How to write a cold email that gets replies (a 5-line framework)
The cold emails that get replies are short (50–125 words), personal in line one, lead with the prospect's problem, make one specific ask, and read like a human wrote them. Here's the framework.
Short answer: a cold email that gets replies is 50–125 words, opens with a line that's clearly about *them* (not you), names a specific problem they likely have, offers one concrete reason you can help, and ends with a single low-friction ask. Long, me-first, multi-ask emails get ignored.
The 5-line framework
- Personal opener — a specific observation about them or their company.
- The problem — the pain you suspect they have, in their words.
- The bridge — one sentence on how you help, with proof.
- The ask — "worth a 15-minute look?" (not "book a demo").
- The sign-off — your name, no wall of links.
What kills replies
A me-first opener ("We're a leading…"), a 300-word body, three CTAs, and no personalisation. Cut all four.
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