Ultimate Guide to Cold Email

Welcome to this comprehensive blog post about cold emailing. Whether you are a sales rep looking for new customers, a job seeker wanting to reach out to potential employers, or a start-up founder targeting potential investors, understanding the dynamics of cold email can be a game-changer.

We’ll explore a wide range of topics related to cold emails, and by the end of this post, you should have a firm grasp of how to write effective cold emails, how to avoid your cold email landing in the spam folder, and much more.

Contents

What is Cold Emailing?

Cold emailing is a method used primarily by sales teams and individuals to approach prospective clients or employers who have had no prior contact or relationship with the sender.

In a cold email, you’re reaching out to someone who isn’t expecting your email. This is unlike warm emails, where the recipient already knows the sender or has had some interaction with them.

The goal of cold emailing is to start a conversation with specific person, with the hope of turning a prospect into a qualified lead.

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Why Cold Emailing?

Despite the rise of social media and other forms of communication, cold emailing remains an effective strategy for generating new leads and opportunities. That’s because emails offer a direct line of communication to your potential customer.

If crafted correctly, a cold email can grab your prospect’s attention, present a clear value proposition, and compel the recipient to take action. It’s worth noting, however, that cold emailing must be done properly to be effective and to avoid being marked as spam.

Anatomy of a Cold Email

Understanding the structure of a cold email is vital for success. A cold email typically includes a subject line, an introduction, the email body, and a call to action.

Subject Line

The subject line is the first thing your recipient sees. It should be compelling and persuasive enough to convince the recipient to open your email. A poorly written subject line can lead your email to be ignored or, worse, be flagged as spam. On the other hand, a strong subject line that arouses curiosity or promises value can significantly increase your open rates.

Introduction

In the introduction of your cold email, you want to briefly introduce yourself and the reason for your email. This is also where you can establish a personal connection, such as mentioning a mutual contact or referencing something specific about the company or the recipient, like their job title or a recent company achievement.

Email Body

The email body is where you delve into the purpose of your email. It’s crucial to maintain the recipient’s interest in this part. Make sure to address a pain point or highlight a value proposition that resonates with them.

Remember to keep the email body concise and to the point. Overloading your recipient with information could cause them to lose interest.

Call to Action (CTA)

The CTA is one of the most important parts of your cold email. This is where you prompt your recipient to take a specific action. It could be scheduling a meeting, signing up for a demo, or just replying to your email. Ensure that your cold email CTA is clear and easy to follow.

The Right Cold Email Template

A cold email template can save you time and provide a consistent structure for your emails. However, the right cold email template should be personalized and adjusted based on the recipient and the purpose of your email. Remember, writing a cold email template is only a starting point. Personalizing your cold email is vital to avoid sounding robotic or impersonal.

In this blog post, we will discuss several cold email templates and provide cold email examples to help you start writing your own.

Cold Email Software

Utilizing a cold email software, like Mailarrow, can help automate and streamline your cold email campaign. With features like automated follow-ups, template management, and spam filter detection, cold email software can significantly increase your productivity and your cold campaign call’s success rate.

Remember, the goal of cold emailing is to build relationships with your target audience, and with a clear cold email strategy, an effective cold email template, and a reliable cold email platform, you can maximize your cold email outreach efforts.

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In the following sections of this blog post, we will dive deeper into these topics, providing tips on writing cold emails, avoiding spam filters, and creating successful cold email campaigns.

Sign up for Mailarrow, our cold email outreach software, to take your cold email campaign to the next level.

Crafting The Perfect Cold Email

Now that we understand the basics of cold emailing, let’s dive deeper into the elements that make a successful cold email.

Cold Email Subject Lines: The First Impression

Subject line ideas and lines play a critical role in the success of your cold emails. With the recipient’s inbox likely filled with other emails, your subject line must stand out and compel the recipient to open your email.

A compelling subject line could promise a benefit, arouse curiosity, or create urgency. For instance, a subject line like, “Discover a solution to your [major pain point]” speaks directly to a potential pain point the recipient might be experiencing.

Testing various cold email subject lines can also provide valuable insight into what works best for your target audience. Avoid making false subject line promises, though. Your email body must deliver what the cold email subject line promises, or it will erode your credibility.

