Cold email call to action is a crucial part of your cold emails as without them your recipients won’t know what to do after reading your cold email.
However, just writing any CTA won’t do much of a good job either.
It’s essential that you write the right CTA for your specific cold email, use cases, and needs.
And in this article, I’m going to tell you exactly what you need to know to write an effective cold email call to action for anything you need!
Why is CTA Important in Cold Emails?
CTAs are essential in marketing including in cold emails and without them, your marketing would struggle to get your target audience to do what you want them to do.
Cold email calls to action will tell your audience exactly what you want them to do, which can drastically increase your conversion rates.
With just one CTA increases sales by approximately 1,617%.
AND personalized CTAs perform 202% better than generic CTAs.
Therefore, it’s crucial for your cold emails to have CTAs because by using them you can essentially:
- Navigate your recipients where you need them to go.
- Clearly state what is the next step for the recipients.
- Avoid any confusion for the recipients.
- Get much better results from your cold email campaigns.
So it’s safe to say that your cold emails need CTAs and in this article, I am going to tell you exactly how to write an effective cold email call to action that works like a charm!
14 Best Practices to Write the Best Cold Email Call to Action (CTA)
There are tons of different ways you can write your CTA for your cold email and not every CTA will be the right for your use case and needs.
So, in this section, I am going to give you the best practices and examples of how you can write your cold email call to action as well as some advice, tips, and tricks on when the specific CTA will work the best.
With that being said, let’s get you started
Practice #1: Give Them a Specific URL to Visit
Directing recipients to a specific URL is a straightforward yet powerful call to action.
This approach is particularly effective for businesses promoting digital products, services, or content, such as SaaS platforms, online courses, or industry reports.
This CTA type suits cold emails aiming to increase website traffic, educate potential customers, or convert leads into users.
By providing a clear link, you make the desired action straightforward, removing barriers to engagement.
SaaS companies can leverage this to introduce prospects to their platform, whereas e-commerce businesses can direct potential customers to new products or sales pages. (Learn more about SaaS cold email strategy)
Example CTAs:
- “Explore our SaaS solution’s features here: [Website URL].”
- “Start your free trial today by visiting [Website URL].”
- “Read our comprehensive guide on improving productivity: [Website URL].”
- “View our latest collection now at [Website URL].”
Practice #2: Give Them Specific Date
Using a specific date in your call to action instills urgency and sets a clear timeline for your recipients to take action.
This method works best for events, webinars, product launches, or deadlines for special offers but it can actually be used by anyone who is trying to get their recipients to take action by a certain time.
This CTA type prompts immediate attention and decision-making, pushing the recipient towards action to avoid missing out.
It’s crucial that the date mentioned is realistic, giving the recipient enough time to act while still conveying urgency.
For example, for an e-commerce shop, this could be 24 hours whereas for the B2B industry, this could be 1 week so they can discuss with decision-makers.
For webinar hosts or educational platforms, specifying enrollment or event dates encourages prompt registration.
Retailers can highlight the end of a sale period to spur purchases. Always pair the date with a compelling reason to act within that timeframe.
Examples of CTAs:
- “Reserve your spot by [Specific Date] for our exclusive webinar.”
- “Register by [Specific Date] to access early bird pricing.”
- “Order by [Specific Date] to receive your product in time for the holidays.”
- “Submit your application by [Specific Date] to qualify.”
Practice #3: Give Them Deadline
Setting a deadline in your call to action generates a sense of urgency, compelling recipients to act swiftly.
Research indicates that urgent CTAs can generate an astounding 332% higher conversion rates.
This tactic is especially powerful for limited-time offers, subscription renewals, or any scenario requiring prompt decision-making.
It’s ideal for marketing campaigns, e-commerce promotions, and service renewals where time sensitivity is a factor.
When implementing this CTA, clarity and immediacy are crucial.
Ensure the deadline is prominent and imminent, prompting the recipient to act to avoid missing out.
This approach is about creating a compelling incentive that requires a quick response, which in turn can significantly boost engagement and conversion rates.
However, don’t overdo it, otherwise, it lose its effectiveness, and even worse, recipients will feel like they don’t want to take any action even if they would.
Examples of CTAs:
- “Act now: Offer expires in 48 hours.”
- “Secure your spot before [Deadline Date].”
- “Last chance: Complete your purchase by midnight.”
- “Respond by [Deadline Date] to take advantage of this exclusive offer.”
Practice #4: Write Personalized CTA
Personalized CTAs significantly enhance the recipient’s engagement, proving to increase conversions by not too shabby 202%.
They shine in targeted marketing campaigns, customer re-engagement emails, and personalized offers based on user behavior or preferences.
By tailoring the CTA to the recipient’s interests, history, or needs, you create a more relevant and compelling reason for them to act. This approach is particularly effective in industries where customization and personal touch can make a substantial difference, such as e-commerce, B2B services, or subscription-based models.
