to copy! This is the standard answer to the foreign trade development letter

The standard for evaluating the quality of a cold email is whether the customer opens and replies to it. While many factors can influence the likelihood of opening and replying, and it's impossible to make everyone like it, there are some practical techniques that can indeed improve response rates. In this edition, I’ll break down the characteristics of cold emails with high open and reply rates, from the subject line to the body of the email.
 


Attention-Grabbing Subject Line
 
The subject line determines whether the customer will open your email. Since every customer has different preferences, it can be challenging to pinpoint their exact needs, but we can follow some general rules:
 
- Be concise and clear: Including the customer's name in the subject line often leads to higher open rates.
- Highlight the product or personal viewpoint: Showcasing the unique advantages of the product or individual can spark customer interest.
- Address customer needs: Subject lines that directly solve the customer’s pain points are the most attractive.
- Be fresh or creative: Unique combinations in the subject line can pique the customer's curiosity.
 
According to the 3-second rule, customers typically won’t linger long on the subject line. Therefore, it’s advised to keep it to around 10 words, with a maximum of 20 words.
 
Additionally, you can tailor the subject line based on the regional characteristics of the customer, such as:  
- European customers: Use the product name and company name as the subject line. For example, “Patio Heater – Kim – Scientec.”
- Indian customers: Include attention-grabbing words like promotions or discounts. For example, “Special Offer – Lowest Price on Patio Heater.”
 
Email Body
 
When drafting the email, first consider the following questions:
1. What is the customer most concerned about? What content will interest them?
2. What can I offer the customer? Why should they choose to work with me?
3. What action do I want the customer to take next? Is it to inquire, learn more, or place an order directly?
 
Once you’ve clarified these questions, you can start writing the body of the email. The structure should follow the AIDA principle:
- Attention: Capture the customer’s attention to encourage them to read further.
- Interest: Show the relevance to the customer.
- Desire: Highlight the advantages of the product.
- Action: Guide the customer on what to do next.
 
In terms of length, keep it concise—ideally between 200-300 words, with a reading time of no more than 20 seconds. Below is a simple email template:
 
Hi Mr. [Customer’s Name],
 
Leading companies like XXXX now trust XXX as their reliable supplier for XXX products. (Build trust and establish connection with the customer)  
For just [Cost], your customers can save energy by XX%. The remarkable [Product Name] uses [Technology] to: (Highlight the advantages and the benefits of collaborating with you)
- Advantage 1  
- Advantage 2  
 
To test [Product Name]’s effectiveness, simply reply to this email to arrange a free, no-obligation trial. We will respond immediately to schedule it. (Call to action, instruct the customer on the next step)
 
Best regards,  
[Your Name]
 
Although the reply rate for cold emails is generally low, consistent follow-ups can increase the chances of reaching out. Every follow-up could bring a potential order.