Personalized Cold Emails: The Key to Engagement

A personalized cold email goes beyond simply inserting the recipient’s name in the email. It shows that you have taken the time to understand their needs or their company’s needs.

To create a personalized cold email, you should research your recipient. Understand their role, their industry, and their company’s recent news or achievements.

You might mention the recipient’s job title, a recent company accomplishment, or a shared connection. You could also align your product or service with a pain point they might be facing. Such personalization makes the recipient feel recognized and valued and improves your email’s effectiveness.

The Email Body: Delivering Your Value Proposition

After a compelling subject line and a personalized opening line, the email body carries the weight of your message. Your email body should deliver a clear value proposition — how your product or service can solve a problem or provide value to the recipient.

Your cold email body should also be concise and direct. Long, rambling emails will likely lose the recipient’s interest. Use bullet points or short paragraphs to make your cold email format easier to read.

Avoid using jargon or overly technical language. Your goal is to communicate clearly and effectively, not to confuse the reader.

The Call to Action (CTA): Leading the Recipient to the Next Step

A clear and strong call to action (CTA) in your cold email can increase the likelihood of the recipient taking the desired action.

Your CTA could be to schedule a call, sign up for a demo, or visit your website. The key is to make it easy for the recipient to take the next step.

Ensure that your CTA aligns with your email’s value proposition and is easily visible. You might use a different color, bold text, or a button to make your CTA stand out.

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Follow-ups: Nurturing the Connection

Your first cold email might not get a response. That’s where follow-up emails come into play.

Follow-ups are an integral part of cold emailing. They help keep your email at the top of the recipient’s inbox and show your persistence and professionalism.

Automated follow-ups can save you time and ensure that no potential lead is overlooked. However, make sure your follow-ups are personalized and considerate of the recipient of sales call’s time.

Remember, cold emailing is a strategic process. A successful cold email campaign requires planning, personalization, and patience. The right cold email template can guide your efforts, but always remember to personalize your message to suit the specific person you are emailing.

Start exploring Mailarrow, our cold email outreach software, to streamline your cold email campaign and improve your response rates.

Best Practices for Cold Emailing

In this part of our comprehensive guide on cold email, we’ll delve into best practices for sending cold emails, from writing the perfect cold email introduction to ensuring your emails don’t end up in spam folders.

Cold Email Introduction: Setting the Tone

When it comes to writing cold emails, how you introduce yourself matters. A good cold email introduction sets the tone and provides context for the recipient. You might mention a mutual contact, refer to something noteworthy about their company, or connect over a shared interest or experience.

In your introduction, also remember to mention your name, your role, and your company name. It’s essential to establish who you are and why you’re reaching out.

Avoiding the Spam Folder: Cold Email Deliverability

Spam filters are a significant hurdle for cold emailing. Despite your well-crafted cold email template, your email may still end up in the spam folder if you’re not careful.

First, ensure your subject line is not misleading or spammy. A poorly written subject line can trigger spam filters.

Second, avoid sending your cold email to multiple recipients at once, as this can appear as mass emailing, another red flag for spam filters.

Lastly, keep track of your sending reputation. Sending too many emails that are marked as spam can harm your reputation and make it harder for your future emails to reach the inbox.

Cold Email Template: The Framework for Success

Cold email templates are essential for maintaining consistency and saving time in your cold email campaigns. However, remember that a template is only a starting point — your cold emails should always be personalized to each recipient.

In your cold email template, you should include a strong subject line, a personalized introduction, a clear value proposition, and a compelling call to action.

Consider creating different cold email templates for different types of recipients. For example, a cold email template for reaching out to potential partners might look different from a first cold email example or sales email template.

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Value Proposition: Communicating Your Worth

The value proposition in your cold email is where you outline how your product or service can benefit the recipient. Your value proposition should be clear, concise, and compelling.

Remember to focus on the recipient’s needs and pain points, not just the features of your product or service. Show how you can solve a problem or meet a need that they have.

Sales Teams and Cold Emails

Sales teams are among the primary users of cold emails. Sales reps use cold emails to reach out to potential customers, build relationships, and ultimately, generate sales.

