Achieve Incredible ROI with the 20+ Best Cold Email Tools: Here’s How!

Introduction to Cold Emailing Using Email Tools

Cold emailing remains a important strategy for businesses looking to reach new customers, establish B2B connections, or launch marketing campaigns without prior interaction. Utilizing email tools can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of these campaigns.

Statistics show that email marketing can offer an impressive average return on investment (ROI) of $42 for every $1 spent. Cold email tools amplify this potential by providing features like automation, scheduling, personalization, and analytics to optimize campaigns.

In 2023, data revealed that personalized cold emails achieve a 22% higher open rate than those without personalization.

Furthermore, automation using cold email marketing software has become increasingly crucial. Businesses that automate their email campaigns see transaction rates and revenue per email that are on average 75% higher than those of non-automated sends.

The use of advanced cold email tools can help in precisely segmenting audiences and tailoring messages accordingly, which increases the relevance and effectiveness of the outreach.

By integrating these tools, companies are not only able to scale their efforts but also track performance in real-time, allowing for quick adjustments and improved outcomes using cold outreach.

20 Best Cold Email Tools to Use in 2024

Cold Email Campaign Management

1. Mailshake

Mailshake is designed for sales professionals and marketers focused on cold email outreach to drive sales and generate leads. This tool is highly regarded for its user-friendly interface and powerful automation capabilities.

Features

• A/B testing to refine strategy
• Automation of follow-up emails
• Integration with major CRMs and LinkedIn

Pros

• Intuitive dashboard and easy setup
• Strong customer support and learning resources
• Effective personalization options

Cons

• Limited template customization
• Some users report issues with email deliverability

Pricing: Starts at $59 per user per month for the Basic plan, with advanced plans offering more features.

G2 Rating: 4.5/5 – Users appreciate its ease of use and effective automation but desire more integration options.

2. Woodpecker.co

Woodpecker.co specializes in B2B companies, automating personalized cold emails and follow-ups directly from your mailbox, helping to maintain the personal touch that is critical in B2B communications.

Features

• Personalized cold emails and follow-ups
• Email deliverability tests
• Native integrations with CRM software

Pros

• Sends emails directly from your email server
• High deliverability rates
• Flexible campaign scheduling

Cons

• Limited features for non-B2B users
• Interface can be clunky

Pricing: Plans start at $40 per month for basic features, with premium options available for advanced needs.

G2 Rating: 4.4/5 – Praised for its deliverability and personalization, though some feedback calls for a more modern user interface.

3. Lemlist

Lemlist stands out by allowing users to add personalized images and videos to emails, which can significantly boost engagement rates in cold email campaigns.

Features

• Email personalization with images and videos
• A/B testing capabilities
• Detailed campaign analytics

Pros

• Unique media personalization enhances engagement
• Strong integration with various tools and platforms
• Active and supportive user community

Cons

• Higher learning curve due to advanced features
• Some users find the pricing model to be on the higher side

Pricing: Starting at $29 per month with more advanced plans offering additional customization and features.

G2 Rating: 4.7/5 – Users love the unique video personalization feature but suggest improvements in user interface design.

4. Reply.io

Reply.io is a sales engagement platform that streamlines the process of reaching out to prospects via cold emails, calls, and task automation, making it ideal for teams looking to automate and track multi-channel outreach.

Features

• Multi-channel outreach (email, calls, social media)
• CRM integrations
• AI email sorting and response rate prediction

Pros

• Comprehensive platform for managing all aspects of sales engagement
• Strong tracking and analytics features
• Effective AI enhancements for prioritizing responses

Cons

• Can be expensive for small teams
• Complex setup that might require a learning curve

Pricing: Starts at $70 per user per month for the basic plan. The company offers customized pricing for more advanced features and larger team needs.

G2 Rating: 4.6/5 – Highly valued for its comprehensive features and effectiveness, though some users note the cost as a consideration.

5. Quickmail.io

Quickmail.io is designed for businesses and entrepreneurs who want to automate their cold email processes while maintaining a high level of personalization and control over their campaigns.

