What is Cold Email?

Discover the art of cold emailing, its legal aspects, effectiveness in 2023, open rates, the 30 30 50 rule, and optimal email length.

Updated
August 16, 2023

Cold email is an unsolicited email sent to potential customers with whom you have had no prior contact, with the goal of generating interest in your product or service. It's an essential strategy in B2B sales, helping sales professionals identify, engage, and convert new customers. Coldlytics, for example, provides highly-targeted prospect data, making your cold email campaigns more effective and efficient.

How to write a good cold email

Here are some tips for crafting an effective cold email:

  1. Personalize the email by addressing the recipient by name and mentioning their company or industry.
  2. Keep the subject line short, intriguing, and relevant to the recipient's interests or pain points.
  3. Open with a compelling hook that captures the recipient's attention and encourages them to read further.
  4. Highlight the unique value proposition of your product or service, focusing on how it addresses the recipient's needs.
  5. Include a clear call to action, guiding the recipient to take the next step, such as scheduling a call or visiting your website.

Cold emailing is legal in most countries, but it's essential to comply with applicable regulations, such as the CAN-SPAM Act in the United States or the GDPR in Europe. These laws typically require that you:

  1. Clearly identify yourself as the sender.
  2. Provide accurate and non-deceptive subject lines and content.
  3. Include a valid physical address in the email footer.
  4. Offer an easy and clear way for recipients to unsubscribe or opt-out.

Do cold emails still work in 2023?

Yes, cold emails remain an effective B2B sales strategy in 2023, especially when paired with accurate and targeted prospect data, like that provided by Coldlytics. By personalizing your emails, addressing recipients' pain points, and continually refining your approach, you can achieve significant results with cold email campaigns.

What's a good cold email open rate?

A good cold email open rate varies depending on the industry and target audience, but generally falls between 15% and 25%. Higher open rates can be achieved by optimizing subject lines, targeting the right prospects, and sending emails at optimal times.

What is the 30 30 50 rule for cold emails?

The 30 30 50 rule suggests that your cold email campaign's success is determined by three factors: 30% depends on your email's content and structure, 30% on the quality of your prospect list, and 50% on your follow-up efforts. By focusing on each of these aspects, you can maximize your cold email campaign's effectiveness.

How long should a cold email be?

A cold email should be concise and to the point, typically between 50 and 125 words. Focus on the most relevant and compelling information, making it easy for recipients to quickly understand your message and take the desired action.

Cold email remains a powerful tool in B2B sales when done right. By crafting compelling emails, adhering to legal guidelines, and leveraging accurate prospect data, you can achieve significant results and grow your customer base.

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