From Inbox Ignored to Client Magnet: A Freelancer's Guide for Cold Outreach Success
Some useful practical tips to make your cold outreach successful
🙋♀️ Raise your hand if you feel a knot in your stomach when it comes time for cold outreach!
Fret not! I've been there too.
As a writer, I have always felt that reaching out to potential new clients is risky. I don’t know why I felt like that. But I had multiple reasons to procrastinate pitching and cold outreach, some being:
What if they ignore me?
Maybe I'll say the wrong thing
Maybe I’m not a good fit
I’ll do it tomorrow
…and so on.
I used to avoid networking and lead generation because I didn't have confidence in my outreach abilities. But that also meant I struggled with an inconsistent client pipeline.
Over time, through trial and error (so much error!), I’ve found successful techniques to connect with my ideal clients. I went from sending overly formal and frankly boring first messages to sending personalized emails that get over 50% response rates!
Today, I’m sharing my proven cold outreach framework so you can book more meetings and attract clients you love working with.
Let’s do this!
A bit of imagination
Before beginning, imagine this scenario:
A random person (say, a Mr. X) approaches you. You politely greet X and this X proceeds to bombard you with his achievements. He also goes on to say you should work with him, and the benefits of your association with him are plenty.
What will you do in this case?
You would most probably ignore him!
Now the question is, why did you ignore him?
You may come up with the following reasons:
Mr. X approached you without introduction and launched into a sales pitch promoting himself and why you should work with him. His approach was overly assertive without any attempt to build a connection.
You know nothing about Mr. X, his business, his values, or why partnering would specifically benefit you or align with your goals. His blind claims mean little to you without establishing personal trust and understanding first.
If Mr. X had politely introduced himself, asked questions to understand your background, goals, and challenges, and explored potential areas of synergy, you would have welcomed a thoughtful discussion about collaborating.
But pushing his agenda with a stranger showed complete disregard for your situation or perspective. This lack of emotional intelligence necessitated you politely ignoring his pitch.
The same goes with cold outreach too :)
By the term ‘cold outreach’, you’re necessarily contacting a stranger to make them aware of your services.
So, what should you do in that case?
Catch their attention quickly while communicating how you can help
I can hear you asking, “How can I do that?”
Head 👇🏻
Follow the 3 Step formula
🎣 Start with a personalized opening line that shows you understand their needs.
🎣 Describe your relevant experience and skills. Be specific!
🎣 End by showing the value you provide. How will working together with you make their life easier?
Come, let me show you!
Step 1: 🤝Connect with them
Kick things off by showing you actually know who they are.
Did you use their app?
See that big media feature last week?
Love their shop’s aesthetics?
Tell them!
Here is one email I sent to an editor a few months back:
Make the first line a bit personal. Some examples include
I saw you use X, I too love using X and have always observed their great work
I saw your opinions on Y and I (agree/disagree) with you on that
I have seen your work and particularly, am impressed by your work at XYZ
This makes things personal from the get-go.
Step 2:👩💻 Show What You Bring to the Table
Next, serve up how your skills can actually help move the needle for them.
Don’t be vague though - get specific with data or improvements.
For example: “As a social media manager, I can help you grow that stellar Instagram account from 5K to 10K local followers in 3 months” has more impact than saying I weave words that create ripples on Instagram!
Everybody does that! A client doesn’t need you for the same.
So, be specific and back up your words with actual (and real) facts.
There is no use in building bridges on air. Back it up with proof.
These claims will only show that you’re genuine and can be trusted 🙏🏻
Step 3: 📝Deliver Value From the Start
Here’s where you seal the deal - provide something truly useful right off the bat!
Whip up a quick social media graphic in their brand style, draft an SEO-optimized blog post for their niche, or design an inviting landing page header graphic.
Example:
I redesigned your personal blog
I designed a landing page for your XYZ product
I rewrote ad copies for your ABC product
I wrote a blog post titled ‘XXXXX’ that will fit in with your ideal content type
This shows initiative and that you’ve got the goods.
Additional step
✋ Wrap With a Clear Next Step
End by asking if your idea resonates and if they’d like to explore further collaborating.
Don’t push for an instant call or meeting quite yet - give them time to review all of your game-changing submissions first! 😉
Now, keep your 🤞🏻 and wait. The good news will come :)
...And that’s the key to standing out and getting responses rather than radio silence or quick deletes.
Not so bad right?
Give it a try and let me know how these tips work for you!
Until then,
Gayathri