For sales teams, sending cold emails can help find qualified leads, initiate conversations with potential clients, and expand their network. Cold emails can also complement other sales strategies, such as cold calling.

With Mailarrow, our cold email outreach software, sales teams can automate their cold email campaigns, track responses, and improve their outreach strategies.

Mastering Cold Email Outreach: From Strategy to Execution

In the previous parts of this article, we explored the basics and best practices of cold emailing. Now, we delve into mastering the process of cold email outreach from strategic planning to successful execution.

Planning Your Cold Email Campaign

An effective cold email campaign starts with a solid plan. You need to identify your target audience, their major pain points, and how your product or service can address these pain points. It is essential to send the right cold email template to the right person.

Research your target audience thoroughly. Gather information about their job title, company name, and the challenges they might face in their industry. This research is the foundation of your personalized cold email.

Creating Your Cold Email Template

A successful cold email template should include a compelling subject line, a personalized opening line, a clear value proposition, and a direct call to action (CTA).

Your cold email subject line should grab your recipient’s attention, compelling them to open your email. Your opening the new subject line should demonstrate your understanding of the recipient’s needs or challenges.

In the body of the email, communicate your value proposition effectively. Clearly outline how your product or service can solve the recipient’s pain point.

Finally, your CTA should guide the recipient towards the next step, whether that’s scheduling a call, signing up for a demo, or visiting your website.

Executing Your Cold Email Campaign

When it’s time to execute your cold email campaign, keep in mind that it’s not just about sending a single cold email but rather a series of emails. Your first cold email campaign might include an introduction email, several follow-up emails, and possibly a final “breakup” email if you don’t get a response.

Use your cold email software to automate this process. With Mailarrow, you can schedule your emails and automated follow up email back-ups, saving you time and ensuring consistency in your outreach.

Assessing Your Cold Email Campaign

The success of your cold email campaign should be measured by more than just the number of replies you get. Look at open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates.

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Keep track of which to write cold emails, email templates and subject lines are most successful, and continuously refine your approach based on these insights. Remember, cold emailing is a continuous learning process.

Cold Emailing and Cold Calling: A Powerful Duo

While cold emailing is an effective outreach strategy, don’t overlook the power of cold calling. Used in conjunction, cold emailing and cold calling can significantly increase your chances of reaching and converting potential customers.

In the next section, we’ll talk about advanced techniques and strategies for cold emailing, helping you take your cold email campaign to the next level. And if you want to level up your cold email outreach game, don’t forget to sign up for Mailarrow, your trusted cold email outreach software.

Advanced Techniques and Strategies for Cold Emailing

As we dive deeper into our comprehensive guide on cold email, this part focuses on advanced techniques and strategies to elevate your cold email campaigns. This ranges from the psychology behind crafting a compelling subject line to effective follow ups.

The Psychology of Compelling Subject Lines

Subject lines can make or break your cold emails. They are the first thing your recipient sees, and they significantly impact whether your email gets opened. A good subject line is not just catchy; it promises value to the recipient.

One technique for creating compelling subject lines is to tap into the recipient’s curiosity. People naturally want to resolve gaps in their knowledge, so posing a question or making a provocative statement can draw them in.

Another technique is to create a sense of urgency or scarcity. This motivates the recipient to act quickly to avoid missing out.

Lastly, personalize your subject line. Including the recipient’s name or referencing their company name can help catch their attention.

The Power of Personalization

Personalized cold emails have higher response rates than generic ones. But personalization goes beyond just including the recipient’s name in the subject line or email body.

To write a personalized cold email, start by researching your recipient. Understand their role in same industry, their industry, and their company. Look for a specific pain point that your product or service can solve.

Next, craft your email around this information. Your email should feel like it’s written just for them, with a clear understanding of their needs and how you can meet them.

The Art of the Follow-Up

The key to a successful cold email campaign often lies in the follow-up. Most people won’t respond to the first cold email they receive, but follow-ups can increase your response rate significantly.

Your follow up email should remind the recipient of your original email, reiterate your value proposition, and include a clear call to action. It’s also an opportunity to provide additional information or social proof, such as customer testimonials or case studies.

