I sent 10,000,0000 cold emails and learned this

Summary

This video provides expert strategies for crafting effective cold email sequences. It emphasizes the importance of adding context and value with each follow-up email, gradually lowering friction for responses. The speaker highlights key techniques, such as personalizing outreach, leveraging case studies, and adjusting value propositions based on the prospect's needs. The use of AI is discussed as a helpful tool for research and content optimization, but not as a replacement for genuine messaging. With actionable insights and clear examples, this video is a valuable guide for improving email engagement and conversion rates.

Takeaways

• 😀 Use email 2 to add the context that had to be left out of email 1, as it’s part of the thread and allows you to dive deeper without overwhelming the recipient.
• 😀 In email 3, lower the friction for a response by offering something of value like a lead magnet or free audit instead of directly asking for a meeting.
• 😀 Breakup emails should focus on confirming if you're talking to the right person, not begging for a response. Ask if there’s someone else in the company to contact.
• 😀 Switch up your value propositions in subsequent emails to meet the recipient where they’re at. If they didn’t respond to one, try a different approach.
• 😀 Don’t overload email 1 with all your research and insights. Keep it concise and save relevant details for later emails to maintain engagement.
• 😀 When using AI, show your work by citing data sources so that if the data is incorrect, the recipient blames the source, not you.
• 😀 Avoid using forced analogies in outreach emails. Personalization works, but analogies rarely lead to positive engagement.
• 😀 Including relevant case studies in your email can boost credibility. Try to tie them directly to your offer or add them in a PS line for a more subtle impact.
• 😀 Use AI for targeted assistance rather than writing the entire email. Keep control over the main messaging to ensure it's aligned with your strategy.
• 😀 Focus on engaging the prospect with valuable content in email 2 and 3, instead of bombarding them with generic follow-ups or overly detailed data.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the second email in a cold email sequence?

The main focus of the second email is to provide more context that was omitted in the first email, ensuring it’s still concise while offering additional details. Since Email 2 is threaded to Email 1, the recipient can scroll back for more context if they're interested.

Why is lowering friction important in the third email of a cold email sequence?

Lowering friction is important because, by the third email, the recipient has not responded to the previous messages. The goal is to reduce any barriers to engagement, such as offering something free or lowering the commitment needed (e.g., a booked call) to make it easier for them to respond.

What mistake do people often make when sending breakup emails in cold email sequences?

The mistake people often make is framing breakup emails too negatively or desperately. Instead of saying goodbye, it's better to reframe them as a way to check if you’re reaching the right person and ask if there is someone else to contact.

How can you use other people in the organization to improve cold email responses?

By mentioning other people in the department, you make the email feel more tailored and relevant. This can trigger more responses, as it feels less generic and more like you're doing your homework on the company.

What should you do if the initial value proposition isn’t resonating with the recipient?

If the initial value proposition isn’t working, switch it up. For instance, if focusing on saving money isn’t appealing, try emphasizing how you can help save time or increase revenue. Meeting the recipient where they are is key.

What’s the risk of overloading the first email with too much information?

Overloading the first email with too much information can backfire because it leaves little to no room for fresh, relevant content in follow-up emails. It’s better to reserve some insights for later emails to keep things engaging and tailored.

How should AI be used in cold email outreach?

AI should assist in outreach but not be used to write the entire email. It’s useful for research, such as gathering data from multiple sources, but the core messaging should be crafted by the sender to ensure it aligns with their objectives.

What does 'showing your work' mean when using AI for cold email outreach?

'Showing your work' means transparently explaining where the data comes from when using AI, especially when scraping data from multiple sources. This reduces the risk of errors and helps the recipient understand that any inaccuracies are due to the data source, not the sender.

What is the role of personalization in cold emails, and how should it be used effectively?

Personalization is crucial in cold emails, but it needs to be relevant to the recipient’s interests. A personalized message can make the email stand out, but avoid overusing tactics like analogies, which might not generate the desired engagement.

Why is it not advisable to rely on AI to write the entire cold email?

It’s not advisable to rely on AI to write the entire email because the results may not be entirely aligned with the sender’s goals or tone. It’s better to maintain control over the main message while using AI to enhance specific parts, like research or data gathering.