1. Target
- One segment defined (niche + location + signal)
- Ideal customer profile written in one sentence
- Offer matched to the signal
2. List
- List built and filtered
- Cleaned (see the cleaning checklist)
- Exported in the right format
- Imported and tagged
3. Copy
- Subject line: short, specific, honest
- First line: specific observation
- One offer, one question
- Under 100 words
- Fallbacks set for every variable
- Two follow-ups written, each adding something new
4. Sending setup
- Warmed-up, authenticated inboxes
- Daily limits set per inbox
- Sending window in the prospects' time zone
- Sequence stops on reply
5. Test
- Test emails sent to yourself
- Variables render correctly
- Links work
- Opt-out line present
6. Launch and handle replies
- Start with a small batch
- Check bounces after the first day
- Reply to positive responses within hours
- Remove opt-outs immediately
- Log outcomes in the CRM
7. Review after a week
- Reply rate and positive reply rate per segment
- Which follow-up got replies
- What to change for the next batch
Related: cold email for local businesses