Cold outreach - How to Get Clients in 2025 (Without Sounding Like a Robot)
- Kyle Prinsloo
- Apr 10
- 4 min read
Introduction
How Do You Actually Stand Out in a World Full of Spam?
Getting clients through cold outreach can feel…well, cold. Especially now that inboxes are filled with AI-generated noise, mass DMs, and “bro-marketing” nonsense. If you’re a freelancer or agency owner looking for clients in 2025, the game has changed—and so must your approach.
The good news? Cold outreach still works. But only when it’s done with empathy, precision, and a touch of human charm.
In this guide, I’ll break down a smarter way to do cold outreach—using proven strategies and backed by marketing psychology and SEO insights.
I’ll Cover:
Let’s dive in.
Why Cold Outreach Still Works (And Always Will)
A Modern Outreach Reality Check:
❌ "Hey bro, love your stuff. Wanna earn $10k more/month?"
✅ "Hey John, I recorded a 2-minute video walking through how your landing page could convert better. Thought it might help—link below!"
The first message? Ignored. The second? Not only opened, but remembered.
Why It Works:
Personal relevance: You’ve done your homework.
Brevity and clarity: You’re respecting their time.
Value first: No pitch. Just help.
When you center your message around them—not you—you flip the script. You're no longer a stranger. You're a guide offering a solution. Sound familiar? That’s StoryBrand Principle #3.
Watch the video "How to get clients in 2025"
Step-by-Step Cold outreach - How to Get Clients
1. Research Like You Care (Because You Should)
Before you type a single word, know the person:
What do they sell?
Who’s their audience?
What’s missing from their marketing?
Tools to help:
LinkedIn
Their website/blog
SimilarWeb or BuiltWith
Loom for video walkthroughs
For more quick in-depth watch this video
2. Craft a Personalized First Message
Use their name. Reference their work. Offer a tip or quick win.
Template:
Hey [First Name], I know you probably get tons of messages like this—but I checked out your [site/product/page] and saw a few small tweaks that could increase conversions. I recorded a 2-min Loom video. Hope it’s helpful: [link]
Why this works:
Low-pressure
Custom help = high value
Positions you as the helpful expert (StoryBrand Principle #4: you offer the plan)
3. Follow Up with Purpose
If there’s no reply in 3–5 days, don’t just “bump” the email. Follow up with:
A new insight
An authentic related resource
A gentle reminder
Example:
Just wanted to follow up—totally understand if now’s not the right time. I also built this landing page layout you might like. Happy to share more if you’re open!
This builds trust and familiarity, not pressure.
If you are wondering what tool should you use to built a landing page quickly this might help you.
How to Pitch Without Sounding Salesy
After a few value-packed touchpoints, you’ve earned the right to offer your service.
Keep it light and benefit-driven:
I’d love to help you implement the suggestions I shared. I typically work with brands like yours on [result-driven service]. If it makes sense, happy to chat!
Again, focus on them. What do they gain? How will life be better? StoryBrand Principle #7: show the success.
Why AI Can’t Compete With Human Outreach
In 2025, inboxes are flooded with AI-generated pitches. Most sound eerily alike—and very impersonal.
You can stand out by:
Referencing specific details
Using their language
Sharing voice notes or videos
Showing you care about their success, not your own bank balance
Cold outreach to get clients isn’t dead. It just evolved.
How to Systematize Cold Outreach (Without Losing the Human Touch)
Spend one hour a day on outreach:
20 mins researching 2–3 leads
20 mins crafting custom messages
20 mins sending & following up
Use tools, but don’t over-automate:
Loom for custom video intros
LinkedIn for sourcing leads
Notion for tracking outreach
Keep a swipe file
Save successful messages to iterate on. Test variations. Adapt for different industries.
Watch 6 strategies to find clients
Real Talk: What Most Freelancers Get Wrong
❌ Mass-sending generic DMs
❌ Jumping into pitches too soon
❌ Ignoring the follow-up
❌ Sounding like a script, not a person
Fix those, and your results will change.
TL;DR – How to Use Cold Outreach to Get Clients (the Right Way)
Do your research
Send personalized, helpful intros
Follow up with more value
Pitch after building trust
Stay human—especially in an AI world
Final Thoughts: Cold Outreach That Converts
Getting clients isn’t about sending more messages. It’s about sending the right ones to the right people—consistently.
If you want to book more clients with cold outreach, focus on:
Personalizing every message based on research
Providing real value before ever pitching
Building relationships through helpful follow-ups
Sounding human—because automation can’t build trust
Tracking and improving with simple tools like ClientManager
Cold outreach isn’t about clever tricks. It’s about clarity, consistency, and care.
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Kyle