That First Introductory Email: Here’s Why It Matters

An opening email can be the perfect way of reaching out to a prospective client, but it isn’t always easy to get it right. From the rude to the robotic, we’ve received our own fair share of error-stricken emails. Here are a few of our top tips for budding freelancers and prospective partners to help you get off to the right start, whatever industry you’re in.

Making Connections

Here at Atlas Translations, we take pride in being an organisation that values that human touch, and it’s something we really notice when freelancers get in touch with us. 

We love it when freelancers take the time to get to know us beforehand; a message addressed to the person you want to speak to is much more likely to grab their attention than a generic greeting. Remembering that a real person will be on the other end of the line helps to show you care about who you’re talking to. 

Avoiding Mistakes

Taking an extra moment to consider the recipient’s perspective can help to set you apart from the rest. It can be easy to think that the best way of finding clients is to get in touch with as many as possible – but a copy-and-paste method can often leave you falling at the first hurdle.

Adopting a one-size-fits-all policy means you miss out on all the things that make your potential partner unique. Whether it’s a note about the company ethos or recognition of the great work they’ve done in their field, showing them that you’ve made the effort to understand them can make all the difference.

Standing Out

Of course, an introductory email shouldn’t just be about the recipient. You’ve also got to let them know why you’re their perfect match! 

Make sure to be clear about what skills and capabilities you bring to the table. It’s important not to be cookie-cutter here, too – avoid the interview question cliches and really take the time to figure out what makes you the ideal fit for the role you’re looking for.

Taking the Next Step

Going the extra mile to figure out the best way to approach each of your prospective clients may seem time-consuming, but it can make the world of difference. When you’re dealing with busy people, the little touches can change the trajectory an introductory email from a one-way trip to the online trashcan to the beginning of a fantastic professional partnership. 

Hopefully, these tips have been helpful in figuring out which direction you may want to go in. Taking a plunge can be a daunting process, but making sure to keep in mind the human side of things can be a great way to increase your chances of success and of finding a partnership that really works for you.