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Cold EmailResult2026-02
Study of 847 Positive Replies: 31% Never Became Meetings
Liam (@iamliamsheridan)
Best response timeunder 23 minutes for 80%+ conversion teamsResults
under 23 minutes for 80%+ conversion teams
Best response time
4.2 hours
Average response time
31%
Never became meetings
847
Positive replies studied
Key tactics
- Reply speed is critical (under 23 min for top teams)
- Ask 'what''s your biggest challenge with X?' instead of 'are you free for a call?' (71% vs 34% conversion)
- Keep replies to 3 lines
- Do 3 follow-ups 48h apart
Summary
Analysis of 847 positive cold email replies. 31% never turned into meetings. Main reasons: slow response time, asking for a call too early, long replies, and weak follow-up. Top teams respond in under 23 minutes and use value-oriented first questions.
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