Features

• Auto-warmer feature to improve deliverability
• Detailed analytics on open and response rates
• A/B testing for optimizing campaigns

Pros

• High customization of email sequences
• Strong focus on deliverability
• Responsive customer support

Cons

• Interface may seem outdated
• Some limitations in integration capabilities

Pricing: Plans start at $59 per user per month, with additional costs for premium features.

G2 Rating: 4.3/5 – Users appreciate the automation and deliverability features, though some desire a more modern interface and broader integration options.

Email Deliverability Optimization

6. SendGrid

SendGrid is a leader in the email deliverability space, offering robust solutions for transactional and marketing emails. It is highly favored by developers and marketing teams for its scalability and reliability.

Features

• Scalable email delivery
• Comprehensive deliverability features including dedicated IPs
• Real-time analytics and reporting

Pros

• Highly reliable with strong infrastructure
• Extensive customization options
• Strong API for developer use

Cons

• Setup and features can be complex for beginners
• Some reports of delayed customer support responses

Pricing: Offers a free plan with basic features, while more advanced features and higher volume capabilities start from $14.95 per month and go up based on volume and features.

G2 Rating: 4.2/5 – Users commend SendGrid for its scalability and robust API, though note challenges with the learning curve and customer service.

7. Postmark

Postmark is renowned for its exceptional speed and reliability in delivering transactional emails. It is highly favored by developers and businesses that prioritize email deliverability and speed for critical communications.

Features

• Lightning-fast delivery speeds for transactional emails
• Detailed tracking and analytics
• Dedicated IP addresses and domain management

Pros

• Exceptional deliverability rates
• User-friendly interface and straightforward setup
• Excellent customer support

Cons

• Primarily focused on transactional emails, not ideal for bulk marketing campaigns
• Higher cost compared to some alternatives

Pricing: Starts at $10 per month for up to 10,000 emails, with prices increasing based on email volumes.

G2 Rating: 4.8/5 – Users praise Postmark for its reliability and excellent customer service, though note its focus on transactional emails as a limitation for broader marketing use.

8. Mailgun

Mailgun is a powerful email service designed for developers who need to integrate email into their applications but also suitable for marketers who require reliable deliverability.

Features

• Flexible APIs for easy integration with applications
• Email validation tools to improve deliverability
• Detailed logs and analytics for tracking

Pros

• Highly customizable and scalable
• Strong deliverability and detailed analytics
• Effective handling of large volumes of emails

Cons

• Requires technical expertise to fully leverage
• Some users report complex setup and management

Pricing: Free plan available with basic features; paid plans start at $35 per month, offering advanced features and higher sending limits.

G2 Rating: 4.3/5 – Appreciated for its robust API and scalability, though the need for technical knowledge can be a barrier for some users.

9. SMTP2GO

SMTP2GO is a solution that focuses on ensuring emails reach their destination efficiently, offering services that are particularly beneficial for businesses facing issues with email deliverability.

Features

• Real-time reporting of email status
• Dedicated IP options and detailed deliverability insights
• 24/7 customer support and deliverability guidance

Pros

• Strong emphasis on customer support
• Good deliverability with detailed analytics
• Simple user interface, suitable for non-technical users

Cons

• Some limitations in customization options
• Users outside the main service regions may experience slower support response times

Pricing: Starts at $15 per month for up to 40,000 emails, with custom pricing available for higher volumes.

G2 Rating: 4.5/5 – Users commend SMTP2GO for its supportive customer service and reliability, although some desire more flexibility in features.

10. Mailjet

Mailjet is an all-in-one platform that facilitates both email marketing and transactional messaging, making it a versatile choice for businesses seeking robust email solutions.

Features

• Advanced email editor for designing responsive emails
• Real-time monitoring and segmentation capabilities
• Integration capabilities with numerous platforms

Pros

• User-friendly interface suitable for marketers and developers
• Strong focus on GDPR compliance and data security
• Ability to manage both marketing and transactional emails effectively

Cons

• Some users report occasional delays with the spam folder handling
• Advanced features can be complex for beginners

Pricing: Offers a free trial; paid plans start at $15 per month for up to 15,000 emails without daily sending limits.

