Have you ever had to send an email to someone whose face you've never seen? It's strange, right? It feels like we're invading someone else's space. But in today's world, writing a good cold email is almost an art. Want to know how to do it without sounding like a robot? Let's go for it.
Why write cold emails?
Imagine you have a brilliant idea, an unmissable opportunity, or a question that only that expert can answer. You know that sending an email can open doors. But there’s a problem: the email needs to be read. And more than that, it needs to be answered.
The secret is to create something that grabs attention, is concise, and shows that it's worth responding to you. Does it seem challenging? It is, but it's not impossible.
The Subject: Short and direct
If the person doesn't even open the email, what's the point of the rest? Here is the golden rule: your subject line needs to be irresistible. Examples?
- "Quick suggestion for [company name]"
- "I loved your article about [theme], an idea for you"
- "5 minutes of your time can change this"
Be curious, but don't be too mysterious. Give a clear idea of what is to come.
The introduction: Personal and relevant
Now that the email has been opened, the next challenge is to maintain interest. Start off lightly. Show that you know who the person is and why you are reaching out.
For example: "Hi, [Name]! I saw your post about [topic] on LinkedIn and I was impressed with your insight on [subject]. This made me think of something that might interest you."
By doing this, you have already shown that you are not sending something generic. And no one likes generic stuff, right?
The body of the email: Be clear and brief
Think of the email as a quick conversation. Get straight to the point.
- State the reason for the contact.
- Show how this is relevant to the person.
- Include a call to action (CTA).
For example: "I work in [field] and thought that [your company] could benefit from [idea/product]. How about we schedule a quick chat? It can be next week?"
Notice that the message is short. No long paragraphs full of blah-blah-blah. Be human and practical.
Finishing: End on a friendly note
Close the email in a light but professional manner. Something like:
- "Looking forward to hearing your opinion."
- "If it's not a good time, I totally understand. Let me know when you can."
- "Thank you for your time and I look forward to your reply!"
This shows that you respect the person's time, which is essential.
Extra tip: Avoid clichés and common mistakes
Phrases like "I'm writing to introduce myself" are a terrible start. The person already knows you are introducing yourself - it's a cold email, after all! Get straight to the point.
Another common mistake? Copying and pasting the same messages to multiple people. This is very easy to notice and damages your reputation.
Don't forget to review.
Revise the text before sending. An email with grammar or spelling mistakes is like showing up for a business meeting in flip-flops. It doesn't look good.
If possible, ask someone to review it. Or use tools. If you've already tested alternatives to ChatGPT, such as Jasper or WriteSonic, they can also help refine the text.
A bit of storytelling: How I learned in practice
Once, I needed to contact a CEO I admired. I didn't have his email. So, I used LinkedIn to look for clues and found an interview where he mentioned the name of his assistant. Bingo! I searched for her name on the company's website and discovered the email format. A little deduction and there it was: the email reached him.
The answer came the same day. Why? Because I showed that I knew who he was and got straight to the point. No beating around the bush.
Final summary: Checklist for the perfect cold email
- Research well: Know who you are talking to.
- Be briefWrite as if there is little space.
- PersonalizarMake the message unique.
- ReviseNo errors or clichés.
- Be human: Speak like a real person, not like a robot.
Now, with these tips, how about putting them into practice? The next email you send could be the start of a great opportunity. Shall we give it a try?