Cold calling
What is cold calling?
Cold calling is calling people or businesses with no prior contact to start a sales conversation. It is common for selling to local businesses, whose phone numbers are listed publicly.
Many countries regulate cold calls, for example with do-not-call registers and rules on calling consumers and mobile numbers. Check the rules where you call.
Why cold calling matters
A phone call is direct and gets fast answers, which suits small local businesses that rarely read sales emails. A short, respectful call with a clear reason works best.
Related marketing terms
Cold outreach is contacting people who do not know you yet, by email, phone, social message or in communities, to start a conversation.
Cold emailWhite hat
A cold email is a first message sent to someone you have no prior relationship with, to start a business conversation. It must follow anti-spam law.
Google Business Profile is a business’s free listing on Google Search and Maps, with its address, hours, phone, website, photos and reviews.
A sales cadence is a planned sequence of outreach touches, such as emails, calls and messages, spread over days or weeks for each prospect.