How Long Should Your Cold Emails Be

Word count is not the problem

Josh and George open the episode by pushing back on the idea that shorter emails always win. The real issue is clarity. If your message is easy to understand and relevant, it will work at almost any length. But shorter emails often force better writing, which makes them easier to read and more likely to get a response.

Why short emails often perform better

Most people skim cold emails. They do not read word for word. Short emails reduce friction and allow the reader to understand the offer quickly. This improves response rates and avoids wasting anyone’s time.

• Short messages show respect for the reader’s time
  
• They reduce confusion and make the next step obvious
  
• They are easier to write and test at scale
  

Remove the fluff

George explains that most senders include filler phrases that serve no purpose. Common examples include “just following up” or “I hope this finds you well.” These lines are not helpful and make your message feel templated. Josh agrees. Strong cold emails get to the point and skip the fluff.

When longer emails are okay

Not every message should be short. If your offer is unfamiliar or needs a bit of explanation, that is fine. But the longer the email, the more important it is to structure it clearly. Avoid long paragraphs and keep the reader focused on what matters.

Josh adds that if you are writing to founders or senior decision makers, you must lead with value. These audiences do not have time for introductions or background stories. Get to the point.

Spintax usually hurts more than it helps

Josh and George discuss how spintax can weaken your email by making it sound unnatural. While it can technically help with deliverability, it often creates strange phrasing and distracts from your message.

George shares that Email Chaser is moving away from spintax and toward cleaner, more consistent messaging. Josh agrees. Writing five clear versions manually is better than spinning one version that sounds like a robot.

Personalization should feel natural

Not all personalization is helpful. Josh explains that adding a custom line about a podcast or blog post can backfire if it feels forced. It is better to personalize by targeting a very specific audience and writing a message that feels tailored to their situation.

• Only personalize when it improves the message
  
• Segment your list and write for that group
  
• Relevance is more important than name-dropping
  

Follow-ups matter more than length

Cold email rarely works on the first try. Most replies come from follow-ups. Josh explains that a well-timed second or third message often outperforms the opener. These messages should feel like a natural continuation, not pressure.

George recommends keeping follow-ups light and simple. Ask a question. Reframe the offer. Do not repeat the same thing over and over.

Clarity always beats cleverness

The goal is not to be witty or impressive. The goal is to be clear. Josh says that clever intros and puns can confuse readers or seem gimmicky. It is better to write like you are talking to a real person and offering real help.

George agrees. The best cold emails sound like someone sat down and wrote it in a minute. Not overthought. Not rehearsed. Just honest and useful.

Know when to stop

Some leads will never reply. That is okay. Josh recommends including a natural exit in your sequence. After three or four respectful emails, move on. Do not keep pushing or sending guilt-trip messages.

Letting go keeps your domain reputation clean and your list healthy.

Final thoughts

Cold email is not about word count. It is about message quality. Short emails often work because they are easier to read, not because they are short. Focus on being helpful, relevant, and easy to respond to. That is what gets results.

• Write like a person, not a brand
  
• Be clear, not clever
  
• Say less, but make it count
  

Simplify everything and speak directly. That is what makes cold outreach work.