In this episode of E-Coffee with Experts, Ani chats with James Milsom, Head of Marketing at Hunter.io, about why cold email still works in 2025 and how most marketers are doing it wrong.
James reveals insights from Hunter’s latest report, including why 61% of decision-makers actually prefer cold emails over LinkedIn DMs or cold calls and what separates the 5% of good emails from the rest.
He explains why cold email is more similar to SEO, paid ads, and PR than people realize when done with the right message, targeting, and trust-building tactics. You’ll also hear why timing doesn’t matter as much as relevance, what trust signals improve response rates, and how simple research and segmentation can completely change your results.
If you’re a founder, marketer, or team leader looking to scale outreach without burning your reputation, this episode will give you a new lens on how to build smart, effective cold email systems that work.
61% of decision makers prefer cold email over LinkedIn or cold calling.
Cold email remains the preference of decision makers despite spam perceptions.
Personalisation is key to effective cold emailing.
Researching your audience can significantly improve response rates.
Trust factors in cold emails include domain authenticity and relatable references.
Cold emails should provide value and relevance to the recipient.
The timing of the email is less important than the quality of the message.
Using AI can enhance the personalization of cold emails.
Follow-ups can increase the chances of a positive reply.
Marketers should focus on building relationships rather than just leads.
