Cold emailing is an art and a science. When done right, it can unlock opportunities, land big clients, and even kickstart billion-dollar businesses. But the challenge? Most cold emails go unanswered. In a world where inboxes are flooded, how do you craft an email that gets noticed, read, and responded to?
In this article, we’ll break down the best cold email strategies that have proven to work—featuring real-world success stories, including Indian entrepreneurs who’ve mastered the game.
- Nail Your Subject Line – The First Impression Matters
The subject line determines whether your email gets opened or ignored. It should be short, personalized, and curiosity-driven.
Success Story: Kunal Shah (Founder of CRED)
When Kunal Shah was building FreeCharge, he used cold emails to get early partnerships. His approach? Subject lines that sparked curiosity, such as:
- “Quick question about your online transactions.”
- “I have an idea that might benefit [Company Name].”
These emails led to meetings with major e-commerce platforms, helping FreeCharge secure crucial deals before its massive success.
- Personalization: Go Beyond First Names
A generic email is a dead email. The best cold emails feel tailor-made for the recipient.
Success Story: Indian SaaS Startup Freshworks
Girish Mathrubootham, the founder of Freshworks, used hyper-personalized cold emails to acquire his first 100 customers. Instead of generic pitches, his emails referenced specific pain points based on a company’s recent blog posts or LinkedIn activity. This approach resulted in response rates as high as 30%, setting the foundation for Freshworks’ global success.
- The 3-Sentence Rule: Keep It Short and Clear
Nobody likes reading long emails. The best cold emails follow a simple structure:
- A strong opening that captures attention.
- A brief explanation of why you’re reaching out.
- A clear call to action (CTA).
Example: Startup Funding Outreach
An early-stage Indian fintech startup secured investor meetings by keeping their emails concise:
Subject: “Exciting Fintech Opportunity – 5 Min Chat?”
“Hi [Investor’s Name],
I came across your investment in [Startup Name] and love what you’re doing in fintech. We’re building [Startup Name], a solution tackling [Problem] with [USP].
Would love to get your thoughts. Are you open to a quick call next week?”
- Show Credibility – Social Proof is Key
People respond to trust signals. Mentioning mutual connections, press mentions, or notable clients boosts your credibility.
Example: Indian Freelancer Turned Global Consultant
A Bangalore-based UX designer landed high-paying clients from Silicon Valley using cold emails. Instead of just pitching his services, he included a short line like:
“I recently worked with [Big Client Name] on a similar project and helped them increase conversions by 40%. I’d love to see if I can do the same for you.”
This established credibility and resulted in multiple six-figure projects.
- Follow-Up: The Fortune is in the Follow-Up
Most responses come after follow-ups. A single email is rarely enough.
Example: Indian EdTech Startup’s Persistence Pays Off
A Delhi-based EdTech startup initially got no response from potential B2B clients. Instead of giving up, they followed up every five days with value-driven messages, such as:
- “I recently read about your company’s expansion into online learning—our tool can help scale that.”
- “I wanted to share a case study showing how we helped [Company] increase student engagement by 50%.”
After the third follow-up, they secured their first major partnership.
- Add Value Before Asking for Anything
The best cold emails don’t just ask for favors—they offer value upfront.
Example: The LinkedIn Cold Email That Won A Client
A Mumbai-based digital marketing consultant wanted to work with a high-profile entrepreneur. Instead of sending a pitch, he emailed a detailed audit of the entrepreneur’s website with suggestions to improve SEO.
The entrepreneur was so impressed that he not only responded but hired him for a long-term contract.
- Optimize Your Sending Time
Timing matters. The best days for cold emails? Tuesday to Thursday. The best time? Between 8 AM – 10 AM or 4 PM – 6 PM when professionals check emails.
Example: B2B SaaS Success in India
An Indian SaaS company tested different times and found that emails sent on Wednesday mornings had the highest response rate—leading to a 20% increase in conversions.
Final Thoughts: Actionable Takeaways
- Subject lines should spark curiosity.
- Personalize beyond just a name—reference pain points.
- Keep it short—3 sentences max.
- Show social proof to establish credibility.
- Follow up strategically with added value.
- Offer value before making an ask.
- Send at the right time for maximum impact.
Cold emailing isn’t dead—it just requires the right approach. Whether you’re a startup founder, freelancer, or sales professional, these strategies can help you break through the noise and get the responses you need.
Have you ever landed an opportunity through cold emailing? Share your story in the comments!
