How Long Should Your Cold Email Be?

Have you ever wondered how long should a cold email be? It's a common question, especially if you're trying to reach out to someone for the first time. Knowing the ideal length of a cold email can make a big difference in whether it gets read and responded to. This is important because the effectiveness of your communication can impact your goals, whether you're looking for a new job, trying to make a sale, or seeking a collaboration. In this blog post, we'll explore how long your cold email should be, why it matters, and share some tips to help you craft the perfect message.

Why Does Email Length Matter?

When you send a cold email, you're trying to catch someone's attention and get them interested in what you have to say. If your email is too long, people might not read it all, and if it's too short, they might not take it seriously. Finding the right balance is key to making your email effective.

Emails that are too long can overwhelm the recipient. Imagine opening an email that looks like a wall of text. Would you read it all? Probably not. On the other hand, an email that's too short might come off as rushed or lacking in effort. You want your email to convey that you respect the recipient's time but also have something valuable to offer.

How Long Should a Cold Email Be

Research shows that the best length for a cold email is between 50 to 125 words. This range is long enough to include important information but short enough to keep the reader's attention. According to a study by Boomerang, emails within this range had the highest response rates. This makes sense because a short email is easy to read quickly, and if you get to the point, the recipient is more likely to respond.

A study by Mailshake found that emails under 200 words also performed well, but response rates started to drop as emails got longer. So, while 50 to 125 words is ideal, you do have some wiggle room if you need to include a bit more detail.

Why Shorter Emails Work Better

Shorter emails are more likely to be read and acted upon because they respect the recipient's time. People receive a lot of emails every day, so a concise message is more likely to stand out. Plus, shorter emails are easier to scan quickly, which is important in today's fast-paced world.

When you keep your email short, you're forced to focus on what's most important. This means you have to think carefully about your message and what you want to achieve. A clear, concise email shows that you value the recipient's time and are serious about your request.

The Risk of Long Emails

On the flip side, long emails can be a turn-off. If someone opens your email and sees a massive block of text, they might not bother reading it. Even if they do, they might skim through and miss your main points. A long email can feel like a big commitment, and busy people don't have time for that.

Long emails can also come across as unfocused. If you're rambling on, the recipient might think you don't really know what you're asking for. A clear, concise email is more likely to get a positive response because it shows that you've thought carefully about your message.

Different Perspectives on Cold Email Length

Not everyone agrees on the ideal length of a cold email. Some experts suggest that shorter emails (around 50 words) are best for initial outreach, while others argue that slightly longer emails (up to 200 words) can be effective if they provide valuable information.

Short and Sweet:

A brief email can grab the recipient's attention quickly. According to Mailshake, emails under 100 words have a higher chance of getting a response because they are easy to read and get straight to the point.

Informative but Concise:

On the other hand, SalesHandy suggests that emails up to 200 words can be effective if they offer valuable insights or information relevant to the recipient.

How to write perfect Cold Email?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting a cold email that stands out:

Start with a Strong Subject Line

Make it intriguing and relevant. Your subject line should grab the recipient's attention and give them a reason to open your email. Keep it short (6-10 words) and make sure it relates to the content of your email.

Use a Personalized Greeting

Address the recipient by name. This makes your email feel more personal and shows that you've taken the time to research the recipient.

Introduce Yourself Briefly

Explain who you are and why you're reaching out. Keep this part short and to the point. You don't need to give your life story – just enough to establish your credibility.

Highlight the Benefit

Explain how you can help the recipient or their company. Focus on the benefit to them, not just what you want. What's in it for them? This is the most important part of your email, so make sure it's clear and compelling.

Include a Call to Action

Clearly state what you want the recipient to do next. Whether it's scheduling a meeting, replying to your email, or checking out a link, make sure your call to action is clear and easy to follow.

Keep it Concise

Stick to the ideal length of 50-125 words. If you need to go slightly longer, that's okay, but try to stay under 200 words. The goal is to be concise and to the point.

Sign Off Professionally

End with a polite closing and your contact information. A simple "Best regards" or "Thank you" works well. Make sure to include your full name and any relevant contact details.

Examples of Effective Cold Emails

Here are a few examples to inspire you:

Example 1

Short and Sweet Subject: Quick Question Hi [Name], I'm [Your Name] from [Your Company]. I noticed that your team is working on [Project/Initiative]. I have some ideas that could help improve [aspect]. Can we schedule a quick call to discuss? Best, [Your Name]

Example 2

Informative and Concise Subject: Improve Your [Aspect] with Our Help Hi [Name], I'm [Your Name], and I specialize in helping companies like [Recipient's Company] improve their [aspect]. I came across your recent work on [Project/Initiative] and believe our solutions could greatly benefit you. Are you available for a call next week to discuss further? Best regards, [Your Name]

Conclusion

In summary, the ideal length for a cold email is between 50 to 125 words. How long should a cold email be? Keeping your email concise and to the point can increase the chances of it being read and responded to. However, there’s room for flexibility depending on the context and the value you provide. By following these tips and examples, you can craft effective cold emails to land safely and get results. Remember, the key is to respect the recipient’s time while delivering a clear and compelling message.

References

Boomerang. (2016). "The Best Length for an Email".
Mailshake. (2019). "How Long Should a Cold Email Be?".
SalesHandy. (2021). "Cold Email Length: What Works Best?".