How to Cold Email Someone on LinkedIn: A Step-by-Step Guide
As the world's largest professional networking platform, LinkedIn is a virtual hub for connecting with industry experts, expanding your network, and discovering new opportunities.
Chances are, you might have found yourself wondering how you can reach out to someone on LinkedIn to see if there was a chance to collaborate.
One method that has proven to be highly effective is cold emailing. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the importance of cold emailing on LinkedIn and provide step-by-step instructions to help you master this valuable skill.
Understanding the Importance of Cold Emailing on LinkedIn
Cold emailing is when you reach out to someone you have no prior connection or relationship with.
While it may seem daunting, cold emailing can open doors and present unique opportunities that may otherwise remain inaccessible. The ability to send compelling and effective cold emails on LinkedIn is a skill that can set you apart from the competition and help you forge valuable professional connections.
Cold emailing can also lead to collaborations, mentorships, job offers, and partnerships. It allows people to expand their network beyond their immediate circle and connect with industry leaders, influencers, and decision-makers.
However, cold emailing requires careful research and personalization. It is essential to understand the recipient's background, interests, and professional goals to craft a tailored message that resonates with them. By demonstrating genuine interest and offering value, cold emails can grab the attention of busy professionals and initiate meaningful conversations.
Be careful not to send an unsolicited message and label that as cold emailing. This can be perceived as spam and may damage your reputation. It is crucial to be mindful of the recipient's time and ensure that your email adds value.
Preparing to Send Your Cold Email
Make sure you do these key things before you send your email so that it does not come across as spam.
1. Researching Your Prospective Contact
Before crafting your cold email, it is crucial to conduct thorough research on the person you intend to reach out to. Familiarize yourself with their background, professional achievements, and any common interests or connections you may share. This information will allow you to tailor your email to their specific interests and increase the chances of a positive response.
When researching your prospective contact, start by exploring their LinkedIn profile. Look for details about their education, work history, and any notable accomplishments. Take note of any shared connections or interests that you can mention in your email to establish a personal connection.
Another valuable source of information is their company's website. Look for press releases, blog posts, or any recent news that can give you a better understanding of their current projects or initiatives. This knowledge will enable you to demonstrate your awareness of their work and align your email with their professional goals.
2. Stay aware of who you’ve interacted with
When you’re messaging someone for the first time it can be hard to keep track of who you’ve approached, especially if you are unfamiliar with them. Using a CRM such as folk can help you stay on top of this.
With folk, it is easy to export all your leads, prospects and contacts into one CRM so you have visibility across everything. folk can also help you keep track of your last interaction with them so you can figure out when is best to follow up by creating an alert that can remind you when it’s time to.
Writing Your Cold Email
There are a few things you should keep in mind when writing your cold email. We’ve listed the key ones below.
1. The Key Elements of a Successful Cold Email
When writing a cold email, it is important to include several key elements to make it effective.
Start with a strong subject line that grabs the recipient's attention. A subject line that is intriguing and relevant to the recipient's interests will increase the likelihood of them opening your email.
Next, introduce yourself briefly, highlighting your relevant background or qualifications. This will establish your credibility and give the recipient a reason to continue reading your email. You can mention your previous work experience, educational background, or any relevant achievements that are related to the purpose of your email.
In your message, clearly explain why you are reaching out to them specifically. Are you interested in collaborating on a project, seeking advice, or exploring potential job opportunities? Be concise and specific about your intentions. This will help the recipient understand the value you can bring to the table and why they should consider engaging with you.
Don’t forget to be mindful of your tone of voice. While it's essential to be friendly and approachable, it's equally crucial to convey professionalism and respect. Remember, your cold email is often the first impression you make, so make it count.
2. Sending Your Cold Email
When it comes to cold emailing, timing is everything. Choosing the right time to send your email can have a significant impact on its success. You don't want to send it during peak working hours when your recipient will likely be overwhelmed with other tasks and less likely to respond. Similarly, weekends are generally not the best time to send cold emails as professionals are often enjoying their time off and may not be checking their inbox as frequently.
So, when is the ideal time to hit that "send" button? Mid-week mornings or early afternoons tend to be the sweet spot. At this time, professionals have settled into their workday, have cleared their morning emails, and are more open to exploring new opportunities. By strategically timing your cold email, you increase the chances of it being noticed and receiving a positive response.
Once you’ve established that connection with them, folk’s CRM platform has an all in one mailing solution that can help you keep track of your email performance. You’ll be able to use it to see who has opened, clicked through or bounced.
Handling Responses to Your Cold Email
As you start sending cold emails, you may find that some are more open to them than others.
1. Interpreting Different Types of Responses
Responses to your cold emails can vary greatly. Some individuals may express genuine interest in connecting with you, while others may decline or request more information.
It is important to carefully evaluate and respond to each response in a professional and respectful manner, regardless of the outcome. Each interaction presents an opportunity to build new relationships or learn valuable lessons for future endeavors.
2. Following up
If you receive a positive response or an indication of interest from a contact, it is crucial to follow up promptly and professionally. Think about the appropriate next steps you can take. Remember to maintain the same level of professionalism and respect throughout your interactions, as this will contribute to building a strong and lasting professional relationship.
Conclusion
By mastering the art of cold email on LinkedIn, you can effectively expand your network and create valuable connections with industry professionals. Remember, success in cold emailing requires research, personalization, and professionalism. With these essential steps in mind, you are well-equipped to navigate the world of LinkedIn and make meaningful connections that can shape your career trajectory.