Cold Mail Follow Up Strategies That Work
When it comes to cold emailing, hitting send is the easy part. But what about the follow-up? This is where many of us stumble. I’ve been there myself, squirming as I hit “send” for the second (or third) time, praying for a response that often doesn’t come. After countless trials and errors, I’ve gathered some strategies that not only help you get noticed but also encourage those oh-so-valuable replies. So, let’s dive into some effective cold mail follow-up strategies that work, with personal anecdotes and practical tips along the way.
1. Timing is Everything
One of the biggest lessons I learned early on was the importance of timing. Initially, I would follow up just a day after my first email, so eager to get a response that I thought multiple touchpoints would drive urgency. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.
Instead, I found that waiting about three to five days for your first follow-up strikes the right balance. It’s long enough to let them digest your original message but not too long that they’ve forgotten about it. I often jot down reminders in my calendar to track when I can slide back into their inbox—perfect timing usually ensures that your email doesn’t get lost in the noise.
Example:
Suppose you sent a proposal on Monday. Aim for your first follow-up on Thursday or Friday. If you don’t get a response then, try again the following week.
2. Keep it Short and Sweet
Another pivotal moment came when I attended a networking event, and a seasoned professional shared a golden nugget: “Nobody has time to read a novel.” From that day on, I made it a mission to cut down my follow-ups to the essentials — a friendly reminder, a touch of personalization, and a clear call to action.
Instead of writing lengthy paragraphs, I composed clear and concise emails. For instance:
—
Subject: Quick Follow-Up
Hi [Name],
I hope this finds you well! I wanted to check in regarding my email from last week about [insert topic].
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, I’d love to connect!
Best,
[Your Name]
—
This simple template is effective because it respects the recipient’s time while still reminding them of your existence.
3. Provide New Value
In a previous job, I struggled to get responses from a critical client. After my initial outreach with no response, I decided to do something different for my follow-up—offer value.
In my follow-up, I included a relevant article that I thought they might find useful. Whether it was industry news or insights, including new information showed that I was invested in their needs and didn’t see them just as a transaction. You could also share a case study, a tip, or even a relevant webinar to strengthen your position.
Scenario:
You’re reaching out to a potential client about a marketing service. In your follow-up, mention a recent success story from a similar business. Something like:
—
Subject: A Quick Follow-Up + a Success Story
Hi [Name],
I just wanted to touch base and see if you had time to review my previous email.
I recently helped a client in your industry increase their conversion rate by 30% through targeted social media campaigns. I’d love to explore how we can achieve similar results together!
Looking forward to your thoughts!
Best,
[Your Name]
—
4. Use Creative Subject Lines
After years of following the standard “follow-up” subject line, I decided to get a bit more creative. One day, I experimented with humor, using a title like “Still Waiting for My Email Back – Is This Love?”
The reaction was priceless! My recipient not only opened the email, but they also replied, laughing about it and apologizing for the delay. Creative subject lines can break the ice and spark curiosity.
Practical tip:
Try experimenting with subject lines that provoke curiosity or speak directly to the recipient’s interests.
—
Example Subject Lines:
– “Did my email get lost in the abyss?”
– “Let’s make your [specific goal] happen!”
5. Personalize Your Follow-Up
Generic emails are the bane of effective communication. I remember a particular instance when, after sending a generic follow-up, I received a reply that reminded me of the importance of personalization. The recipient mentioned the email felt cold and robotic; they appreciated the fact that I didn’t bother to reference anything from our previous discussion.
Now, whenever I follow up, I make it a point to include a personalized element—maybe a comment about a recent achievement of theirs or mentioning a mutual connection.
—
Sample Follow-Up:
—
Subject: Just Checking In
Hi [Name],
I hope you’re doing great! I noticed that your company recently launched [specific project or product]—congratulations!
I wanted to follow up on my previous email regarding [insert topic]. I’d love to discuss how we can contribute to your new initiative.
Cheers,
[Your Name]
—
In Conclusion
Cold mailing can feel daunting, especially when it comes to follow-ups. However, with the right strategies in place—timing your emails, keeping them concise, offering new insights, being creative in your subject lines, and personalizing your messages—you can greatly enhance your chances of receiving a reply.Remember, it’s about building a relationship, not just making a sale. Be patient, persistent, and personable—and you’ll soon find that the responses will come rolling in! So, next time you hit “send,” just remember that a follow-up could be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for. Happy emailing!