The Importance of A/B Testing

A/B testing is crucial for refining your cold email campaigns. By testing different subject lines, email templates, and calls to action, you can understand what resonates most with your target audience and adjust your approach accordingly.

Start by testing one element at a time — for example, send half of your cold emails with one subject line and the other half with a different subject line. Keep everything else the same, and see which one performs better.

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The Integration of Cold Email and CRM

Integrating your cold email campaign with a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system can provide invaluable insights. You can track the success of individual emails and campaigns, monitor interactions with potential customers, and manage your sales funnel more effectively.

Consider using a cold email platform like Mailarrow, which can seamlessly integrate with your existing CRM. This will allow you to manage your cold email campaigns and customer relationships more effectively.

In the next section, we’ll look at how to handle potential challenges and pitfalls in cold emailing and offer advice on how to navigate them. Don’t forget to sign up for Mailarrow, the ultimate cold email outreach software that’s built to power your sales teams.

Handling Challenges and Pitfalls in Cold Emailing

In this part of our comprehensive guide on how to cold email, we will examine the common challenges you might face when sending cold emails and how to overcome them.

Avoiding the Spam Folder

One of the primary challenges in cold emailing is ensuring your emails don’t end up in the recipient’s spam folder. There are several strategies to reduce the likelihood of this happening.

First, avoid using spammy words or phrases in your subject line and email body. Words like “free,” “guarantee,” and “no obligation” are often flagged by spam filters.

Second, personalize your emails. Emails that are obviously mass-produced are more likely to be marked as spam. Including the recipient’s name and specific details about their company can help.

Lastly, use a reputable cold email platform like Mailarrow, which is designed to help your emails avoid spam filters and land in the recipient’s inbox.

Overcoming Poor Response Rates

If you’re finding that your cold email campaigns are not yielding the response rates you’re hoping for, there are several strategies you can employ.

First, make sure you’re sending your cold emails to the right person. If you’re trying to sell a product or service, you need to be emailing the decision-makers in the organization.

Second, ensure that your subject line is compelling and that your email body clearly communicates your value proposition.

Third, be persistent. Follow up with your prospects several times, but remember to provide new information or value in each follow-up email.

Navigating Legal Issues

Cold emailing is legal in many jurisdictions, as long as you comply with certain rules and regulations. Make sure you’re familiar with these regulations and follow them closely.

For example, you must include your physical address in your email signature and a clear way for recipients to opt out of future emails. You must also honor these opt-out requests promptly.

In the final part of this guide, we’ll cover some additional resources and tools that can help you take your cold emailing to the next level. If you want to ensure your cold emails are professionally crafted, effective, and compliant with regulations, consider using Mailarrow, our trusted cold email outreach software.

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Additional Resources and Tools for Cold Emailing

In this final part of our comprehensive guide to cold emailing, we’ll be discussing additional resources and tools that can help enhance your cold email strategy.

Learning from Cold Email Examples

When you’re just starting with your first cold email campaign, looking at cold email examples can be incredibly beneficial. These examples can provide inspiration and guidance on what works and what doesn’t.

Cold email examples can show you how to effectively introduce yourself, identify a pain point, provide a value proposition, and include a compelling call to action. However, remember that what works for one company or industry may not work for yours. Use these examples as a starting point, but be sure to customize your emails to fit your target audience and value proposition.

Leveraging Email Templates

Cold email templates can save you a significant amount of time. They provide a structure for your email that you can then customize for each recipient.

However, avoid using email templates verbatim. Recipients can often tell when they’ve received a templated email, which can decrease their likelihood of responding. Use templates as a guide, but make sure to add personal touches to each email.

Incorporating Social Proof

Including social proof in your cold emails can increase their effectiveness. This can be in the form of testimonials, case studies, or notable clients you’ve worked with.

Social proof provides evidence that your product or service delivers results. It reassures the recipient that they’re not taking a risk by responding to your email.

Streamlining with Cold Email Software

Cold email software can streamline your cold email process, making it easier and more efficient. It can automate the sending of emails and follow-ups, track responses, and provide analytics on your campaigns.

