If you’re looking to land your first clients in web development, cold emailing can be a game-changer. This proven business model outlines exactly how to find clients, manage projects, and grow your freelancing career with the power of personalized outreach.
4 Essentials for Landing Your First Client with Cold Emails
- Cold Email Software
You can start by sending emails manually, but tools like Instantly AI make the process more efficient and scalable. - Freelancers
Outsourcing work to freelancers allows you to focus on finding clients while others handle the technical aspects. - An Email List
Build or buy a targeted database of potential clients in your niche. - Communication Skills
Honesty and authenticity are crucial for building trust with potential clients.
How Cold Emails Can Help You Find Clients
The Power of Cold Emails
Focus on one niche. For example, target businesses without websites or those with outdated designs. Create a sample website design tailored to their niche and offer it as a free initial draft through a personalized email.
Start small—send at least 10 emails a day manually, totaling 300 emails a month. Persistence is key, and eventually, someone will respond. Alternatively, tools like Instantly AI allow you to send up to 1,000 emails a day, automating the process.
A simple, personalized cold email can make all the difference. Here’s an example:
Subject: A free design for your website
Hello {{companyName}},
I’m {{sendingAccountFirstName}}, manager at XYZ company.
I came across your {{website}} and loved your photos and reviews. However, I feel the website could attract even more visitors with some updates.
That’s why I’ve spontaneously created a new design for you—completely free. The first draft is ready, and I’d love to show it to you. If it’s not for you, no problem—I’ll simply delete it.
Let me know!
Best regards,
{{sendingAccountFirstName}}
Pro Tip: Include a screenshot of the draft in your email to increase engagement. Avoid attaching PDFs, as they can feel impersonal.
Managing Projects Once You Land Clients
Outsourcing to Freelancers
When you land a client, delegate the work to freelancers. Platforms like freelance websites or forums make it easy to find reliable professionals.
Test a few freelancers and agree on a fixed price for website builds. For instance, charge the client 700€ and pay freelancers 150-200€.
If you prefer to handle the projects yourself, tools like WordPress, Figma, and Webflow offer beginner-friendly options. You can use templates to create stunning websites within hours.
Building an Email List
Creating an email list is essential for effective cold emailing. Tools like Outscraper can help you scrape Google My Business (GMB) emails, generating leads quickly.
As you gain experience, consider purchasing databases for your target niche. Be cautious, as low-quality data can harm your email health with high bounce rates.
Closing Clients Through Cold Emails
Set your starting price at 700€ per website. To close deals, focus on being genuine. Instead of trying to hard-sell, be upfront about your experience and the value you provide.
Offer additional services, like running ads, to make your proposal more appealing. Learn to manage ads yourself or find a freelancer to handle them.
Why Cold Emails Work
Cold emailing allows you to:
- Generate leads efficiently by targeting specific niches.
- Build trust with personalized communication.
- Scale your efforts using tools like Instantly AI.
Take the First Step
Cold emailing is an incredibly effective way to kickstart your web development business. With persistence, the right tools, and a willingness to learn, you can turn your outreach efforts into a thriving freelancing career.
What’s your cold emailing strategy? Share your tips in the comments!