How To Convert Customers With Cold Emails | Startup School

TL;DR

Cold email conversion is most effective via warm intros (2–3× response rate). When cold emailing, map a funnel backwards from your goal to determine required sends (e.g., 800 emails for 1 customer example). Improve open rates primarily through better targeting, not volume.

Key insights

• Warm intros yield 2–3× the conversion rate of cold emails; use network, LinkedIn, alumni networks, and employer alumni to find connections.
• Cold email funnel example: 800 sent → 400 opens (50% open rate) → 40 responses (10% open-to-response) → 10 demos (25% response-to-demo) → 1 customer (10% demo-to-customer). Your actual rates will vary
• Conversion rates decrease as you scale because you’ll target less ideal prospects.