Ever felt like your cold emails are disappearing without a trace? You’re not alone, as this is a common issue. The key is mastering the cold email follow up.
It’s not just about sending that first email. It’s knowing when and how to send a cold email follow-up that makes a big difference. We’re all busy, and inboxes are full.
Your first email may have been overlooked. That is why a cold follow-up email is critical. It gives you more opportunities to connect and present your offer.
The Power of Persistence in Cold Email Follow Ups
The initial cold email generates only a small fraction of sales. Most sales happen after multiple follow-ups. Research indicates a significant portion of sales need five or more follow-ups.
Many salespeople give up after just one attempt. Here’s the breakdown:
- First email: Very low success rate.
- First follow-up email: Noticeable increase in response.
- Second follow-up email: Even higher response rate.
These figures demonstrate one clear point: continuing to follow up is essential. It’s about strategically sending follow-up emails that offer real value. Each email should be considerate of the prospect’s time.
Timing is Everything in Cold Email Follow Ups
Timing is vital for a successful follow-up email campaign. You need to find a balance to keep the momentum going. Don’t be a pest.
Research suggests waiting 2-3 days for the first follow-up. Gradually increase the intervals between subsequent emails. A sample schedule might look like this:
| Follow-up Number | Days After Previous Email |
|---|---|
| 1st Follow-up | 2-3 days |
| 2nd Follow-up | 4-5 days |
| 3rd Follow-up | 7-8 days |
| 4th Follow-up | 14-15 days |
| 5th Follow-up | 30 days |
Consider the time of day you send. Data shows the best time is between 1 PM and 4 PM, with Monday being the most successful.
Crafting the Perfect Cold Email Follow Up
Now that we know *when* to send follow-up emails, let’s discuss crafting them. Add value with each email follow-up, rather than just checking in.
Subject Lines That Get Opened
Your email subject lines are crucial. It is the first, and sometimes only, impression.
Many recipients decide to open based solely on the email subject. Make your subject lines effective with the below.
- Keep it concise, aiming for 40 characters or less.
- Spark curiosity or create a sense of urgency.
- Include the recipient’s name or company for a personalized subject.
- Steer clear of words that trigger spam filters.
The Body of Your Follow-Up
Key points to remember with your cold email follow up.
- Reference your previous email.
- Introduce new value, avoiding repetition from your initial email.
- Stay concise and direct.
- Conclude with a specific call to action.
Here’s a customizable follow-up email template:
Hi [Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I reached out last week about [topic/offer], and I wanted to send follow-up email with some additional information that I think you’ll find valuable.
[Add new value here – could be a case study, industry insight, or personalized suggestion]
I’d love to hop on a quick call to discuss how we can [benefit to prospect]. Does [specific day/time] work for you?
Best,
[Your Name]
Remember, personalization is vital for email campaigns. Tailoring your email follow-ups can significantly improve response rates.
The Power of Multichannel Follow-Ups
While powerful, email shouldn’t be your sole follow-up channel. Adding other channels into your follow-up sequence can boost your results.
LinkedIn: Your Secret Weapon
LinkedIn is excellent for B2B prospecting. While not email, LinkedIn’s InMail offers a more personal touch.
InMail helps you reach prospects who haven’t replied to your cold emails. It can help differentiate you.
Phone Calls: The Personal Touch
Don’t overlook the value of phone calls. A timely call adds a human touch to your outreach.
It distinguishes you from others. Using a cold follow-up via phone can greatly improve success.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Cold Email Follow Ups
Here are common errors to avoid in your cold email follow-up strategy:
- Avoid overly aggressive language.
- Steer clear of generic email templates.
- Don’t follow up too soon or excessively.
- Always offer something new in each email follow-up.
- Include a distinct call to action.
The objective of your cold email follow-up is relationship building. It isn’t about making an instant sale. Concentrate on delivering value.
FAQs about cold email follow up
How many follow-up emails should I send?
Usually, 2-3 follow-up emails are ideal. Some data supports sending up to 6-8 to increase response, as long as they’re well-spaced.
Every email follow should contribute value. Sending out too many emails with poor email follow-ups will affect your open rate and reply rates negatively.
What is the 30/30/50 rule for cold emails?
The 30/30/50 guideline recommends your email content balance. Your cold email campaign needs 30% educational, 30% rapport-building, and 50% sales-focused content. This blend provides prospect value while driving sales teams‘ goals.
How do you politely follow up on a follow-up email?
To follow up respectfully, reference your last email. Introduce additional value or insights.
Show that you want to assist the prospect. Offer a simple opt-out for those uninterested to help improve your conversion rate.
How do you follow up on cold calling?
After a cold call, send a sales follow-up email to recap the discussion and next steps. If the call went to voicemail, follow with an email. In every sales follow-up, offer value and a direct call to action.
Always make sure your voicemail and email provide context so they know what the call is in reference to. Mention something discussed in the call if possible, especially if you can solve their pain points. This is how you keep the discussion going.
Conclusion
Effectively handling a cold email follow up takes effort and strategy. It involves understanding your audience. You must also want to genuinely help them with what you offer.
Your strategy for sending follow-up email should be well-planned. Avoid overwhelming your prospects with cold email follow-ups. Instead, concentrate on nurturing relationships.
Use these guidelines, and craft valuable follow-up email templates. Focus your messaging, and refine your timing. Then you’ll increase your email follow-up success. You’ll increase response rates with great cold email follow-up, and you will turn more leads into customers.