How to write cold emails | Steps to writing a perfect cold email | Ankur Warikoo

Summary

In this Varick queue episode, the host emphasizes the importance of crafting effective cold emails in a world where social media has democratized access to anyone. By sharing personal experiences and a proven pattern, the host provides a framework for writing compelling subject lines, simple language, and context-specific asks. The key takeaway is that personalized, well-researched emails that resonate with the recipient's context are more likely to elicit a response, setting the sender apart from the masses.

Takeaways

• 📧 The importance of cold emails in today's connected world where you can reach out to anyone, including CEOs and celebrities.
• 🤔 The philosophy that if you don't ask, the answer is always no, which encourages proactive communication.
• 🔍 The significance of a compelling subject line that generates curiosity and increases the chances of the email being opened.
• 👀 The need to keep the language simple and understandable, aiming for clarity even to a 5th standard student.
• 📝 The necessity to establish the purpose of the email quickly and attach the ask or question to it right away.
• 🏷️ The use of a 'headline' at the beginning of the email to catch attention and set the context for the message that follows.
• 🙅‍♂️ Avoiding flattery or excessive praise, which can be off-putting and does not contribute to effective communication.
• 🔗 The importance of tailoring the email to the recipient's context, showing that you've done your research and understand their needs.
• 📈 Matching your offer or request to the recipient's context to create a connection and show that you've put in the effort to understand their business or interests.
• 💡 The power of specificity and directness in an email, making it easy for the recipient to understand what action is needed from them.
• 🚀 The potential impact of well-crafted cold emails, as they can lead to opportunities and collaborations that might not have been possible otherwise.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is about how to write effective cold emails or messages to get a response from recipients, particularly when there is no existing connection or network.

What philosophy does the speaker live by regarding cold emailing?

The speaker lives by the philosophy that 'if you don't ask, the answer is always no,' and applies this philosophy by sending cold emails to people outside of their reach every day.

Why is the subject line of a cold email important?

The subject line is important because it determines whether the email or message will be opened in the first place. It should generate curiosity and stand out among other emails.

Can you give an example of an effective subject line mentioned in the script?

An example of an effective subject line mentioned is 'You have no idea how I got to know about you,' which is intended to capture the recipient's curiosity.

What is the recommended language level for writing a cold email according to the script?

The recommended language level for writing a cold email is simple enough for a fifth-standard student to understand, avoiding heavy words and complex language.

Why is it crucial to establish the purpose of the email at the beginning?

It is crucial to establish the purpose of the email at the beginning because the recipient is likely busy and may not have the time or patience to read through lengthy emails. A clear purpose helps the recipient understand the reason for the email right away.

What is the significance of a 'headline' in the context of a cold email?

A 'headline' in a cold email is significant because it should catch the recipient's attention, make sense, and be relevant to the content of the email, similar to the headline of a newspaper article.

Why is it important to get a reply, even if it's a 'no', when sending cold emails?

Getting a reply, even a 'no', is important because it provides closure, allowing the sender to know how much more time and effort to invest in that particular email and to move on if necessary.

What is the role of 'context' in writing an effective cold email?

The role of 'context' is to show that the sender has done their research about the recipient and their interests, and to match the sender's offer or request to the recipient's context, which can help form a connection and make the email more compelling.

Can you provide an example from the script where context was effectively used in a cold email?

An example from the script is when a web designer noticed that the speaker's personal website had not been updated since 2008 and offered to help refresh it, showing an understanding of the speaker's context and needs.

What is the speaker's final advice on writing cold emails?

The speaker's final advice is to put in the hard work to write an effective subject line, keep the email simple, be specific about the ask, and explain the context and where the sender is coming from, which can make the email stand out and be more effective.