A well-written cold email can unlock many things: A new client, a new business partner, a new sponsor, and even top talent.
Most cold emails, however, unlock nothing.
This section will show you a simple framework for writing cold emails that your recipients actually want to read.
Simple cold email structure
The best cold emails usually follow the same formula:
- Introduction: Say who you are.
- Personal connection: Something interesting to show them you care.
- Context: Tell them why you’re emailing.
- Value proposition: Explain why they should care about the thing you’re emailing about.
- Call-to-action (CTA): One simple and specific action you’d like them to take.
You shouldn’t need more than 150 words to cover all of these things. And if you follow the structure above, your cold emails will be better than most.
Three considerations to keep in mind
You won’t sell anything with your first email
So instead of asking for sign-ups or demos, ask a question to gauge interest in your product. You can also suggest a quick call, but this is less likely to get you replies.
Personalization is usually the make-or-break
If there’s a line in your email that shows you did legitimate research on the person you’re emailing, you’re golden.
Most business owners read hundreds of cold emails every year
Truth is, most people you want to reach already get lots of cold emails. So the less generic your message is, the better.
Cold emails can work like magic… But only when you write them with some magic of your own.
