This is the Cold Email That Gets Me a Response Every Time

Do you want to send an email that gets a response every time? Don’t fret. It comes down to the following steps, which I use to achieve cold email success. 

1. My email has a fantastic subject line. 

Subject lines matter because it is the very first thing your reader will see. You have one opportunity to make a great first impression. So, you need to send an email that has an effective subject line. When crafting your subject line, keep the following questions in mind: 

• If you read it, would you want to open the email? 

• Does this sound like an interesting email to open?  

• Is there a clever quote or phrase you can use?

Avoid general statements like "hello" and don't ask for something in the subject line. Instead, come across as interesting and charming. 

2. My email is clear and easy to read. 

Some of the worst emails I have read are the ones that take forever to get to the point. Don’t you agree? Clarity and time efficiency matter to people who have very busy lives and too little time to do everything they want. If you want a response to your email, make sure you have the following elements in the email: 

• Introduce yourself. 

• Identify your connection to the reader or purpose for contacting the reader. 

• Clearly state the purpose of your email.

• Provide your call to action.

• Make it easy for the reader to have a follow up (i.e., schedule a call, meet for lunch/dinner, etc.). 

• Share your contact information. 

• “Thank You” is never overrated; share your gratitude for the reader’s time and attention to the email in a unique way.

3. My call to action is clear.

It should be clear to the reader why you are contacting them. But, does the reader know what is supposed to happen after the email? Are you requesting a call, a meeting or document review? Remember, clarifying the point of the email is one of the most important components of the email. Give them all the tools they need to follow up by suggesting a direction action on their end. 

4. My email includes all necessary contact information in an easily-accessible format.

Have you ever visited a website and found it incredibly difficult to find the correct email address for the person or organization you searched? Personally, I think this is completely illogical. When you are sending an email and you hide your contact information, how likely will the reader respond to you? It is a professional courtesy to include your contact info in your signature block for every email you send. I would also suggest including your phone number or other contact information earlier in the email, to present it as clearly as possible. 

5. My email focuses on how I want the reader to feel.

Maya Angelou once said: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Whether you create a format for your emails, or follow the recommendations above, you can’t forget to think about how the reader feels after reading your email. Here are questions you want to think about when you craft your emails: 

• Will the reader be interested in reading the entire email? 

• Does the reader have a clear understanding of why they are receiving the email?  

• Does your reader feel celebrated and appreciated in the email? 

• Does your reader have a reason to respond to the email?  

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Natasha Nurse started Dressing Room 8 to provide a web-based resource where women can gain personal and professional empowerment through her fashion and lifestyle focused blog. Dressing Room 8 helps women learn how to think with clarity, dress with confidence, and live with purpose. She is the Lifestyle Editor for Plus Model Magazine, Program Coordinator for Long Island Girl Talk, Host of Our Voices on 90.3 WHPC, and she co-hosts a podcast with her husband called WokeNFree. Follow Natasha on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube.