If you’re reading this, you’re probably tired of sending cold emails into the void and hoping someone, anyone, will book a meeting. You’ve tried a few tools, maybe even blasted out a sequence or two, but results haven’t exactly knocked your socks off. This guide is for the salesperson, founder, or marketer who wants to actually fill their calendar—not just feel busy.
Let’s break down how to set up follow-up sequences in Sendpotion that get real replies, not just auto-responses or unsubscribes. No fluff, just the practical steps, honest advice, and a few pitfalls you can avoid.
1. Get Your Target List Right Before You Even Touch Sendpotion
This isn’t a Sendpotion thing—it’s a sales thing. If your follow-ups aren’t working, the problem almost always starts with your list.
- Be specific about who you’re targeting. If you’re not clear, your emails will sound generic. That’s the fastest way to the trash.
- Quality over quantity. A small, intentional list beats a spray-and-pray approach every time.
- Double-check your data. Nothing kills credibility faster than “Hi [FirstName]” or pitching the wrong company.
Pro tip: If you wouldn’t bet $5 that this person might actually want to book with you, don’t put them on your list.
2. Map Out Your Sequence Before You Build It
Trying to write your follow-ups on the fly inside Sendpotion is a recipe for messy, repetitive emails.
- Decide how many steps you’ll use. Most effective sequences are 3–5 emails, max. More than that, and you’ll just annoy people.
- Plan the timing. Generally, space emails 2–4 days apart. Don’t hammer people daily.
- Sketch out the message for each step.
- 1: Initial outreach (why you’re reaching out, clear ask)
- 2: Quick reminder, add a nugget of value or a question
- 3: “Breakup” email—polite, gives a reason to reply now or never
Write these out in a Google Doc or notebook before plugging them into Sendpotion. You’ll save yourself a ton of editing later.
3. Write Like a Human, Not a Robot
People can spot a sequence email a mile away. The more “templated” you sound, the less likely you are to get a response.
- Use plain language. If you wouldn’t say it in a conversation, don’t write it.
- Keep it short. 3–5 sentences per email is plenty.
- Personalize when it matters. Reference something specific about their company or role—but only if it’s actually relevant.
What doesn’t work: Long-winded intros, fake flattery, or “just bumping this up in your inbox” with zero new info. If you’re not adding value or context, skip it.
What works: Clarity. “Hey, saw you’re hiring SDRs—would it help if I showed you how others in your space use our tool to double interviews?”
4. Set Up the Sequence in Sendpotion—Step by Step
Now you’re ready for Sendpotion. Here’s how to do it without overcomplicating things.
a. Create a New Sequence
- Log in and choose “Sequences.”
- Click “New Sequence.” Name it something you’ll remember—“Q2 SaaS CEOs,” not “Sequence 3.”
b. Add Your Steps
- For each email, paste in the copy you drafted. Use Sendpotion’s variables (like {{first_name}}), but don’t overdo it.
- Set the delay between steps. Stick to your earlier plan—spacing matters more than most people realize.
c. Import Your List
- Double-check your CSV or integration. Make sure custom fields match your variables.
- Preview a few emails before sending. Look for broken fields or awkward phrasing.
d. Test Before You Send
- Send a few test emails to yourself or a colleague. Would you reply? Anything weird or obviously automated?
- Fix issues now—clean up formatting, double-check links, make sure your calendar link works.
e. Hit Go—But Monitor Closely
- Launch the sequence, but don’t disappear. Watch for replies, bounces, or angry responses.
- Pause the sequence if you start getting the same “please remove me” reply more than once. That’s a signal your approach needs work.
5. Handle Replies Like a Pro
Automation is great until someone actually replies. Here’s what separates the good from the mediocre.
- Respond fast. The faster you reply, the more likely you are to lock in a meeting.
- Don’t force the meeting. If they have a question, answer it—don’t just keep pushing your booking link.
- Update your sequence. Remove folks who reply—nothing feels more spammy than getting a follow-up after you’ve already responded.
Pro tip: Set aside 15 minutes a day to clear your inbox and handle replies. Don’t let interested leads go cold.
6. Measure, Rethink, and Iterate
Here’s the honest truth: your first sequence probably won’t be a home run. That’s normal.
- Track open and reply rates. Sendpotion will show you this. If nobody’s opening, tweak your subject lines. If you’re getting opens but no replies, your body copy needs work.
- Ignore vanity metrics. Opens are nice, but replies and booked meetings are what matter.
- Tweak one thing at a time. Change your timing, then your copy—not both at once. Otherwise, you’ll never know what worked.
Don’t bother: Chasing “best time to send” hacks or obsessing over tiny wording tweaks. The basics—targeting, clarity, and timing—matter way more.
7. What to Skip (And What to Double Down On)
There’s a ton of advice out there. Here’s what’s worth your time—and what isn’t.
Worth Your Time
- Personalizing the first line of each email (if you have the data and the time)
- Testing different subject lines
- Regularly cleaning up your list
Not Worth It
- Sending more than 5 follow-ups (you’ll just burn bridges)
- Overusing fancy templates or HTML (plain text gets more replies)
- Trying to “trick” spam filters with weird formatting
8. Keep It Simple. Iterate. Don’t Overthink.
The best Sendpotion sequences aren’t complicated. They’re clear, targeted, and respectful of your prospect’s time. Start simple, get feedback, and tune as you go. Don’t wait for “perfect”—the best learning happens when you hit send and see what lands.
The only real mistake? Sending and forgetting. Keep an eye on what’s working (and what isn’t), and you’ll book more meetings—without annoying everyone in your address book.