My first AI outreach sequence generated 0 replies but a hand-written followup got 3 meetings

I spent 3 days fine-tuning an AI email sequence for a local roofing client in Phoenix back in February. Customized every prompt, tested subject lines, the whole nine yards. Sent out 200 emails and got zero responses, not even a bounce back. Out of frustration I wrote 5 personal emails by hand to the owners of small roofing companies I found on Google Maps, and 3 of them agreed to meet. I still use AI but now I just use it to organize my notes before I write the real email myself. Has anyone else found that personal outreach still beats the automated stuff for local businesses?

2 comments

2 Comments

thomas_roberts1mo ago

Personal outreach wins every time for local businesses. People can smell a template from a mile away. When you hand write those emails you show you actually looked at their company and care. AI sequences feel like spam even when they aren't. Save the automation for follow ups and admin stuff. The real money is in genuine human connection.

terrymitchell1mo ago

Read a HubSpot study that said 82% of buyers want personalized outreach, and @thomas_roberts is right on the money here.