Before you start writing
The “perfect cold email” is really dependent on who you’re messaging, why you’re reaching out, and in the context in which they’re going to receive it.
The Perfect Email
Sadly...there isn’t one perfect email.
You could send the same great email to two people, but their backgrounds, motivations, and biases ultimately determine if they’ll be motivated to open or reply.
What's a Cold Email?
Cold email means the email was unsolicited by the recipient.
Who writes cold emails?
Sending cold emails is a required skill if you’re in sales, but it’s not just for folks in sales roles, like sales development reps or account executives!
Good cold emailing can
expand your business and professional network
help you land your next job
and teach you valuable lessons in business.
Best practices for writing cold emails
We’ve put together lots of cold email best practices resources for you! If you follow the advice in the following pages, you'll send a good email:
But... we can't leave you hanging.
An email framework that's always reliable
Here's a framework template that you can use:
Their first name,
Start with a thoughtful piece of research that’s hyper-relevant for why you reached out.
Quickly transition to a clear ask.
Explain who you are. Build credibility by speaking to the outcomes they care about.
Reiterate your original ask.
Talk soon,
Your Name
Why does this email framework work so well?
The first part of the email creates logic and clarity for WHY you’re reaching out and helps build credibility.
The second half of the email provides purpose. You’re establishing context and showing the reader that you know them.
Lastly, you’re building rapport with the recipient. You want to get a reply, not book a meeting or demo yet - that will come later!
We call this one Vanilla Ice Cream because it's foundational, like the vanilla ice cream in a sundae.
💡 Tip: Want to learn more Lavender frameworks? We’ve compiled a list of 13 proven sales email frameworks for you to use.
Here are some extra tips for writing great cold emails:
Tip #1: Focus on starting a conversation.
Questions aimed at gauging their interest are great in a pinch, but lean on your research.
Tip #2: Use thoughtful research.
Thoughtful research isn't something like "I like to go rock climbing too". Research needs to dig deep:
What did they say on that podcast in minute 14 that ties back to why you're reaching out?
What are their bosses posting to social?
What about their experience is unique for what they do today?
What's going on in their industry?
How do they go to market?
It need has to transition
Tip #3: Transition is key.
A great transition is key. Each sentence should seamlessly flow to the next.
Your research should transition seamlessly to why you're reaching out.
If Nick Saban wrote killer emails, he'd say something like "each sentence's job is to get you to read the next sentence."
Read through your email. Does the logic flow? Yes? Read it again.
Want more guidance on how to write better emails? Check out some of our recent blog posts: