Most businesses sending cold emails aren't getting the results they want. After helping over 10,000 businesses send millions of emails, a clear pattern emerged among the top 1%. They're doing something that 99% of others are missing, and it's costing them big time. If you're stuck with underperforming campaigns, this is likely why.

Think about it: when someone gets a cold email, they're probably swamped with work and other messages. They might skim it, forget it, or even miss it entirely. One email just isn't enough to cut through the noise.

The Power of Persistence: Why One Email Isn't Enough

Your emails need to be seen multiple times. It's like trying to get a message across – you need to repeat it strategically. This doesn't mean spamming; it means being thoughtful about how and when you reach out. The goal is to stay on their mind without being annoying.

Key Takeaways

• Follow-up is King: The real success in cold email is in the follow-up. Most businesses don't do it enough.

• Personalization Matters: Tailor your message to the recipient's industry, interests, and challenges.

• Provide Value: Each follow-up should offer something useful, not just repeat your initial pitch.

• Timing is Everything: Consider their time zone and typical work hours for better engagement.

• Be Open to Feedback: Use rejections as a chance to refine your approach and targeting.

Becoming a Sniper, Not a Sprayer

To be effective, your emails need to be precise. This means tailoring them to the recipient's industry, interests, and current challenges. You also need to think about timing – when do they typically check their email? When do they take breaks? Figuring this out helps you become a sniper, hitting your target accurately, rather than just "spraying and praying."

There's a fine line between persistence and spamming. The key is to provide value. Clearly explain what's in it for them right away. Make it about their problems and offer solutions, insights, or even free resources. The more you focus on them and show you've done your research, the better.

Personalization works best when backed by research. Mention specific data points, industry news, or recent achievements. Show them you know who they are and what they're dealing with. Being open to feedback is also crucial. If you're getting negative responses, it's a sign to adjust your targeting, sequences, or value proposition.

The Follow-Up Formula for Success

This is where most people miss the mark: they don't follow up enough. The money is truly in the follow-up. Sending thousands of emails once and expecting results is a common mistake. You need persistence and thoughtfulness.

Following up every 10 minutes is too much, but following up three to five times significantly increases your chances of making a sale. Each follow-up builds familiarity. As they see your name more, they start to recognize you. If your follow-ups offer value and address their problems, they become more effective.

Think of each follow-up as a chance to refine your message. Your first email might highlight a pain point. The next could share how you've helped others or include a video. The more targeted, relevant, and thoughtful your follow-ups are, the better you demonstrate how you can help them achieve their goals.

Strategic Follow-Up Tactics

Getting in front of your ideal customers multiple times increases your chances of connecting when your solution matches their needs. Consider your timing carefully. Should you follow up every two days, three days, or even ten minutes? Be creative. Look at engagement data from past campaigns.

• Timing: Experiment with different intervals between emails (e.g., 1, 2, or 3 days). Consider holidays and weekends.

• Value: Ensure each follow-up adds value, offering solutions or insights, not just repeating your initial message.

• Commitment: Gradually increase the level of commitment you ask for. Start with a blog post or case study, then suggest a call or demo.

• Personalization: Go beyond their name. Reference their achievements, LinkedIn activity, or specific business details.

• Conciseness: Keep follow-ups brief and to the point. Respect their time.

Analyzing Your Results and Adapting

How many follow-ups are enough? Starting with three to five is a good practice, then adjust based on your results. Pay attention to engagement cues. If people consistently respond to your third email, that's a strong signal.

Different industries might require different follow-up cadences. Some might need seven emails, while others only three. Tailor your strategy accordingly. Space your follow-ups strategically, perhaps starting with two days between emails and then adjusting.

Always end on a positive note. If a sequence doesn't get a response, send a final, perhaps more lighthearted, email. Don't take it personally. Use data to track and analyze your responses. If people aren't responding, your call to action or value proposition might need work, or your targeting might be off.

This is how you succeed with cold email – by following up like the top 1% of businesses.

Ready to see how AI can transform your sales process and drive revenue growth? Book a strategic discovery call with us today to explore personalized strategies for your business: https://cal.com/kevin-oliveira/ai