10 Email Outreach Tips: How I Help Startups Ignite More Conversations
By
Ian Spencer
·
2 minute read
Let's be real: generic outreach emails are the digital equivalent of junk mail. No one likes them, and generic emails rarely get results.
Save time by skipping boring templates, instead focusing on effective creative strategies that work. Your time is valuable.
1. Ditch the Corporate Jargon: Be a Human, Not a Robot
This one's a no-brainer, but it's shocking how many emails still sound like they were written by a committee.
Instead of buzzwords and generic phrases, inject your personality into your emails.
Be friendly, relatable, and show that you've done your homework on the recipient and their pain points.
2. The Email Sequence: A Journey, Not a One-Night Stand
Instead of firing off a single email and hoping for the best, think of your outreach as a multi-step conversation.
Begin by introducing yourself, share helpful information, and encourage them to take action.
3. The Power of the P.S.: Your Secret Weapon
The P.S. is often the most-read part of an email.
Use it to tell a story, ask a question, or give a small reward (like a free trial or consultation) to engage with others.
4. Verified Emails Only: Quality Over Quantity
There's no point sending out hundreds of emails if they're just going to bounce.
Invest in a reliable email verification service to ensure that your messages actually reach their intended recipients.
5. Voice Notes: The Unexpected Delight
Tired of typing? Try recording a short voice note instead and sending it via WhatsApp. It's a personal touch that can make you stand out in a crowded inbox.
6. Personalisation: It's Not Just About Using Their Name
Go beyond the standard "Hi [Name]" greeting. Mention a recent article they wrote, congratulate them on a company milestone, or reference a shared interest.
Show them that you're not just sending out a mass email blast. There are great tools that can help you do personalisation at scale.
7. Multi-Channel Outreach: Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
Email is great, but it's not the only way to reach people.
Connect with potential customers on social media, join relevant online communities, and even try picking up the phone (gasp!).
8. Content That Sparkles: Create A Lead Magnet
Instead of sending boring product descriptions, create content that adds value to your recipients' lives. Think insightful blog posts, helpful guides, customer success stories, or even entertaining videos.
9. A/B Testing: The Scientific Approach to Email Outreach
Experiment with different subject lines, email formats, and calls to action to see what resonates best with your audience. Weekly experiments can improve your email outreach results quickly.
10. Don't Be Afraid to Ask: The Power of a Direct Question
Sometimes, the simplest approach is the most effective.
Ask a direct question that invites a response.
It could be about their challenges, their goals, or their thoughts on a particular topic.
Bonus Tip: Track Your Results and Iterate
Email outreach is an ongoing process.
Track your open rates, click-through rates, and response rates to see what's working and what's not.
Use this data to refine your approach and improve your results over time.
Ready to Transform Your Email Outreach?
If you're a startup founder looking to elevate your email game, I'm here to help.
Let's ditch the generic templates and start sparking meaningful conversations that drive real results for your business.