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Cold email tips I used to get 60K signups

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Re: Cold email tips I used to get 60K signups

#21
post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

They sent out personalized emails to single recipients who might have an interest in what they're doing. That is the opposite of spam. Unsolicited is not necessarily bad. To anyone who is just involved with communicating internally or with customers/vendors it might seem off. But it is pretty much par for the course in a lot of roles.

I think it would still count as spam in the EU, although I'm not certain what "direct marketing" means. (UK law here, implementing EC directive) > a person shall neither transmit, nor instigate the transmission of, unsolicited communications for the purposes of direct marketing by means of electronic mail unless the recipient of the electronic mail has previously notified the sender that he consents for the time bein…

I think it wouldn't, at least in Spain, if those receiving the emails are acting not as individuals (final customers) but as company representatives. So it's OK to send an email to Jane at jane@somecompany.com but not to send another email to the same Jane at jane@gmail.com.

Re: Cold email tips I used to get 60K signups

#23

Hey everyone, thanks for defending me in the comments here :D I'm the author of the article, you can ask me anything :)

Typically how long are your emails? I do a bit of outreach for the startup I'm involved in but I never know whether to keep it as short as possible or whether to have a bit of bulk while trying to keep it concise.

Re: Cold email tips I used to get 60K signups

#24
post #6
post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's like saying it's not rape if you really like her.

This list can be summarised as "try genuine interpersonal engagement". A lot of great friendships and work relationships start from business outreach. So this analogy :/

sending an email might be annoying to some, but i'm sure it's the least invasive type of cold calling.

Maybe sponsoring a mailing list would be less invasive and you can target people that are ok with getting info about that product.

Re: Cold email tips I used to get 60K signups

#25
As someone who coaches job seekers, I couldn't help but notice that these are identical tips I give to my clients when sending out a contact to a potential new employer. Most "cold" email techniques can be boiled down to "just don't make them feel cold".

Re: Cold email tips I used to get 60K signups

#26
post #23

Hey everyone, thanks for defending me in the comments here :D I'm the author of the article, you can ask me anything :)

Typically how long are your emails? I do a bit of outreach for the startup I'm involved in but I never know whether to keep it as short as possible or whether to have a bit of bulk while trying to keep it concise.

I try not to go over 3 paragraphs, the truth is - you need them interested enough to ask for more info and not give them all at once.

Re: Cold email tips I used to get 60K signups

#28
post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

They sent out personalized emails to single recipients who might have an interest in what they're doing. That is the opposite of spam. Unsolicited is not necessarily bad. To anyone who is just involved with communicating internally or with customers/vendors it might seem off. But it is pretty much par for the course in a lot of roles.

I think it would still count as spam in the EU, although I'm not certain what "direct marketing" means. (UK law here, implementing EC directive) > a person shall neither transmit, nor instigate the transmission of, unsolicited communications for the purposes of direct marketing by means of electronic mail unless the recipient of the electronic mail has previously notified the sender that he consents for the time bein…

I'm no lawyer but Direct Marketing is a specific term and not just two words put together. I'd typically interpret it as spam but for a legitimate product/company such that it has some legitimacy. The snail mail equivalent of online Direct Marketing is very common in the UK (or at least is was - I'd hope legislation similar to the above would have clamped down on it).

Re: Cold email tips I used to get 60K signups

#29
post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think it would still count as spam in the EU, although I'm not certain what "direct marketing" means. (UK law here, implementing EC directive) > a person shall neither transmit, nor instigate the transmission of, unsolicited communications for the purposes of direct marketing by means of electronic mail unless the recipient of the electronic mail has previously notified the sender that he consents for the time bein…

I'm no lawyer but Direct Marketing is a specific term and not just two words put together. I'd typically interpret it as spam but for a legitimate product/company such that it has some legitimacy. The snail mail equivalent of online Direct Marketing is very common in the UK (or at least is was - I'd hope legislation similar to the above would have clamped down on it).

nice

Re: Cold email tips I used to get 60K signups

#30

Hey everyone, thanks for defending me in the comments here :D I'm the author of the article, you can ask me anything :)

I would love to see some examples on the process, e.g. how much you pre-interacted on Social Media before sending your mail. But also a few sample messages you sent. Even if they were for imaginary adressants.
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