G2 Rating: 4.2/5 – Users appreciate its comprehensive features and scalability, though some note challenges with more advanced tools.

Cold Email Automation Tools

11. Autoklose

Autoklose is a sales automation platform that targets SMBs, offering tools to automate and streamline the entire sales process through powerful email warm up and cold emailing software functionalities.

Features

• Built-in B2B database for lead generation
• Email campaign automation and analytics
• Capability to add unlimited email accounts

Pros:

• Comprehensive dashboard with detailed analytics
• Strong template customization and automation features
• Effective cold outreach campaigns support

Cons:

• Database can be limited geographically
• Some integration features require technical knowledge

Pricing: Starts at $49.99 per user per month with additional costs for database access and advanced features.

G2 Rating: 4.4/5 – Valued for its automation capabilities and database, though some users want more intuitive UI updates.

12. Outreach

Outreach is a market leader in sales engagement platforms, known for enhancing productivity across multiple channels including LinkedIn automation. It is designed to help teams close more deals by optimizing their engagement processes.

Features

• Multichannel sequence planning (email, social, SMS)
• Deep analytics for measuring performance
• Integration with major CRM systems and email service providers

Pros:

• Extensive automation and customization options
• Robust tracking and analytics to improve email deliverability
• Strong support for complex sales strategies

Cons:

• High price point, more suitable for larger organizations
• Steep learning curve due to comprehensive features

Pricing: Custom pricing based on the size of the team and required features.

G2 Rating: 4.5/5 – Users praise its extensive capabilities and support, though the cost and complexity might deter smaller teams.

13. Salesloft

Salesloft offers a dynamic sales engagement platform designed to help sales teams connect with customers, streamline workflows, and achieve better sales results. It's geared towards enhancing the capabilities of sales teams through automation and intelligent insights.

Features

• Email, phone, and social media automation in one platform.
• Cadence scheduling with automated follow-ups.
• Detailed analytics for tracking sales engagement and effectiveness.

Pros:

• Integrated platform facilitating multiple forms of communication.
• High customization options for cadences and communications.
• Active community and strong customer support.

Cons:

• Some users report issues with software integrations.
• Occasionally described as glitchy or slow.

Pricing: Pricing starts at a base rate and scales with additional features and the number of users; exact pricing must be obtained directly from Salesloft.

G2 Rating: 4.4/5 – Generally well-received for its user interface and features, but some users suggest improvements in reliability and integration smoothness.

14. Yesware

Yesware is a tool tailored for sales teams that need to integrate powerful email tracking and automation directly into their email platforms, such as Gmail and Outlook, providing a seamless workflow.

Features

• Email tracking with real-time notifications.
• Automated email campaigns with personalization options.
• Integration with Gmail and Outlook, plus CRM integration.

Pros:

• Direct integration with email clients makes it easy to use.
• Useful tracking features that enhance sales follow-ups.
• Affordable pricing compared to competitors.

Cons:

• Limited features beyond email tracking and automation.
• Some users find the tool occasionally buggy.

Pricing: Yesware offers a tiered pricing model starting at $15 per user per month for the basic features, with more advanced plans available.

G2 Rating: 4.2/5 – Users like its ease of use and email tracking capabilities, though some critique the depth of features compared to broader CRM platforms.

15. Klenty

Klenty is a cold email automation tool that excels in helping sales teams initiate and automate personalized email communication at scale, streamlining the process of prospect engagement with deep personalization capabilities.

Features

• Powerful personalization capabilities across email templates.
• Email tracking and automated follow-up sequences.
• CRM integrations to synchronize activities and data.

Pros:

• Strong focus on personalization which can significantly increase response rates.
• User-friendly interface that simplifies campaign management.
• Reasonably priced with a robust feature set.