Mailarrow is one such cold email software that’s designed specifically for cold email outreach. It offers features like automated follow-ups, CRM integration, and advanced analytics.

In conclusion, cold emailing is a powerful tool in your marketing arsenal when used correctly. It requires careful planning, effective writing, and continuous optimization. So, get started with your cold email campaign today and don’t forget to sign up for Mailarrow, the cold email marketing software designed to help you succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Emailing

Now, we’ll move on to answer some frequently asked questions about cold emailing.

What is considered a cold email?

A cold email is an unsolicited email sent to a potential customer or client who has had no prior contact or relationship with the sender. It’s a method used by businesses to introduce themselves, their products or services, to prospects with the aim of sparking their interest and establishing a relationship.

Is cold emailing illegal?

Cold emailing is not illegal, but it is subject to certain laws and regulations. In the US, for instance, the CAN-SPAM Act governs commercial emails, requiring senders to avoid misleading header information, provide a valid physical address, and provide a clear way to opt-out of future emails. Compliance with these laws is crucial to avoid penalties.

Do cold emails really work?

Yes, cold emails can work remarkably well when executed correctly. The key lies in personalization, understanding the recipient’s needs or pain points, and offering a compelling value proposition.

What is the difference between a cold email and a warm email?

A cold email is sent to a prospect who has had no prior contact with the sender. A warm email, on the other hand, is sent to someone who has had some level of interaction with the sender or has shown interest in the sender’s product or service.

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What is the cold emailing method?

Cold emailing is a method used by businesses to reach out to potential clients or customers who are not expecting the communication. The emails are often personalized and aim to introduce a product or service that could benefit the recipient.

Is it legal to send a cold email?

Yes, it is legal to send a cold email as long as it complies with the applicable email legislation in your country or region. In the US, the CAN-SPAM Act lays out the rules for commercial email.

Is cold emailing a good idea?

Cold emailing can be an effective strategy for lead generation, sales, and networking if done properly. It enables businesses to reach out to a large audience at a low cost.

Who uses cold email?

Cold email is used by businesses of all sizes and across various industries, including sales teams, marketing professionals, job seekers, and entrepreneurs, among others.

Is it OK to send cold emails?

It is okay to send cold emails as long as they are not spam, offer genuine value to the recipient, and comply with the law. Recipients should be given a clear way to opt-out of future communications.

Is it illegal to cold email someone?

Cold emailing is not illegal as long as it complies with the rules laid out in the CAN-SPAM Act or any other applicable law in your region. However, the email must offer value to the recipient and should not be spammy.

What is the best cold email?

The best cold email is one that is personalized, brief, and offers value to the recipient. It should have a compelling subject line to grab the recipient’s attention and a clear call to action.

What is a cold call email?

A cold call email is a type of cold email sent to potential customers or clients who have not previously expressed interest in the sender’s product or service. It’s a way of introducing a business and its offerings with the aim of sparking interest.

Is cold call email illegal?

Cold call emailing is not illegal, but it is regulated. Businesses must ensure their cold call emails comply with applicable laws such as the CAN-SPAM Act.

What are cold email examples?

Cold email examples are sample sales emails, that serve as a guide on how to craft effective cold emails. They often include elements such as a compelling subject line, a personalized introduction, identification of a problem or pain point, a value proposition, and a call to action.

How do you structure a cold call email?

A cold call email should start with a compelling subject line to grab attention. The body of the email should be concise and clear, beginning with a personalized opening line, followed by the identification of a pain point, a value proposition, and a clear call to action.

How do you make a good cold email?

A good cold email is personalized, concise, and provides value to the recipient. It should have a compelling subject line, identify a problem or pain point that the recipient faces, provide a solution or value proposition, and include a clear call to action.

How do I write a cold email to sell my product?

To write a cold email to sell a product, start with a compelling subject line. Then, in the body, personalize the email, identify a problem the recipient may be facing that your product solves, present your product as the solution, and conclude with a clear call to action.

What is a cold email?

A cold email is a type of email that is sent to potential customers or clients who have not previously expressed interest in the sender’s product or service. It is often used to introduce a business and its offerings and to spark interest.

