How to Cold Email
Cold emails that get answered.
The timing, the subject line, and the follow-up that turn a cold note into a conversation.
Five steps to a cold email worth reading.
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What it looks like
A cold email is a favor request, not a pitch. Make it easy to say yes: one clear ask and a reason you picked them. The shorter the note, the faster the reply.
[01]
Subject lines that work
Give them a reason to open before they open it. Name the school, the city, or the deal.
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[02]
What a follow-up should say
Two or three sentences is plenty. Point back at your first note, give them an easy out, and keep the ask small enough to say yes to.
“Hi, bumping this up in case my note from last week slipped past you. No pressure at all if now is a busy stretch, but I’d genuinely love a 20-minute call whenever you are free.”
[03]
When to send
Email Tuesday through Thursday
7:00 to 9:00 AM in the recipient's time zone
7:30 to 9:30 PM on Monday or the night before
[04]
When not to send
Midday, when inboxes are busiest
Late in the day, when moods are worst
Monday, most people's least favorite time
[05]
Who replies most
Analysts
Usually the most willing to help, and the closest to your own stage.
[06]
How many follow-ups
One or two
Send them after the first email, then leave it alone.