call After Sending the Cold Email?
Depending on your objectives and target market, cold calling may or may not be a necessary component of your cold emailing strategy.
Cold calling can be a successful strategy to break into small businesses or startups where decision-makers are more approachable and wear multiple hats. In these situations, a brief phone call to introduce yourself, request a meeting, and then follow up with an email can be a great way to stand out from the competition.
Cold calling might not be the best strategy, however, if you’re going after decision-makers in big organizations with strict gatekeepers and hard-to-reach decision-makers. To get their attention in these situations, you might need to rely more on sending cold emails and employ strategies like personalization, social proof, and a clear value proposition.
The choice of whether to incorporate cold calling into your strategy ultimately depends on the demands of your particular business and the preferences of your target market. You can test out various strategies and track your outcomes to determine which is most effective for you.
Key Takeaways for Cold Email Tips
Cold emailing remains an effective lead-generation method as long as it’s done correctly. By following the best practices outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of success and avoid common mistakes that many sales leaders and sales reps make.
First step is to identify the right target audience and reach out to the right person.
When writing cold emails, craft a compelling subject line.
Don’t send a generic message, but instead personalize each email. Try to address your cold leads personally and appeal to their pain point, if possible.
These cold email tips can help you create an effective cold email campaign that will generate leads and drive conversions for your business.
Remember to be patient. Track your results, and make necessary adjustments along the way to continuously improve your cold emailing strategy.