I have a bunch of sites and therefore I get a lot of email through my contact forms. It is amazing to me the lack of attention to detail in many of the inquiries that I receive. More importantly from those trying to sell me something.
Today I’ll share with you the dos and don’ts of making first contact through any business website.
5 Website Cold-calling Tips
1. Read the instructions on the contact form page.
Does the site require specifics from you? Are there instructions or links to more relevant forms that you should use?
For example on my consulting site I have a link for visitors who would like to inquire about partnering with me for those who miss that link in the top nav bar. That special form gives me the info I need to be of service.
What do you think that says when the incorrect form is submitted? Not reading the very contact page you are completing reflects that all you care about is getting your message in front of someone — anyone. Not impressive or worth a response.
2. Make sure you are completing the form correctly.
Using partnership form again as an example. I am clear about what I need to know and what the submitter needs to provide to pitch their product or service to me.
I receive submissions every day that do not meet the criteria noted on that very page. Including submissions that propose I just post their offered guest articles that have absolutely nothing to do with what my site visitors may be interested in.
On this very site I also have a note that I don’t accept guest articles. But I receive inquiries asking if I do several times a week.
3. Is your inquiry even apropos?
I receive inquiries that offer me services that are not targeted for what I do or are not related in any way. Why would I buy what they are selling? Why would I link to them from my site?
Best you detail why those you are contacting should be interest in what you have to offer. Otherwise, you don’t make an impression worth responding to.
4. Double-check your submission for typos and proper grammar.
Poor grammar in your inquiry reflects a lack of attention to detail. That makes me wonder how you run your business.
5. Don’t be a stalker.
Unasked for unsolicited sales pitches do not require my response. If you do not hear back from me you can safely assume I am not interested. Keep emailing me and you become aggravating and someone I won’t do business with.
Here’s What You Do…
Before you email through a website form or to a posted address read about the company. Read the “About” page.
Determine if what you have to offer is something the site or owner really can utilize. Then personalize your message. Next, and this is important, ask if I am interested in any additional details instead of assuming that I am.
Never underestimate how your level of personalization, courtesy, attention to detail and professionalism will encourage a response. Even if the website owner may not be interested at that point in time.
I’m not online to be spammed with offers that a sales person thinks I need. Being website owners didn’t ask for your sales pitch, you need to approach them with diligence and discretion to not be perceived as spammy.
Personalize with Details
That means you don’t whip off a templated inquiry that is not personalized or that you didn’t check to make sure it applies. Following the above tips can help you put a positive spin on your outreach efforts without annoying and possibly dashing any potential opportunities.