Unconventional Strategies That Boost Your Cold Email Outreach: Insights from Personal Experience

In the realm of cold emailing, traditional advice often emphasizes careful crafting of subject lines, including links, and attaching relevant files. However, based on personal experiments and observations, I’ve discovered several unconventional tactics that significantly improve outreach success rates. Here, I share these insights to help marketers, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals rethink their approach to cold emailing.

1. Avoid Including Links in Your First Email

It might seem intuitive to embed your website or scheduling links (like Calendly) immediately, but this can backfire. Including links right away often increases the likelihood of your email being flagged as spam. Instead, reserve links for subsequent follow-ups, once you’ve established some rapport. My experience confirms that delaying link inclusion leads to better deliverability and engagement.

2. Refrain from Attaching Files or Sharing External Documents

Attachments tend to trigger suspicion, especially in unsolicited emails. They can also pose security risks, prompting recipients’ mail servers or spam filters to block your message. Instead of attaching portfolio files or case studies, consider creating a dedicated professional website or landing page where prospects can view your work at their convenience. This approach not only enhances credibility but also streamlines your outreach.

3. Keep Your Emails Concise, Lighthearted, and Possibly Humorous

Short emails—ideally under 60 words—have consistently shown higher response rates for me. The message should be direct and easy to digest. Incorporating humor or an informal tone depends on your industry—certain niches respond better to a playful approach. When appropriate, a bit of levity can make your email more memorable and engaging, increasing your chances of eliciting a reply.

4. Experiment with No Subject Line or Unconventional Subject Hooks

While traditional sales advice emphasizes compelling subject lines, some of the most surprising successes have come from sending emails with no subject line or using quirky, nonsensical, or humorous lines. This breaks the pattern recipients expect and can pique curiosity. It’s important to recognize that younger audiences, like Gen Z, often respond better to unconventional methods that challenge norms.

5. Focus on Providing Genuine Value Within the Email

Rather than merely requesting a meeting or sales call, I favor delivering personalized value upfront. For instance, I create short, customized videos explaining exactly how I can help a prospect. For high-potential clients, I preemptively develop a partial deliverable—