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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryB2B & GrowthCold Email

B2B & Growth

Cold Email

An unsolicited one-to-one email sent to a prospect with no prior relationship, used in outbound sales prospecting.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

A cold email is an unsolicited one-to-one email sent to a prospect with no prior relationship, used in outbound sales prospecting. Effective cold emails are short, relevant and personalized to the recipient's role or situation. They must comply with anti-spam laws, which vary by country, and with mailbox provider sending requirements.