🌍 New Feature

We can now identify exact visitors in 173+ countries including the US, Canada, Australia, and more!

Learn more

13 Cold Email Tips to Get Higher-than-Average Response Rates

Written by
Bradley Moore
Published on
January 16, 2026
Table of contents

See the exact people visiting your website and Follow up with them.

Create your 100% Free Account

Cold emailing can feel like throwing darts in the dark — you never know what will hit. However, with the right strategies, you can significantly improve your chances of getting a response. In this article, we’ll explore 13 actionable tips that can help you achieve higher-than-average response rates.

GIF

1. Personalize Your Emails

Personalization is key. Research shows that personalized emails have a 26% higher open rate than non-personalized ones. Start by addressing the recipient by their name and mentioning something specific about their company.

2. Craft a Compelling Subject Line

Your subject line is your first impression. Make it count! Use action-oriented language and keep it under 50 characters. For example, 'Unlock Growth with Our Proven Strategies' can grab attention.

3. Keep It Short and Sweet

Busy professionals appreciate brevity. Aim for 3-5 sentences to convey your message. This not only respects their time but also increases the likelihood of a response.

4. Include a Clear Call to Action

Each email should have a clear call to action (CTA). Whether it’s scheduling a call or checking out a resource, make it easy for the recipient to know what you want them to do next.

5. Use Social Proof

Mentioning well-known clients or successful case studies can build credibility. For instance, 'We helped Company X increase their leads by 30% in just three months.'

6. Test Different Sending Times

Experiment with different sending times. Studies show that emails sent on Tuesdays have a higher open rate. However, your audience may vary, so testing is crucial.

7. Follow Up Strategically

Don’t be afraid to follow up. A second email can increase your chances of getting a response by 30%. Just ensure you space it out appropriately — typically 3-5 days later.

8. Optimize for Mobile

With over 50% of emails opened on mobile devices, ensure your emails are mobile-friendly. Use concise text and avoid large images that could slow loading times.

9. Segment Your Audience

Not all recipients are the same. Segmenting your email list can help you tailor your messaging. For example, a different approach may be needed for a startup versus an established enterprise.

10. Use a Professional Email Address

Always send emails from a professional domain. Emails from domains like Gmail or Yahoo can appear less credible, reducing your chances of a response.

11. Leverage Intent Data

Utilizing B2B intent data can help you identify which prospects are actively researching solutions. This insight allows you to tailor your outreach more effectively.

12. Use Clear and Simple Language

Avoid jargon and overly complex language. Clear and simple communication is more effective and increases your chances of being understood.

13. Analyze and Optimize

Finally, always analyze your email performance. Look at open rates, click-through rates, and responses. Use this data to continuously refine your strategy.

By implementing these tips, you can transform your cold emailing strategy and see a significant boost in your response rates. For a more personalized approach and to identify potential leads visiting your website, consider leveraging Happierleads.

Cold emailing can feel daunting, especially when you're trying to connect with potential clients or partners who have never heard of you before. One effective strategy is to focus on the value you can offer them. Instead of leading with your product or service, consider what problems they might be facing and how you can help solve them. For instance, if you're reaching out to a small business owner, you might mention how your service can save them time or increase their revenue. This approach not only grabs their attention but also positions you as a helpful resource rather than just another salesperson.

Building Relationships Through Authenticity

Authenticity is key in cold emailing. People are more likely to respond positively if they feel a genuine connection. Share a brief personal story or experience that relates to the recipient's industry or challenges. For example, if you're contacting a marketing manager, you could mention a campaign you ran that faced similar hurdles. This not only humanizes your email but also establishes credibility. Remember, your goal is to foster a relationship, not just make a sale. By being authentic, you create a more inviting atmosphere for dialogue.

The Importance of Follow-Up and Persistence

Following up is crucial in the world of cold emailing. Many people are busy and may overlook your initial email, but a polite follow-up can remind them of your offer. It's essential to strike a balance; you don't want to come off as pushy. A good rule of thumb is to wait a few days after your first email before reaching out again. In your follow-up, you might reference your previous email and reiterate the value you can provide. For instance, if you initially offered a free consultation, remind them of that offer and how it could benefit their business. Persistence shows dedication, and it can pay off in the long run.

In conclusion, mastering cold emails involves understanding your audience, building authentic relationships, and following up strategically. These strategies can significantly improve your response rates and help you connect with potential leads more effectively. If you're looking to enhance your outreach efforts and convert anonymous website visitors into engaged leads, consider signing up for a free account with Happierleads. Our platform specializes in identifying and qualifying anonymous visitors, allowing you to engage with potential clients on a personal level and maximize your existing web traffic.

faqs

Website Identification FAQs

Does Happierleads have a Free trial?

We show you who is visiting your website for free for 30 days. If you’d like to keep using it afterward—and export a CSV or send emails via our built-in Email Automation app or your CRM—the cost is $99/month.

What is Happierleads?

HappierLeads is the only solution that enables you to identify, qualify, and engage with your anonymous B2B website visitors—all within a single tool. No additional licenses or integrations with other outreach automation tools are necessary.

Who typically uses Happierleads?

Happierleads is used by Sales, Growth, and Marketing teams across various industries. If you are a B2B company, we are the solution for you. Sales teams use the platform to turn anonymous traffic into opportunities and increase productivity. While on the other hand, Marketers use the platform to automate lead generation, increase conversions.

How is this different from Clearbit, 6Sense, or DemandBase’s Website Identity Solutions?

Most companies rely on ‘Reverse IP Lookup’ technology to connect IP addresses with company names. At Happierleads, we use a completely different approach—our fully-permissioned, proprietary publisher network—allowing us to identify the exact individuals visiting your website. Discover more about how we identify your site visitors here.

Why is Happierleads ranked number #1 for data quality on G2 and Capterra?

Happierleads offers an advanced feature that automatically filters out bots, ISPs, and other non-qualifying traffic sources to ensure you receive only high-quality leads. Additionally, unlike other tools, Happierleads provides the flexibility for you to manually remove leads as needed.

What about U.S. state privacy laws, like the California CCPA and CPRA?

If you are compliant with these state-level regulations, the use of our product will not change that compliance status. We can now identify exact visitors in 173+ countries including the US, Canada, Australia, and many more. For GDPR-restricted countries (primarily EU member states), we use reverse IP lookup which only provides company information to adhere with GDPR requirements.