How to Write a Cold Mail That Gets Responses
Have you ever felt that sinking feeling when you hit send on a cold email? You pour your heart into crafting the perfect message, only to hear… crickets. Trust me, I’ve been there. In the early days of reaching out to industry leaders, I could write an entire manifesto, only to see my efforts vanish into the void of the inbox. But over time, I learned a few key strategies that turned my cold emails from ignored to irresistible.In this article, I’m going to share my journey of mastering the art of cold emailing and provide you with actionable tips that will help you write cold emails that get responses. Let’s dive in!
1. Start with a Catchy Subject Line
Imagine your email is just one of a hundred sitting in a busy inbox. How do you stand out? The answer lies in the subject line. It’s your first impression, so make it count!
For instance, I once sent an email with the subject line, Quick Question About Your Recent Blog Post. Not only was it tailored to the recipient, but it also sparked curiosity. The result? A thoughtful response within just a few hours.
Tips for Subject Lines:
– Keep it short and to the point.
– Personalize it if possible.
– Use action words that encourage clicking (e.g., Discover, Learn, Explore).
2. Personalize Your Greeting
No one likes feeling like just another number in a long list. Begin your email with a personalized greeting that shows you’ve done your homework.
For instance, addressing someone as Hi Sarah, feels much warmer and more engaging than a generic Dear Sir/Madam. I remember reaching out to a potential mentor and starting my email with, “Hi John, I loved your article on the future of digital marketing!” His reply? “Thanks for your kind words!”
Pro Tip:
Reference something specific about the recipient’s work or interests. It shows you’re genuinely interested in them.
3. Be Direct and Keep It Short
Once you have your recipient’s attention, get to the point. Time is precious, and long-winded emails often lead to immediate disengagement. I’ve learned that being concise not only respects the recipient’s time but also increases the likelihood of getting a response.
An example of this would be:
“Hi Sarah,
I’m reaching out because I admire your work on sustainable fashion and would love to connect about potential collaboration opportunities. Are you available for a quick chat next week?”
Best Practices:
– Limit your email to a few short paragraphs.
– Use bullet points if you have multiple points to cover; they’re easier to read.
4. Create a Clear Call to Action
What do you want from the recipient? A meeting? A response? Be explicit about it. Vague requests often lead to vagueness in replies—or worse, no reply at all.
After mentioning my admiration for the recipient’s work, I often end my emails with, “Would you be open to a 15-minute call next week to discuss?” This clear call to action sets expectations and makes it easy for them to respond.
Sample CTA Phrases:
– “Can we schedule a brief call next week?”
– “Could you share your thoughts on this?”
– “Would you be open to a coffee chat?”
5. Show Gratitude and Humility
It’s essential to end your cold email on a gracious note. A simple “Thank you for considering my request!” or “I appreciate your time!” goes a long way.
I remember after sending a cold email to an established author, my closing line was, “Thank you for taking the time to read my message.” Surprisingly, he replied with encouragement and offered advice!
Why This Matters:
Showing gratitude creates positive sentiments and signals that you value the recipient’s time and expertise.
6. Follow Up, but Don’t Be Pushy
Sometimes, life gets in the way, and emails slip through the cracks. A polite follow-up can nudge your message back into the spotlight. A week after my initial email, I would send a brief follow-up like, “Hi Sarah, I wanted to check in to see if you had a chance to consider my previous email.”
Follow-Up Tips:
– Keep it friendly and light.
– Avoid sounding needy or desperate.
– Limit your follow-ups to two or three messages.
7. Test and Iterate
What works for one person might not work for you, and that’s perfectly okay. Keep testing different approaches, subject lines, and tones. Pay attention to what gets responses and refine your technique. I started tracking my success rates in a spreadsheet, and believe it or not, seeing which emails garnered replies motivated me to improve.
Some Final Thoughts
Cold emailing can be intimidating, but it’s also an incredible opportunity for networking and growth. Remember to be authentic and true to yourself. The more genuine your approach, the more likely you are to connect with others.So, go ahead and craft that cold email you’ve been contemplating! Who knows? It might just be the start of a beautiful professional relationship. And if you hear those crickets again, don’t get discouraged—it’s all part of the learning process.Happy emailing!