Lastly, also ensure you apply the cold email copywriting best practices and techniques for your CTAs as you can improve the results of your cold email marketing.
Examples of CTAs:
- “John, start your personalized fitness journey today.”
- “Emma, continue where you left off with your course.”
- “Unlock your custom report, Sarah.”
- “Mike, claim your specially curated book list now.”
Practice #5: Ask-Open-Ended Question
Asking an open-ended question in your CTA invites engagement and prompts the recipient to think and respond, prompting your recipients to respond to your cold email.
It’s commonly used, especially towards the end of the cold email sequence instead of getting your recipients to take action you just want them to respond to your cold emails.
This method is most effective in building relationships and understanding customer needs, ideal for service-based industries, feedback requests, or when initiating a discovery process in B2B interactions.
By encouraging recipients to share their thoughts or experiences, you personalize the interaction and increase the likelihood of a reply.
Ensure your question is relevant and resonates with the recipient’s interests or pain points.
Examples of CTAs:
- “How can our solutions better meet your needs?”
- “What challenges are you facing with your current setup?”
- “Can you share your goals for this quarter?”
- “What’s your vision for the ideal system?”
Practice #6: Provide Calendar Link
Incorporating a calendar link as your CTA streamlines the process of scheduling meetings or consultations.
This CTA is one of the most commonly used across different industries as it enables you to actually connect with your recipients and have the important 1-on-1 conversation that can help you understand your target audience as well as close your deals.
This method is particularly effective in B2B email campaigns, consultancy services, or any scenario where a direct conversation or meeting is the next step.
By removing the back-and-forth typically involved in scheduling, you significantly increase the chances of securing a meeting.
A calendar link offers a clear, direct pathway for recipients to engage with you at their convenience, thereby accelerating the decision-making process.
It’s crucial, however, to ensure that the calendar is up-to-date and reflects your availability accurately.
Examples of CTAs:
- “Book your free consultation here: [Calendar Link].”
- “Schedule our next meeting at your convenience: [Calendar Link].”
- “Find a time that works for you: [Calendar Link].”
- “Let’s talk solutions: reserve your slot today [Calendar Link].”
Practice #7: Write First-Person CTA
Utilizing first-person pronouns in your call to action can personalize the message and make a stronger connection.
This approach is highly effective across all industries and one of the greatest way to do A/B testing for your CTA.
Studies show that CTAs using “I,” “Me,” or “My” can achieve up to a 90% higher conversion rate by making the action feel more personal and relevant to the user.
First-person CTAs work best when you want the recipient to feel ownership and direct involvement in the action.
This technique is particularly useful in creating a sense of individual benefit and urgency and I like to use this method more and more.
Examples of CTAs:
- “I want my free guide now.”
- “I’m ready to start my trial.”
- “Count me in for the exclusive offer.”
- “I want to reserve my spot today.”
Practice #8: Bring Up Something Personal
Another best practice for a cold email CTA is to bring up something personal.
But before you jump into bushes and start watching your prospects at 3 AM in their house…
“Hey David, so you like to binge on your kids eat ice cream at 3 AM, and then explain to them that it was the tooth fairy?”
… Let me explain it.
This should be professionally personal such as the recent success of their company, especially where the prospect was involved in, or their own recent business success such as certification, meeting goals, or anything else they posted on LinkedIn and is personal, but not creepy if you know what I mean.
Of course, this method is only utilized in B2B as it takes a ton of time to do research for each of your prospects, but it can be extremely rewarding.
Therefore, when you have a big deal to close, you want to make the deal more personalized.
Examples of CTAs:
- “Congratulations on reaching your Q4 targets, David. Let’s discuss how we can push your Q1 results even higher.”
- “Impressed by your recent certification, Emma. Can we explore how this elevates your business needs?”
- “Saw your team’s project completion announcement, Mike. Interested in tackling new challenges together?”
- “Noticed your company’s expansion news, Sara. How can our solutions support your growing needs?”
Practice #9: Ask Yes/No Question
Asking a Yes/No question simplifies the decision-making process for your recipient, making it an effective CTA strategy for your cold email.
This approach works best when you aim to quickly gauge interest or make it easy for the recipient to engage without requiring much time or thought.
It’s particularly effective in initial outreach emails, feedback requests, or when identifying potential leads.
By offering a binary choice, you reduce the effort needed to respond, increasing the likelihood of engagement.
So ensure the question is direct and relevant to the recipient’s interests or needs.
Examples of CTAs:
- “Are you looking for ways to improve your team’s productivity?”
- “Can we save you 20% on your current operational costs?”
- “Would you like to see a demo of our latest product?”
- “Is reducing project delivery times a priority for you?”
Practice #10: Use Social Proof CTAs
Incorporating social proof into your CTAs can significantly enhance their effectiveness.
When you show that others have benefited from your service or product, it builds trust and credibility for your business.
This approach is especially powerful in industries where trust is essential, such as healthcare, finance, B2B, or online retail.
