The only cold email copywriting you’ll ever need (2025)

Mastering cold email copywriting is essential in 2025, where inboxes are flooded with pitches and time is at a premium. Drawing from insights in "The UFC of Cold Emailing" by Clayground, here’s a streamlined guide to writing cold emails that get results.

1. Keep It Short and Direct

The first rule of cold emailing is brevity. Limit your emails to 50-70 words to respect your recipient’s time and increase the chances of a response. People are likelier to engage with emails that get straight to the point without excess.

2. Eliminate Fluff

Avoid unnecessary words or vague phrases. Every word should serve a purpose, and any fluff that doesn’t add value should be cut. Clear, concise language not only shows respect for the reader's time but also makes your message stronger.

3. Address One Specific Problem

Identify a single problem your prospect faces, and make it the core of your email. Focusing on one issue helps you stay relevant and makes it easier for the recipient to understand how you can help them.

4. Use Short Sentences

Cold emails should be easy to read, especially on mobile. Keep your sentences short and straightforward, making your email more digestible and increasing the likelihood that it will be read through.

5. Avoid Starting with Questions

Opening with questions can feel confrontational or ambiguous. Start with a confident statement that establishes credibility and highlights the problem you’re addressing. Assertive openers set the tone and capture attention more effectively.

6. Maintain a Neutral Tone

Balance professionalism with approachability by keeping the tone neutral. Avoid language that feels too formal or casual—stick to a tone that’s informative, clear, and engaging.

7. Center on the Prospect, Not Yourself

Limit self-references or "I" statements in your cold email. The focus should be on the prospect's needs and how you can help them address their unique challenges. Centering on their needs fosters trust and encourages engagement.

8. Be Creative and Specific

Present the prospect’s problem in a way that’s precise and creative. Avoid cookie-cutter language, and instead, show a deep understanding of their unique issue and an actionable solution that only you can offer.

9. Communicate with Confidence

Use confident, direct language in your email. Avoid weak phrases like “I believe” or “I think,” which can dilute your message. Be assertive about your understanding of the problem and the value you bring.

10. Skip Features and Benefits

Rather than listing product features or general benefits, focus on the prospect's problem. Show how you’re equipped to solve it, rather than detailing your product’s features or specifications.

11. Use a Strategic P.S. in Follow-Ups

If you’re sending a follow-up, use the P.S. section to highlight relevant case studies, success stories, or metrics that relate to the prospect's problem. It’s an effective way to add value without cluttering the main message.

12. Steer Clear of Clichés

Avoid generic phrases like "saving time" or "boosting productivity." Instead, use precise language that targets the specific pain points of your prospect, showing you’ve done your research.

13. Craft a Two-Word Subject Line

For subject lines, keep it to two lowercase words. This minimalistic approach feels personal, avoids salesy vibes, and often prompts curiosity without overwhelming the reader.

14. Make Your CTA Value-Oriented

Ensure that your call to action is directly linked to the problem you've identified. Rather than vague CTAs like “Let’s connect,” offer a clear next step that aligns with your prospect's needs, such as “Explore solutions” or “Quick strategy call.”

15. Remove Weak Language

Phrases like “just following up” or “imagine if” often come across as salesy and passive. Instead, be direct and intentional, reinforcing the importance of your message and the value it brings.

16. Close Final Emails with Politeness

When it’s time for your final follow-up, state politely that this will be the last email you’ll be sending. This courteous approach respects their time while giving a gentle nudge for a response.

17. Skip the Emojis

Keep your cold emails professional by avoiding emojis. Emojis can make the email feel casual and distract from the seriousness of your offer.

The Power of Follow-Up

It’s worth noting that most responses come after the second or third email, emphasizing the importance of a structured follow-up strategy. Stay consistent, follow these key principles, and you’ll increase your chances of cold email success in 2025.