If one is diligent in sales and cold email outreach, they’re inevitably going to send numerous emails and have many touch points of communication with the same prospect. The benefits of following up are well documented. But at some point, after many emails without a response, the question arises as to how to proceed. The so-called “breakup email” is a popular and valuable option when done properly.
The break up email refers to the email sent at the end of an email sequence when no response is received. It’s worth noting however that not everyone agrees with the tactic of sending a breakup email. It’s our view that the breakup email can serve a constricting purpose.
When done well it should aim to do the following:
- Show the recipient that you’re paying attention to who is responding → it shows you care
- Acknowledge that this might not be a good fit or time → it shows empathy
- Tell them how you plan to move forward → it shows transparency
- Leave the door open for the future → it shows a good spirit and open mind
Every email serves a purpose and the breakup email is designed, in a human way, to acknowledge the lack of engagement. Engaging with prospects in a human way that adds value and shows empathy will improve how the recipient views the sender.
What Makes A Great BreakUp Email?
Let's explore in more detail some tips for writing a breakup email.
Keep the email short
When crafting a breakup email, keeping it short is key. It's important to remember that this is not the time for a long conversation or for airing out grievances. Instead, a breakup email should be concise and to the point.
In addition to keeping it short, one strategy to employ is watchful waiting. This means taking a step back and waiting to send the email until you are in a calm and thoughtful state of mind.
When discussing financial transactions, it's important to be transparent and respectful. This may include discussing a tender offer or outlining how any joint accounts will be divided.
It's also essential to be mindful of personal data. Make sure that any sensitive information is kept safe and secure, and take care to avoid sharing any personal information publicly.
Throughout the breakup email, it's important to be mindful of the consumer's feelings. This may mean using a tool such as empathy to put yourself in their shoes and approach the conversation with kindness and understanding.
Give them one last opportunity to express interest
As you craft your breakup email, it's important to remember the marketing strategies that brought your relationship with this customer to fruition. Perhaps you employed a successful advertising campaign that caught their eye or used a template in your email communications that spoke their language. Regardless of the methods you used to engage them, those tactics were carefully crafted with intention and reason.
As you bid them farewell, don't forget to leave the door open for future learning. Use this moment to gather feedback on what worked and what could have been better in your approach to this customer's purchase funnel. Ask them to share their thoughts on what emotions your marketing elicits in them and how you can better cater to their needs.
Take this opportunity to solidify their loyalty by showing that you are invested in their satisfaction and want to continually improve their experience with your brand.
Add value
When it comes to ending a cold email sequence, the impression you leave can greatly impact your future business relationship with that prospect. Your goal should be to make them feel valued and respected, whilst also staying within budget.
One variable and attribute to consider is automation. It can automate the entire business process of sending follow-up emails to prospects, making the decision-making process more efficient. However, it's important to also thoughtfully consider the feeling the prospect will have upon receiving this automated follow-up.
Make sure it's not robotic or impersonal. It's important to mark a date in your calendar to review the result of the automation and adjust accordingly. Ultimately, the decision to end the cold email sequence should not be taken lightly and should be executed with care and thoughtfulness.
Tell them how you plan to proceed
When it comes to ending a cold email sequence, it's important to have a clear plan of action in mind. The first step is to start with a strong opening line that communicates your intent clearly. Then, it's crucial to provide your recipient with a valuable resource that reflects your understanding of their business.
If you've been solution selling and attempting to motivate them to make a purchase, it's important to acknowledge this effort and provide a clear thread for how you plan to continue your communication. However, if it's become clear that your employment of interruption marketing tactics has not been appreciated, it might be time to reassess your strategy.
Regardless of your past efforts, it's important to recognize that your recipient's revenue is their top priority. With this in mind, make sure to frame your message in a way that highlights the benefits of parting ways amicably. Incentivize them to consider maintaining a positive relationship with you even after this message by highlighting your personalization and hoping for a successful future partnership.
Every email serves a purpose and the breakup email is designed, in a human way, to acknowledge the lack of engagement. Engaging with prospects in a human way that adds value and shows empathy will improve how the recipient views the sender.
Specific Examples Of An Effective Breakup Email
Let's now put the above into practice and break down the key elements of an effective breakup email.