Cons:

• Limited functionality outside of email (no native calling or social media tools).
• Some users report occasional glitches with the integration features.

Pricing: Starts at $35 per user per month with options for more advanced features in higher-tier plans.

G2 Rating: 4.5/5 – Users appreciate its ease of use and effective personalization tools, though some desire more comprehensive multi-channel capabilities.

Advanced Personalization and Analytics

16. Mixmax

Mixmax is a comprehensive sales engagement platform that enhances email communication by integrating advanced personalization, automation, and analytics directly into your Gmail workflow.

Features

• One-click scheduling, email tracking, and automation.
• Dynamic email content including polls, surveys, and GIFs.
• Detailed analytics for opens, clicks, and engagement.

Pros:

• Seamless integration with Gmail makes it exceptionally user-friendly.
• Advanced features like scheduling and dynamic content enrich user interactions.
• Robust analytics provide deep insights into email performance.

Cons:

• Primarily designed for Gmail users, limiting its use for those on other email platforms.
• Some users find the pricing model to be expensive for teams.

Pricing: Basic features are free, with premium plans starting at $49 per user per month.

G2 Rating: 4.4/5 – Highly rated for its integration and features, though some critique its cost and platform limitations.

17. BananaTag (now part of PathFactory)

BananaTag, which has been integrated into PathFactory, focuses on email tracking and analytics, offering users insights into how their communications are being received and interacted with, which is crucial for refining strategies and improving engagement.

Features

• Advanced email tracking and engagement metrics.
• Email scheduling and feedback alerts.
• Integration with popular email platforms and CRMs.

Pros:

• Provides detailed metrics on email performance, helping refine tactics.
• The integration into PathFactory offers broader marketing insights.
• Useful for both internal and external communication tracking.

Cons:

• As part of a larger platform, it may require investment in additional PathFactory services to fully benefit.
• The focus has shifted slightly since integration, possibly diluting pure email tracking features.

Pricing: As it's part of PathFactory, pricing is not listed separately and interested parties should contact PathFactory for a quote.

G2 Rating: Not separately rated post-integration, but PathFactory and former BananaTag users note the utility of advanced tracking features in enhancing marketing efforts.

18. HubSpot Sales Hub

HubSpot Sales Hub is a widely recognized and integrated sales platform that combines CRM functionality with advanced sales automation, email marketing, and extensive analytics to help businesses manage their sales pipeline and enhance customer relationships effectively.

Features

• Comprehensive CRM capabilities integrated with sales automation.
• Email tracking, scheduling, and personalization tools.
• Detailed reporting and analytics dashboards.

Pros:

• All-in-one platform for sales, marketing, and customer service.
• Extensive integration options with other tools and software.
• User-friendly interface and robust customer support.

Cons:

• Can be expensive for small businesses, especially as needs scale.
• The extensive features can be overwhelming for new users.

Pricing: Starts at $45 per month for the Starter package, with more advanced features available in higher-tier plans which require custom quotes.

G2 Rating: 4.5/5 – Users appreciate its comprehensive capabilities and integration options, although some report it can be costly as additional features are needed.

19. Pipedrive’s Email Marketing

Pipedrive's Email Marketing tool is part of its broader CRM offerings, focusing on simplifying and optimizing email interactions within the sales pipeline. It is designed to help sales teams automate and track email communications directly within the CRM environment.

Features

• Seamless integration with Pipedrive CRM for managing contacts and sales pipelines.
• Automated email sequences and personalized campaigns.
• Detailed insights into email opens, clicks, and conversion rates.

Pros:

• Strong CRM integration ensures that all customer interactions are synchronized and easily accessible.
• Intuitive design focused on maximizing user productivity.
• Cost-effective solution for small to medium-sized businesses.

Cons:

• Limited functionality compared to standalone email marketing platforms.
• Some users desire more advanced automation capabilities.

Pricing: Included within Pipedrive CRM subscriptions, starting at $15 per user per month for the Essential plan.

G2 Rating: 4.2/5 – Generally well-liked for its ease of use and integration with CRM, though some users seek deeper functionality for complex campaigns.

