Here's insights from sending out over 10 million cold emails

Cold emailing can be challenging, especially when people’s inboxes get flooded with sales pitches daily.

At Salesforge we send out millions of emails every single week. And we’re not the only ones analyzing the results. We’ve compiled insights from three studies by Backlinko, QuickMail, and Focus Digital as well as our own findings to deliver you the key stats in this newsletter. Let’s dive in!

1. Response Rates & Optimizing Every Detail

According to Backlinko, only 8.5% of outreach emails receive a response. From the initial subject line to follow-up strategies, every detail impacts response rates.

• A/B test subject lines, calls-to-action, and personalization elements to find the best combination.

• Focus on small adjustments to improve engagement without overwhelming your audience.

2. Subject Line Strategies – Length and Personalization Matter

Longer subject lines (36-50 characters) perform better, achieving a 24.6% higher response rate, according to Backlinko. Additionally, QuickMail’s data shows personalized subject lines can increase engagement by over 30%.

• Use relevant keywords in subject lines while keeping them specific, like “Quick question about [Company].”

• Avoid salesy terms that can trigger spam filters, sticking instead to curiosity-driven language.

3. Follow-Up Emails Are Essential

Both Backlinko and QuickMail report a significant boost in responses from follow-ups—55% of responses come from follow-ups in QuickMail’s data. Focus Digital recommends strategically adding value with each follow-up to re-engage prospects.

• Space follow-ups 3-5 days apart, and avoid repetitive language. Offer a fresh perspective or solution each time.

• Aim for 2-3 follow-up emails, each with a new value proposition, to build a relationship.

4. Perfecting the Timing for Corporate Audiences

Timing is everything. QuickMail’s findings show Thursday and Friday achieve higher response rates due to mid-to-late week timing. This is ideal when professionals have more time for non-urgent emails.

• Test different times on Thursdays or Fridays, aiming for early morning or after lunch when engagement rates can be higher.

• Adjust timing based on past engagement data, aligning with when your audience is most active.

5. Maximize Deliverability by Controlling Bounce Rates

QuickMail highlights a 7.5% average bounce rate, with successful campaigns aiming for under 4%. Frequent bounces harm sender reputation, reducing future deliverability.

• Use email verification tools like ZeroBounce or our verification tool in Salesforge to filter out invalid addresses, keeping your list clean.

• Review and segment contacts from high-security domains to tailor timing and content for better deliverability.

6. Leverage Personalization to Drive Conversions

Focus Digital’s report found that emails with personalized, specific offers perform better. Conversion rates vary by industry, with SaaS and healthcare services seeing conversion rates under 0.2% due to competitive inboxes. Personalization can enhance perceived relevance, overcoming inbox fatigue.

• Beyond names, tailor content to industry challenges or company news.

• Industry-specific messages are crucial; for instance, highlight security features for cybersecurity prospects or offer case studies for consulting.

7. Craft Strong Offers to Increase Conversions

A compelling offer boosts conversion rates. Focus Digital notes that offers with case studies, guarantees, or quantifiable results perform best, reaching nearly 0.4% conversion rates in high-engagement industries.

• Use quantifiable results (e.g., “Increase your leads by 15% in three months”) and case studies to back up your claims.

• If possible, add a low-risk guarantee to encourage responses, especially for prospects in risk-averse industries.

Optimizing cold emails takes a mix of personalized strategies, well-timed follow-ups, and compelling offers. By incorporating insights from these studies, you can adjust your approach to resonate with your audience and improve results. Share your results in our community!