How to Write Cold Emails That Convert
Hey, freelancing females! Let’s talk about one of the things that can either make or break your business: cold emails. Yep, those dreaded “out of nowhere” messages you send to potential clients who don’t know you from a bar of soap. But guess what? Cold emails don’t have to be scary. In fact, when done right, they can be a game-changer for landing gigs, building relationships, and growing your freelance empire - sound too masc? Maybe!
So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, we’re flexible) and let’s dive into how you can write cold emails that actually convert. We’re talking about crafting messages that get opened, get read, and, best of all, get replies. Ready? Let’s go!
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”
“Success isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.”
The Power of Personalization: No More Generic Emails!
We’ve all received those cold emails that are obviously sent to a million people at once. You know the ones: “Dear Sir/Madam,” or “Hey there, I’m a [service] expert. Let’s work together!” Cue the cringe.
If you want your email to stand out in a crowded inbox, personalization is key. And we’re not talking about just slapping someone’s name in the subject line. We’re talking about actually taking the time to research your potential client and tailoring your email to them specifically.
Personalization is a surefire way to make your cold email feel less...well, cold. A quick Google search or LinkedIn stalk can reveal a lot about your prospect. Maybe they just launched a new product, or maybe you admire something about their business. Throw in a specific compliment or comment on their recent work to show you’re genuinely interested in what they do. You can even drop a little personal detail like, “I saw your post about [insert topic], and I totally agree with your perspective on [something you genuinely care about].”
Here’s the secret: When people feel like you’ve put effort into learning about them, they’re much more likely to take you seriously. So go ahead—ditch the generic, and make your email feel like it was written just for them. Your new best friend will appreciate it.
Your Subject Line Is Your First Impression—Make It Count!
You know how they say you never get a second chance to make a first impression? Well, the same goes for cold emails. The subject line is your first impression, and if it’s not intriguing enough, it’ll get lost in the shuffle. You’ve got mere seconds to capture their attention, so let’s make it count!
A subject line should be compelling, personal, and brief. Think of it as a headline that entices the reader to open the email. Avoid generic phrases like “Freelance Services Inquiry” (yawn) and aim for something more intriguing. For example:
“Quick Idea to Help Boost Your [Specific Goal]”
“Loved Your Recent [Campaign/Product Launch]—Here’s a Thought”
“How I Helped [Client Name] Grow by [Percentage]—Let’s Chat!”
Your subject line needs to spark curiosity, so your reader is compelled to click. It should hint at what’s inside, without giving away everything. A little mystery goes a long way!
Show Your Value, Don’t Just Talk About Yourself
Okay, now that they’ve opened your email, it’s time to get down to business. But before you start listing all your impressive credentials and endless experience (we know you’ve got it!), remember that a cold email isn’t about you—it’s about them. Clients want to know what’s in it for them, so don’t just talk about your services; show how your skills will help solve their problems or achieve their goals.
Start by identifying a pain point or opportunity you’ve noticed in their business. Maybe they’ve been posting great content, but it’s not reaching as many people as it could (hello, SEO!). Or maybe their website could use a fresh look to increase conversions. Point it out—gently—and explain how you can help.
For example, you could write:
“I noticed that your blog posts are super engaging, but I saw an opportunity to optimize them for SEO and help you rank higher on Google. I’ve helped other clients increase organic traffic by 40% in just three months, and I’d love to do the same for you.”
When you show that you understand their business and have a clear solution, they’ll be much more likely to respond. And remember, it’s not about selling—it’s about offering value and making their life easier.
Cold outreach is crucial to your freelance lead generation. it helps you create predictability in your business and allows you to scale.
“The most successful entrepreneurs I know are optimistic - it’s part of the job description.”
Keep It Short and Sweet—No Novels, Please!
We know, we know—you’re a wordsmith and love to share everything about your business. But when it comes to cold emails, less is more. Potential clients are busy people, and they don’t have the time or patience to read a 500-word essay in their inbox.
So, make it concise. Get to the point quickly. And keep your paragraphs short and digestible. If you’re offering a service, highlight the main benefit in one sentence. If you’re proposing a call, make sure it’s clear and easy to say yes to.
Here’s an example of a nice, clean, and easy-to-read cold email:
Subject Line: Loved Your Campaign [On X]—Let’s Chat!
Hi [Client’s Name],
I loved your recent campaign on [specific detail]! I think it’s such a powerful message. I noticed that your social media engagement has been growing, but I also saw an opportunity to reach an even wider audience with some targeted ads.
I specialize in running successful ad campaigns, and I’d love to chat about how I can help you scale up even more. Would you be open to a quick call on [date and time]?
Best,
[Your Name]
See? Straight to the point, with clear value, a little compliment, and a simple call to action. Easy to digest, and it leaves them wanting more.
Social Proof—Because It Works!
Okay, here’s a hot tip: Social proof is a game-changer when it comes to cold emails. Why? Because people trust other people’s experiences. If you can show that you’ve worked with others and achieved great results, it’ll build trust and credibility.
Including a testimonial or mentioning a similar client you've helped can be a major selling point. For instance, you might say, “I worked with [Client Name] to increase their sales by 25% in two months,” or “Here’s what [Client Name] had to say about working with me: ‘[Testimonial].’”
The goal is to demonstrate that you’re not just another freelancer; you’re a results-driven pro who delivers. Including social proof in your cold emails can seriously increase your response rate, so don’t be shy about it!
Don’t Forget to Follow Up (But Don’t Be Annoying)
So, you’ve sent your cold email, and now you’re waiting. But don’t just sit around twiddling your thumbs—follow up! People are busy, and emails get buried, so a polite follow-up a few days later can help your message rise to the top.
Keep it friendly, short, and remind them of the value you can bring. For example:
“Hey [Client’s Name], just wanted to follow up on my email from last week. I’d love to chat about how I can help you [solve their problem or reach their goal]. Let me know if you’re interested!”
You’re not pestering them; you’re simply reminding them that you’re here and available to help. One or two follow-ups are usually all it takes to get a response.
A Call to Action That’s Too Good to Resist
If you want your cold email to convert, you need a call to action that’s impossible to ignore. Keep it simple and clear—don’t ask them to do too many things at once. Make it easy for them to say “yes.”
Instead of something vague like, “Let me know if you’re interested,” try something more specific like, “Let me know if you’re free for a 15-minute call this Thursday at 10 AM.” The more direct and specific you are, the more likely they are to act.
And always, always include a way for them to get in touch with you, whether that’s a link to your calendar, a phone number, or a reply button. Make it as easy as possible for them to take that next step.
Cold emails don’t have to be scary, and they definitely don’t have to be intimidating. With a little personalization, a sprinkle of personality, and a solid value proposition, you can turn those cold leads into loyal clients. The key is to be authentic, concise, and confident in what you bring to the table.
So, go ahead—start drafting those cold emails and get ready to turn your inbox into a conversion machine. We’re rooting for you!
