Today’s Marketing
Send three helpful messages before you pitch
Justin Welsh

Send three helpful messages before you pitch

A designer's cold DMs to Justin Welsh gave free advice first and led to a $50,000 contract.

Updated · By Blake Emal

Justin Welsh describes how Andy Kennedy messaged him: first a fix for low contrast buttons with no ask, then a resource when Justin posted about a new website, then a detailed answer showing expertise. Welsh says he signed a $50,000 contract with Andy.

Each message was personal and useful on its own, so by the time there was a deal, trust was already built.

  1. Open with a specific, useful fix and no ask
  2. Watch for posts that signal a need
  3. Return with a resource built for them
  4. Answer questions in depth
  5. Let them ask for the call

Posted Jan 20, 2024 · Justin Welsh

Cold Email Examples

Open with something they madeHubSpotOpen with something they madeUse a public award as the triggerIdeal CandidateUse a public award as the triggerGive a quiet prospect multiple choice answersJosh BraunGive a quiet prospect multiple choice answersFollow up once in the same threadBeyond the ChaosFollow up once in the same threadAdd something new in every follow upJosh BraunAdd something new in every follow upWrite three lines for three jobs30 Minutes to President's ClubWrite three lines for three jobs