Mike Bonadio conducted an eye-opening experiment to compare two different email marketing strategies, and the results are a must-see for anyone looking to improve their email engagement. Here’s how it went down:
The Two Approaches:
- Approach 1: The Direct Pitch
This strategy skips the small talk and gets straight to the point.- Example: A straightforward email explaining what you want or offering your product/service without any build-up.
- The idea? Be bold and efficient—cut the fluff and dive right in.
- Approach 2: The Two-Part Feeler
This approach focuses on starting with a warm, friendly gesture to establish rapport before making your actual pitch.- First Message: A casual and value-driven message, like:
“Hey, I came across your article and thought it was amazing! I’ve created something that could complement it and add value. Would it be cool if I shared it with you?” - Second Message: If the recipient responds positively, then follow up with your ask or reference.
- First Message: A casual and value-driven message, like:
The Results:
The difference between the two strategies was staggering:
- Direct Pitch: Achieved a respectable 16% response rate.
- Two-Part Feeler: Blew it out of the water with a 40% response rate, making it 2.5x more effective! 🚀
Key Takeaways:
- Warmth Wins:
People are more likely to engage when they feel acknowledged and valued. A friendly, non-pushy introduction makes your email feel more personal and less salesy. - Build Rapport First:
Instead of jumping straight into the ask, take a moment to build a connection. A little effort to show genuine interest in their work or concerns can pay off big time. - Make It About Them:
Emails that focus on adding value or solving a problem for the recipient tend to resonate better than ones that are solely self-serving. - Timing Matters:
The two-part approach doesn’t just soften the pitch—it also primes the recipient for the follow-up, increasing their receptiveness to your offer.
How to Use This Insight:
Next time you’re sending out cold emails, try warming up your audience first:
- Start with a compliment, a question, or an offer to provide value.
- Only follow up with your pitch after getting a positive response.
It’s a simple shift in approach, but as this experiment shows, it can dramatically boost your response rates and help you make stronger connections. 🌟
Source: Backlinko