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Copy GuideApril 9, 20266 min read
The Mistake That Makes Cold Email Look Automated
Automation tells.
automationhumandeliverabilityAutomation Tells
| Tell | Fix |
|---|---|
| Perfect merge fields | One typo or variation. Real humans slip. |
| Same send time for everyone | Spread sends. Randomize by timezone. |
| Identical subject for 500 people | Vary by segment. A/B test. |
| No reply to their reply | Monitor inbox. Reply within hours. |
What looks like spam: cold email spam. Authentic outreach: authentic outreach. Cold outreach without cringe: without the cringe.
Test Tip
Send yourself a test. Would you believe a human wrote it? If it feels templated, add one real detail. One merge field that varies by research beats ten that don't.
FAQ
Does automation hurt deliverability?
Can do. Spam filters look for patterns. Randomized timing, varied copy, and warm domain help. See how to warm up cold email domain.
How do I sound more human?
Add one personal observation. Vary sentence length. Avoid perfect grammar everywhere. See what makes outreach feel authentic.
What about mail merge?
Merge is fine. The mistake is making every merge field perfect and identical. One real detail beats ten perfect fields.