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/ Cold email
How to write a cold email that cites a source
Open with one fact the buyer made public, such as a line from their job post, and name the source. Then say in one sentence why it matters, and ask one question. Keep it under 90 words.
Key takeaways
- Gmail asks all senders to keep spam rates below 0.3% in Postmaster Tools (Gmail Help).
- Gmail requires SPF or DKIM for all senders, and SPF, DKIM and DMARC for bulk senders (Gmail Help).
- Senders of more than 5,000 messages a day must support one-click unsubscribe (Gmail Help).
How do you write the email step by step?
- Find one public fact about the account, such as a job post line or a filing.
- Write the first line around that fact, and name where it came from.
- Write one sentence on the problem it creates that you solve.
- Add one line of proof, such as a customer in the same situation.
- Ask one question that is easy to answer.
Cold email template
Subject: <the problem, in their words> Hi <first name>, Your post for a <role> says the team will <quote from the post> (<site>, <date>). That usually means <the problem you solve>. We helped <similar company> with the same problem. Is this on your list for this quarter?
What are Gmail's sender rules?
- Keep spam rates in Postmaster Tools below 0.3%, and aim for below 0.1%.
- Set up SPF or DKIM. Bulk senders need SPF, DKIM and DMARC.
- If you send more than 5,000 messages a day, support one-click unsubscribe.
Questions people ask
How long is a good cold email?
Short enough to read on a phone in one screen. Under 90 words is a good limit.
Can I quote a job post in a cold email?
Yes. The post is public. Quote it exactly and name where it was published.
Sources
- Gmail Help: Email sender guidelines, checked October 22, 2026
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