Best Cold Email Tools for Startups

For startups looking to leverage cold email tools, selecting software that is cost-effective, easy to use, and scalable is crucial. Startups need tools that not only fit their budget but also grow with their business. Here are some of the best cold email tools tailored for the unique needs of startups:

1. Sendinblue

Sendinblue is an all-in-one marketing platform that includes not only email marketing but also SMS campaigns, CRM, and automation tools. It's designed to scale, making it a suitable choice for startups that anticipate rapid growth.

Features

• Integrated CRM and live chat capabilities.
• Automation for emails and SMS campaigns.
• Detailed reporting and analytics.

Pros:

• Comprehensive feature set beyond email marketing.
• Generous free tier with a daily sending limit.
• Strong support for multichannel campaigns.

Cons:

• The user interface can be clunky at times.
• Learning curve to fully utilize all features.

Pricing: Free plan includes 300 emails per day; paid plans start at $25 per month and scale up with advanced features.

2. MailerLite

MailerLite is well-suited for startups due to its simplicity and focus on core email marketing functionalities. It's especially good for teams that are new to email marketing and need a straightforward, no-frills tool that gets the job done.

Features

• Intuitive drag-and-drop email builder.
• Automation, segmentation, and personalization.
• Detailed reports and click maps to track user engagement.

Pros:

• Very easy to use with minimal learning curve.
• Free plan for up to 1,000 subscribers and 12,000 emails per month.
• Affordable plans as the startup grows.

Cons:

• Limited integration options compared to competitors.
• Lacks some advanced features provided by other email marketing tools.

Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $10 per month and scale up based on the number of subscribers.

3. Moosend

Moosend is a cost-effective email marketing tool that allows startups to craft engaging, automated campaigns that look professionally designed. It's great for startups because it offers enterprise-level features at a fraction of the cost.

Features

• Drag-and-drop email editor.
• Real-time analytics and A/B testing.
• Automation workflows to nurture leads and increase conversions.

Pros:

• Extremely intuitive interface.
• Free plan for businesses with fewer than 1,000 subscribers.
• Affordable premium features that support scaling.

Cons:

• Some users report issues with template responsiveness.
• Limited third-party integrations.

Pricing: Free plan available; premium plans start at $8 per month and offer more advanced features and scalability.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Cold Email software or Tool

Choosing the right cold email automation tool is crucial for the success of your email outreach campaigns. Here's a comprehensive guide on the criteria to consider when selecting the best cold email software or tool for your business needs:

1. Ease of Use

The interface should be intuitive and user-friendly. For startups or teams without dedicated tech support, the ability to quickly set up and start campaigns without a steep learning curve is essential. Look for tools that offer:

• Simple, clean user interfaces
• Drag-and-drop email builders
• Straightforward campaign setup processes

2. Automation Capabilities

Automation is at the heart of any cold email tool. Effective automation can save time and improve campaign efficiency. Consider tools that offer:

• Detailed segmentation options to target emails precisely
• Scheduling features to send emails at optimal times
• Auto-responder capabilities for follow-ups

3. Personalization Features

Personalization can significantly increase open and response rates. A good cold email tool should allow for high levels of personalization beyond just including the recipient’s name. Look for features like:

• Dynamic content insertion based on user behavior or data
• Customizable templates that can be tweaked for different audiences
• Conditional content that changes based on specific criteria

4. Integration Capabilities

The ability to integrate with other tools in your marketing and sales stack is vital. This ensures a seamless flow of data and maintains consistency across platforms. Check for integration with:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
• Social media platforms
• Analytics and reporting tools

5. Deliverability

A cold email tool must have strong deliverability rates. Emails that don’t reach the inbox are a wasted effort. Evaluate tools based on:

• Their reputation for deliverability
• Built-in features to optimize for spam filters
• Support for domain authentication methods like DKIM and SPF

6. Compliance

Ensure the tool complies with relevant email regulations such as GDPR, CAN-SPAM, or CASL. Compliance features might include:

