If you’ve ever sent a cold email and gotten nothing but silence, you’re not alone. Most cold outreach is ignored because it’s generic or just plain off-base. This guide is for sales reps, recruiters, founders—anyone who actually wants replies, not just “opens.” We’ll walk through how to use Lavender, an AI-powered email tool, to personalize your cold outreach in ways that actually move the needle. No silver bullets, but you’ll leave with a clear, actionable process.
Why Personalization Matters (and What It’s Not)
Let’s clear something up: Adding “Hey {FirstName}” isn’t personalization. Real personalization is about showing you’ve done your homework and you’re not just hitting send on a template. People can spot a mail merge a mile away. That’s where Lavender comes in—it surfaces insights that can help your emails feel like 1:1 communication, not spam.
But don’t get carried away. Personalization is about relevance, not creepy detail. You don’t need to reference their dog’s name or their last tweet. Keep it real, keep it useful.
Step 1: Setting Up Lavender for Outreach
Before you start, get Lavender set up in your workflow:
- Install the Lavender plugin or Chrome extension – It plugs into Gmail and Outlook, so you can use it without switching tools.
- Connect your email account – This lets Lavender analyze your drafts and suggest tweaks.
- Get used to the dashboard – It’s mostly straightforward. The main thing is the email editor, where you’ll see scores and suggestions.
Pro tip: Don’t obsess over Lavender’s “score.” It’s a helpful guide, but chasing a perfect 100 wastes time. Focus on clarity and relevance.
Step 2: Finding Useful Insights (Not Just Filler)
Lavender pulls in data about your recipient—company, job role, recent news, LinkedIn activity, and more. But here’s the thing: Not all of it is worth mentioning.
What to look for: - Recent company news – Funding, product launches, hiring sprees. Stuff that actually matters to their day-to-day. - Role-specific pain points – If Lavender flags something relevant to their job, weave that in. - Mutual connections or shared interests – Only if it’s genuinely relevant. Otherwise, skip it.
What to ignore: - Trivia (alma mater, random hobbies, etc.) - Overly personal details (“I see you love hiking!”) - Anything that feels forced or stalker-ish
Bottom line: Use insights that tie directly to why you’re reaching out. If you can’t make a connection, don’t force it.
Step 3: Drafting Your Email with Lavender’s Help
Here’s where Lavender can actually save you time. As you write, it’ll give you feedback on tone, length, clarity, and even suggest ways to tighten your message. Use these features, but trust your gut—AI is helpful, but it’s not a mind reader.
How to Structure a High-Response Email
- Subject Line:
- Short, specific, and relevant. Lavender will flag spammy words—take that seriously.
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Example: “Quick question about your new product launch”
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Opening Line:
- Reference something meaningful from the insights (company news, shared challenge).
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Avoid flattery and filler.
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Body:
- Get to the point. Why are you reaching out, and what’s in it for them?
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Tie your offering to the insight. (“Saw you’re expanding your sales team—here’s a way to onboard reps faster.”)
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Call to Action:
- Simple ask. Don’t make them work to figure out next steps.
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“Are you open to a quick call next week?” beats “Let me know if you’d like to connect.”
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Signature:
- Keep it basic. Lavender will flag big logos, long disclaimers, or clutter.
Pro tip: Lavender’s clarity suggestions are usually spot-on—if it says your email is confusing, rewrite it.
Step 4: Fine-Tuning Based on Lavender’s Feedback
Once you’ve got a draft, Lavender’s sidebar will show you:
- Personalization score – Decent indicator, but don’t obsess.
- Spam risk – If Lavender says you’re likely to hit spam, fix it.
- Tone checker – Watch for stuffy or overfamiliar language.
- Length warnings – Under 150 words is usually best.
Don’t chase the perfect score: Some of the most effective emails “fail” certain AI tests but get replies anyway. Use feedback as a guide, not gospel.
Step 5: Sending and Iterating—What Actually Works
Here’s what matters more than any AI insight:
- Test different approaches – Try a few variations. See what gets replies.
- Track actual responses – Don’t rely just on open rates.
- Tweak, but don’t overthink – If you’re stuck tweaking one email for an hour, you’re wasting time.
What doesn’t work: - Overly clever or “pattern interrupt” subject lines (they get deleted). - Trying to sound like a robot (“Per my previous correspondence…”) - Copying generic templates. If you can find it on Google, so can your prospect.
What Lavender Gets Right (and What It Doesn’t)
Lavender can speed up your workflow and help you avoid rookie mistakes. It’s great for:
- Catching awkward phrasing or jargon
- Flagging spammy words (seriously, listen to these)
- Reminding you to keep it short
But it’s not magic. AI can’t replace real research or understand nuance the way you can. Sometimes, Lavender’s suggestions feel generic. Use your judgment—if a suggestion makes your email sound less human, ignore it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-personalizing – You’re not writing a novel. One relevant insight is enough.
- Chasing AI scores – Done is better than perfect.
- Ignoring your own voice – If it doesn’t sound like you, people will notice.
Pro Tips for Getting Replies
- Send at non-peak times – Early AM or late afternoon often works better.
- Follow up—briefly – One or two polite follow-ups is fine. Don’t spam.
- Always double-check names and details – Nothing kills trust faster than a wrong name.
Keep It Simple and Iterate
Personalizing cold emails doesn’t have to mean hours of research or chasing a perfect AI score. Use Lavender’s insights to find a relevant hook, write like a human, and keep it short. The best emails are clear, honest, and focused on the recipient’s needs—not your product’s features.
Don’t let “perfect” be the enemy of “sent.” Try, tweak, learn, and keep going. That’s what gets replies.