Cold email still works, but only if you set it up right. Here’s a two-minute guide to getting started.
1. Get a Secondary Domain
Never use your main domain for cold email. Buy a variation:
- If your main domain is
company.com, getgetcompany.comortrycompany.com - Cost: ~$12/year
2. Set Up Email Infrastructure
Provider: Use Google Workspace or Outlook (~$6/month)
DNS Records (critical for deliverability):
- SPF: Authorizes your email provider
- DKIM: Adds a digital signature
- DMARC: Tells receivers what to do with failed emails
Without these, you’re landing in spam.
3. Warm Up the Inbox
For 2-3 weeks, gradually increase sending volume:
- Week 1: 10-20 emails/day
- Week 2: 30-50 emails/day
- Week 3: 50-100 emails/day
Use a warmup tool or manually exchange emails with colleagues.
4. Write Simple, Human Emails
Subject: Quick question about [their company]
Hey [name],
Saw that [specific observation about their company].
We help companies like yours [specific outcome]. Recently worked with [similar company] to [result].
Worth a quick chat?
-[your name]5. Track and Iterate
- Open rate target: 40%+
- Reply rate target: 5%+
- If below, test new subject lines and messaging
That’s it. No fancy tools needed to start.