The WORST cold pitches I've ever received

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Subject: The WORST cold pitches I've ever received

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Friend,

Everyone knows that cold outreach is a necessity when you're first starting out.

Whether you're sending DMs, emails or even letters, your outreach is crucial to the growth of your business.

Now, I have nothing against cold outreach itself. In fact, I use it myself.

However sometimes you receive a message and have to ask: what was the person thinking when they sent it?

Over the past year I've had some terrible messages.

I thought it would be good to share them (and how you can do much better).

1. LinkedIn Message Request

It would be hard to create a poor outreach list without mentioning LinkedIn.

Now don't get me wrong, I think LinkedIn can be a great tool when used effectively.

However this was by FAR one of the worst requests I've ever received.

I honestly don't know where to start here.

Firstly, "I have read your profile with interest" is a terrible opening line.

You want first lines to be personalised and interesting. Why do I care if someone is interested in my profile?

Secondly, "potential synergies between our organisation"...

What does this even mean? He hasn't stated what he offers, some kind value proposition, or even the name of his business.

Unfortunately Matthew, I won't be OK to connect on this one.

2. Twitter DMs

As I've grown my Twitter account I've been pitched with a lot of DMs.

Personal training, people asking for mentorship, you know, the usual.

However this particular individual stood out (for the wrong reasons).

He literally wouldn't stop messaging me.

In total he must have sent around 20 follow ups to his initial pitch.

Whilst I respect the grind this is just not how to sell.

If you haven't had a response to your first 3-5 messages it's best to say the client isn't interested.

Instead of sending spam, consider offering real value.

> Send them articles that may benefit their business.

> Give a breakdown of their landing page through loom.

> Offer a free audit of their Klaviyo account.

You'll get 100x more replies than sending this garbage.

3. Repetitive Pitches

Now, this pitch isn't as bad as the others. It offers value straight away and they're not trying to sell me anything (Yet).

However, I received this the very next day...

These individuals didn't even bother to modify their first lines.

They've sent a generic script with a few modifications about themselves.

Now I'd do two things here.

Firstly, tailor the first line to the prospect.

> Give a specific compliment about their business.

> Mention an update that's happened in their business.

> Discuss a subject you know the CEO finds interesting.

This is how you'll get them to open your message.

Secondly, I'd try to build some authority with the article I'm sending over.

I've never heard of Sian Lenegan (turns out she's an "Outreach coach").

If I were to send a cold message, I'd send material from a well-known individual.

For example, material from Eugene Schwartz for copywriters or material from Neil Patel for SEO.

Alternatively, I'd show some social proof for the resource I've sent.

"Here's an article by Sian Lenegan, a CEO who's sold more than $10m in the past x years".

You want to make it as valuable for the recipient as possible.

Anyway, after going through these again I need to go for a walk.

When you complete any form of cold outreach, make sure you get the basics right.

You'll never achieve a 100% success rate, but you definitely won't end up on a "worst cold pitch" email.

Have a great week,

- Copy Mav

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Subject: The WORST cold pitches I've ever received