• Easy opt-out mechanisms
• Data protection features
• Keeping logs and records of consent

7. Scalability

As your business grows, your email marketing tools need to grow with you. Consider whether the tool can handle increasing volumes of emails and data as well as:

• Scalable pricing plans
• The ability to add more team members or sub-accounts
• Advanced features that become necessary as your marketing matures

8. Reporting and Analytics

To improve and optimize your campaigns, you need detailed analytics on their performance. Look for tools that provide:

• Open rates, click rates, and conversion analytics
• A/B testing capabilities to trial different approaches
• Visual dashboards that make data easy to interpret

9. Customer Support

Good customer support can be crucial, especially when you encounter issues or need help understanding features. Evaluate the support offerings of the tool:

• Availability of customer support (24/7, business hours, etc.)
• Support channels (phone, email, live chat, etc.)
• Quality of documentation and learning resources

10. Pricing and Value

Finally, consider the pricing structure of the tool. It should align with your budget and the features offered should represent good value for money. Consider:

• Free trials or demo versions to test the tool
• Transparent pricing without hidden fees
• Flexible payment options (monthly, annually, etc.)

Crafting Winning Cold Emails

Crafting winning cold emails is an art that combines strategy, creativity, and data-driven insights. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you develop effective cold emails that not only grab attention but also convert prospects into leads.

1. Know Your Audience

Understanding who you're emailing is the first critical step. Research your target audience's pain points, interests, and business needs. Tailor your message to resonate with them personally.

2. Craft a Compelling Subject Line

The subject line is your first impression. Make it count by keeping it:

• Clear: Communicate the essence of your email.
• Concise: Keep it short, ideally under 50 characters.
• Compelling: Spark curiosity or offer value.

3. Personalize Your Message

Personalization goes beyond just using the recipient's name. Include specific references to their business, recent achievements, or any mutual connections. This demonstrates that you've done your homework and aren't just sending a generic template.

4. Keep It Short and Sweet

Respect your recipient’s time. Your email should be concise, focused, and easily scannable. A good rule of thumb is to keep the email body under 200 words.

5. Focus on Their Needs, Not Your Product

Instead of starting with what you sell or offer, focus on what the recipient gains. How does your product or service solve a problem they might have? Position your offering in terms of benefits to them, not features of your product.

6. Include a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)

What action do you want the recipient to take after reading your email? Whether it’s scheduling a meeting, signing up for a demo, or simply replying for more information, your CTA should be clear and easy to follow.

7. Optimize for Mobile

With more people accessing their email on mobile devices, ensure your email is mobile-friendly. Keep paragraphs short, use larger fonts, and ensure links are easy to click on a small screen.

8. Use Social Proof

If applicable, include brief mentions of other companies, ideally well-known in your recipient’s industry, that have benefited from your product or service. This builds credibility and trust.

9. Test and Optimize

No email will be perfect on the first send. Use A/B testing to try different subject lines, CTAs, and email structures to see what resonates best with your audience. Analyze the results and refine your approach continuously.

10. Follow Up

Persistence pays off, but be mindful not to be pushy. If you don’t get a response, wait a few days then send a polite follow-up. Sometimes, emails get buried under other priorities, and a gentle reminder can help bring it back to their attention.

11. Stay Compliant

Always ensure your cold emailing practices comply with laws like GDPR, CAN-SPAM, or CASL. Include an easy way for recipients to opt out of future communications to respect their preferences and legal requirements.

Concluding Thoughts on Using Cold Email Tool for Your Campaign

Using a cold emailing tool is essential for running effective email campaigns. These tools help you send emails more efficiently, and they make your messages engaging through personalization and automation. The right cold emailing tool can significantly boost your return on investment by making your campaigns more effective.

When picking a tool, it's crucial to consider its features, how well it integrates with other systems, and whether it can scale with your business. Ultimately, the success of your cold email campaigns depends not only on the tool you choose but also on how effectively you use it to connect with your audience and drive results.

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