Remember, testimonials, reviews, or user-generated content can boost conversion rates by up to 161%.
You’re not just telling them what to do; you’re showing them why they should do it, based on others’ successful experiences.
This method works best when trying to convert skeptical prospects or when introducing new products or services.
Examples of CTAs:
- “Join the 500+ satisfied clients who improved their workflow with us. See how.”
- “Discover why 95% of our users recommend our solution. Start your trial.”
- “See how companies like yours saved time and money. Read their stories.”
- “Find out how others succeeded in their projects using our tools. Learn more.”
Practice #11: Include a Clear Value Proposition
Including a clear value proposition in your CTA ensures that you communicate the direct benefits your recipient will gain.
This best practice is essential when you’re offering a solution to a specific problem, launching a new product, or when you want to differentiate yourself from competitors.
It’s about showing you understand their needs and have the right solution for them.
You’re telling them exactly what they’ll gain by taking the desired action, making the decision to click through or respond much easier.
This approach works best when the offer is highly relevant to the recipient’s current challenges or goals.
Examples of CTAs:
- “Start saving 20% on your monthly expenses today. Learn how.”
- “Boost your team’s productivity by 40% with our tool. Discover the difference.”
- “Reduce project delivery times and increase client satisfaction. See how.”
- “Gain peace of mind with our 24/7 security solutions. Find out more.”
Practice #12: Use Action-Oriented Language
Using action-oriented language in your CTA creates a sense of urgency and clarity. This approach is particularly effective when you want to prompt an immediate response or encourage quick decision-making.
It’s ideal for limited-time offers, product launches, or when you’re driving recipients toward a specific, timely action.
You’re not just suggesting a course of action; you’re compelling them to take that step now.
This CTA is one of the most commonly used in cold email and sure way to get your recipients to know what is the next step.
So, ensure your language is clear, direct, and unambiguous to remove any hesitation and boost cold email response rates.
Examples of CTAs:
- “Grab your exclusive discount now before it’s gone.”
- “Start your free trial today and transform your workflow.”
- “Book your spot now to secure your place.”
- “Claim your complimentary consultation today and see the difference.”
Practice #13: Use Numbers or Statistics
Incorporating numbers or statistics in your CTA adds credibility and specificity, making your message more persuasive as well as adding the extra wow factor to your offering.
This method is most effective when you want to highlight the success of your product or service, demonstrate its value, or convey the urgency of an offer.
This type of CTA is effective across all industries as everybody loves things are already proven before they test them themselves.
You’re not just making claims; you’re backing them up with evidence. This approach reassures recipients and helps them understand exactly what they stand to gain by taking action.
Examples of CTAs:
- “Join over 10,000 professionals who enhanced their skills with us. Start now.”
- “Save up to 50% on your office supplies by switching today. See how.”
- “Improve your response rates by 75% with our proven strategies. Discover more.”
- “Cut your project time in half. Learn how with our guide.”
Practice #14: Test and Optimize (A/B Testing)
This type of CTA emphasizes the significance of comparing two versions of a call to action (CTA) to identify which is more effective, an approach backed by research showing a 49% increase in conversions. (Cold Email Statistics)
This method is essential for refining your cold email CTAs to better resonate with your audience and drive desired actions.
Begin with implementing your A/B testing strategy by closely monitoring the performance of each variation.
Examples of CTAs to test:
- “Sign up for a free trial” vs. “Start your free trial now”
- “Download the guide” vs. “Get your free guide”
- “Schedule a demo today” vs. “Book your demo session”
Conclusion
Overall your cold email call to action will highly depend on the types of cold emails you’re having within your cold email sequence as well as what you’re trying to achieve.
It doesn’t mean you should utilize all these practices, but only those that make sense to you and your purpose.
But you should definitely be testing multiple of these practices to ensure that you have the best results.
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FAQs about Cold Email Call to Action
In this section we’re going to answer commonly asked questions about cold email call to action:
What is a call to action in a cold email?
A call to action (CTA) in a cold email is a directive phrase designed to prompt an immediate response or encourage an urgent sale, such as “Sign up now” or “Schedule a meeting today.” It’s crucial for guiding recipients towards the next step in the engagement process.
How do you write a call to action email?
To write a call to action email, clearly define your objective, use persuasive language, and create a sense of urgency. Your CTA should be concise, action-oriented, and placed prominently in your email to encourage recipients to act.
How do you grab attention in a cold email?
To grab attention in a cold email, start with a compelling subject line, personalize the greeting, and offer immediate value in the opening line. Utilize engaging storytelling or problem-solving techniques that resonate with the recipient’s needs or interests.
Related Articles:
- Best cold email generators for personalized outreach
- Achieve the Best Cold Email Deliverability with These 19 Best Practices
- How to Craft Best Cold Email Subject Lines with Examples
- Answer to How Many Cold Emails to Send Per Day
- Best Cold Email Software
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- How to Write Introduction Cold Email Template
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