1. Use a Subject Line That Sets the Tone
When it comes to ending a business relationship, whether it's the sales process engineering or the delivery of a product or service, it's important to do so effectively. It may be difficult, but a breakup email can help facilitate the end of the relationship in a professional manner. When crafting such an email, one of the first things to consider is the subject line. This should set the tone and clearly communicate the purpose of the email.
In the body of the email, it's important to address the specific relationship and context at hand. For example, if the relationship was primarily conducted via telephone calls, it may be helpful to acknowledge that initial connection. If there was a financial transaction involved, it's important to mention that and any relevant details, such as dates or amounts.
Additionally, the email should be tailored to the consumer or business you are addressing. This can help ensure the message is received and understood in the appropriate manner. If you are breaking up with a professional, for example, you will want to use more formal language and structure.
Here are some examples of effective breakup email subject lines for cold emails:
• Goodbye from XYZ Company
• It's time to say goodbye
• Our paths diverge here
• We're going our separate ways
• Business relationship closed
2. Express Appreciation for Their Time
When crafting your breakup email, using a template can provide structure and save time. One variable and attribute to consider is the recipient's role within their corporation. Using this information, you can tailor the email to address any concerns or pain points they may have experienced during the email sequence.
Expressing appreciation for their time shows that you value their attention and recognize the importance of their busy schedule. It also helps to soften the blow of ending the email sequence. In some cases, a breakup email may be necessary to avoid a potential lawsuit or legal dispute. By being proactive and ending the sequence sooner rather than later, you can also avoid any further complications.
When drafting the email, it's crucial to keep the subject line concise and to the point. Using keywords such as "breakup" or "end" can quickly convey the sense of the email's purpose. You may also want to offer an incentive for them to stay subscribed or consider reconnecting in the future. For example, you could offer a discount on a product or service, or provide a helpful resource related to their interests.
Remember that the breakup email is not the end of the relationship. It's an opportunity to pivot and find new ways to engage with your audience. With the right approach and mindset, your breakup email can lead to a stronger, more meaningful connection in the long run. So don't be afraid to hit send and move forward with confidence.
Here are some examples of effective breakup email bodies that show appreciation for their time:
• It's been great working with you and we appreciate the time you spent getting to know our brand.
• We appreciate your attention and look forward to seeing how you grow in the future.
• Thank you for taking the time to consider our offer. We'd love to stay connected for any potential opportunities down the road.
3. Structure the Email in a Clear and Concise Way
When structuring a breakup email to end a cold email sequence, it is crucial to be both clear and concise. As you write, keep in mind that the recipient is likely a busy professional who receives countless emails daily. To make the email effective, it should be easy for them to understand and act upon.
Let's say you offer a subscription business model.
First, consider the value of the subscription business model. If it is not relevant to the recipient or their nucleic acid sequence of interests, it may be time to cut or end the communication altogether. Doing so not only saves their time but also strengthens the relationship by showing respect for their interests.
When you reach the point of writing the breakup email, start with gratitude for the recipient’s time and attention. It is essential to show appreciation for their feedback and the opportunity to connect. Next, provide advice for next steps if they do find value in your clinical endpoint. This could include directing them to related articles or resources that may be of interest.
While it may be tempting to cut, copy, and paste previous emails or include a long-winded explanation, resist this urge. Keeping the email short and sweet shows respect for the recipient’s time and may even inspire a helping behavior in their future communications with you. By structuring the email well, you can end the cold email sequence in a positive way with the door open for potential future communication.
4. Leave the door open
Web tracking can be a powerful tool for email marketing, allowing businesses to track their audience's engagement and provide tailored content. With push technology, businesses can expand their target market and reach a wider audience for their products and services. By keeping the door open and offering product demonstrations and samples, businesses can generate curiosity and interest among their potential customers.
Software as a service (SaaS) is another popular business opportunity that lets companies offer their products through cloud-based technology. With mail order now more convenient than ever, businesses can provide their products to customers at their doorstep. Infusing humour in marketing emails can be an effective way to keep audiences engaged and interested in a business. Ultimately, it's important to leave the door open and keep communication channels open, as one never knows when a business opportunity may arise.
