I’m a big fan of checklists, and I found an amazing one from Demand Curve on how to write a cold email:
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Concise. People will archive an email at the sight of a wall of text. Keep it to 80-120 words and 5-7 sentences. If you have a hard time editing to shorten it, use ChatGPT or Notion AI.
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Targeted. After getting a cold email for a newsletter sponsorship tool, I signed up immediately. Why? Because it was the solution to the exact problem I was facing—and they knew I likely was because they did their research and saw we have sponsors. Do your research and make sure you’re emailing the right people.
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Personable. Be informal and open. Don’t be stiff or formal.
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Authentic. You can flatter recipients a little bit, but don’t claim to be “blown away by their work” if you haven’t read it. You should be able to back up everything you say.
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Focused. Stick to only one goal. Is it a call? A referral? A demo? Define your goal before sending your email. This will inform your CTA.
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Original. Stand the f*ck out. Avoid all the cliches like “I hope this email finds you well” or “quick question.”
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Clear. Don’t include anything that your reader might not understand. Assume they don’t know about your company unless you know they do. Don’t include references that they might not get. Be crystal clear.
Just as a test, I asked ChatGPT to generate a cold email for ManageBetter, keeping the above critiera in mind. Here’s what it came up with. I’m impressed!
Subject: Elevate Your Team’s Performance with ManageBetter
Hi Elaine,
I noticed that you’re a startup CEO focused on driving team performance and accountability. Are you looking for a solution that streamlines feedback communication and provides valuable insights into your team’s performance?
ManageBetter is a comprehensive manager enablement platform designed to address these exact challenges. With ManageBetter, you can effortlessly handle performance issues, make data-driven decisions, and unlock your team’s hidden potential.
Our platform empowers managers to create a thriving work environment by offering real-time analytics, continuous feedback loops, and personalized training plans. Say goodbye to scattered notes and hello to effortless management and success.
I’d love to show you how ManageBetter can help your team reach new heights. Can we schedule a quick demo to discuss your specific needs?
Best regards,
[Your Name]