How do you write a cold approach email?

A cold approach email should start with a compelling subject line to grab the recipient’s attention. The email body should start with a personalized opening line, identify a problem the recipient may have, offer a solution or value proposition, and end with a clear call to action.

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What is a good cold email?

A good cold email is personalized, concise, and provides value to the recipient. It should grab the recipient’s attention with a compelling subject line, identify a problem the recipient faces, provide a solution, and include a clear call to action.

How do you write the first line of a cold email?

The first line of a cold email should be personalized and grab the recipient’s attention. It could be a compliment, a shared connection or interest, or a statement that shows you’ve done your research about the recipient.

What does it mean to cold email someone?

To cold email someone means to send an email to a potential customer or client who has not expressed interest in your product or service. It’s a way to introduce yourself and your business, with the aim of sparking their interest.

How does cold email work?

Cold email works by sending personalized emails to potential customers or clients who have not expressed interest in your product or service. The aim is to grab their attention, spark their interest, and ultimately, convert them into customers or clients.

What is the difference between cold email and normal email?

The main difference between a cold email and a normal email is that a cold email is sent to a person who has not expressed interest in your product or service, while a normal email is often sent to someone who has already shown some level of interest.

What does a cold email do?

A cold email introduces a business and its offerings to busy person, a potential customer or client. The goal is to spark their interest, engage them in a conversation, and eventually convert them into a customer or client.

What is the difference between email and cold email?

The main difference between email and cold email lies in the recipient’s relationship with the sender. An email is usually sent to someone who has a pre-existing relationship with the sender, while a cold email is sent to a potential customer or client who has not expressed interest in the sender’s product or service.

How do I create a cold email?

To create a cold email, start with a compelling subject line to grab the recipient’s attention. Personalize the email, identify a problem or pain point the recipient faces, offer a solution or value proposition, and conclude with a clear call to action.

How do you respond to a cold email?

To respond to a cold email, you could express your interest in the sender’s offer, ask for more information, or politely decline if the offer is not of interest to you. If you don’t wish to receive further emails from the sender, you can also ask to be removed from their list.

How do you send a cold email without being spammy?

To send a cold email without being spammy, ensure that your email is personalized, provides value to the recipient, and is not overly promotional. You should also comply with applicable laws and regulations regarding email marketing, such as providing a clear way for recipients to opt out of future emails.

Is cold email spam?

Cold email is not spam if it is personalized, provides value to the recipient, is not misleading, and complies with applicable laws and regulations. Spam is typically characterized by being unsolicited, irrelevant, and sent in bulk to many people at once.

What is a cold email in sales?

In sales, a cold email is a method of reaching out to potential customers or clients who have not expressed interest in your product or service. The aim is to introduce your business and offerings, spark interest, and initiate a sales conversation.

How do I get cold email leads?

You can get cold email leads by purchasing a list of hot leads from a reputable provider, using lead generation tools, or by doing your own research and building a list of potential customers or clients who could benefit from your product or service.

How do you start a cold email?

Start a cold email with a compelling subject line to grab the recipient’s attention. The body of the email should then begin with a personalized opening line, followed by identification of a problem or pain point, a value proposition, and a clear call to action.

What is a good open rate for cold email?

A good open rate for cold email can vary greatly depending on the industry, the quality of your email list, and the effectiveness of your subject line, among other factors. However, as a general benchmark, an open rate of 15-25% is often considered good for cold emails.

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How can I improve my cold email response rate?

You can improve your cold email response rate by personalizing your emails, providing value to the recipient, crafting compelling subject lines, and including a clear call to action. You should also make sure your emails are well-written and free of errors.

How do you send a cold email to a client?

To send a cold email to a client, start with a compelling subject line to grab their attention. Personalize the email, identify a problem they may be facing, offer a solution, and conclude with a clear call to action.

Serge Shlykov is the founder of Mailarrow. Rotterdam Business School graduate and a long-time software engineer he has been running his own agency and SaaS business before realizing how many people are struggling with cold email outreach. This made him create Mailarrow, the cold email outreach software that helps you build great relationships at scale. Find him on Twitter and LinkedIn