I thought cold email was a waste of time until I tried a new script

For a long time, I figured sending emails to people I didn't know was just spam. Last month, I was really slow on work, so I tried a new email script a friend sent me. The key was making it super short and asking one clear question about their business, not mine. I sent 20 of these emails over two days and got 3 replies. One of those turned into a project that paid $1,200. It's not magic, but it works if you keep it simple and personal. Has anyone else found a specific email format that gets people to write back?

4 comments

4 Comments

quinn_reed173mo ago

Feel the same way about cold email being a waste. That short, direct script sounds like the key to not getting ignored. Might have to try that approach myself.

taraross3mo agoMost Upvoted

Totally get where you're coming from. It feels like most cold emails just vanish into the void, right? That direct yes-or-no idea makes so much sense because it lowers the barrier to reply. You're basically handing them an easy button instead of making them write a whole essay back. Honestly, the shorter the message, the less there is for someone to say no to. Hope that script works out for you.

anna4911mo ago

But what if the problem isn't the length of the email? I've found that even short emails get ignored if the person doesn't see any value in them for themselves. A simple question still needs to offer something they want.

mary_nelson713mo ago

Ever try just asking for a quick yes or no? I found that works way better than a long pitch. It cuts out the fluff and gets straight to the point. People seem to reply more when they don't have to think too hard.