When's the best time to cold call?

71% more conversions happen during optimal cold call times? It's not just what you say, but when you say it. Mastering the timing of your outreach can mean the difference between a hang-up and a hot lead.

In this guide, we'll share the secrets to perfect cold call timing, including:

• Why nailing your timing is crucial
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• The best (and worst) times of day to call
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• Which days of the week yield the highest sales success rates or even response rates
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• Additional factors to consider for maximum impact
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• Tools that supercharge your cold calling game

Plus, we'll share battle-tested best practices and strategies for overcoming those pesky cold-calling challenges.

And if you're struggling to build a quality list of prospects, check out ListKit. It's the B2B lead database that takes the guesswork out of prospecting, so you can spend less time searching and more time selling.

TL;DR

• Why Timing Matters:
  • Boost your conversions by 71% by calling at the right time.
  • Avoid being the "annoying caller" and become a timely solution provider.
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• The Golden Hours:
  • Late mornings (10 am - 12 pm) and late afternoons (2 pm - 5 pm) are prime time.
  • Experiment to find what works best for your specific prospects.
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• Days of the Week:
  • Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are your best bet for higher engagement and longer calls.
  • Mondays and Fridays? Not so much.
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• Additional Tips:
  • Persistence is key – don't give up after one try.
  • Tailor your approach to your specific industry and audience.
  • Leverage tools like Smartlead, Expandi, and Hypefury to automate and streamline your process.
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• Overcoming Challenges:
  • Rejection is part of the game, don't take it personally.
  • Find ways to bypass gatekeepers and leave compelling voicemails.
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• Best Practices:
  • Craft a killer script with a strong opening, clear purpose, and objection handling.
  • Use a friendly, confident tone and actively listen to your prospects.
  • Research your prospects, personalize your message, and focus on value.
  • Use "Quick question" as a subject line for follow-up emails to boost open rates.

Why Timing Your Cold Call Is Everything

Ever get that "ugh, not this guy again" feeling when your phone rings at the worst possible moment? Your cold calling prospects feel the same way. Studies show a whopping 71% increase in conversions when you call at the right time. So, timing isn't just a minor detail. It's a game-changer.

Imagine you're the prospect laser-focused on a critical project when your phone buzzes. It's a cold caller. Do you:

A) Drop everything and chat?

B) Send them straight to voicemail?

C) Silently curse their existence?

Yeah, we thought so. Now flip the script. You're the one calling. By strategically timing your outreach, you dodge the "annoying caller" label and become the person offering a timely solution.

Hitting the sweet spot

When are those magical times, you ask? Generally, late mornings (think 10 am-12 pm) and late afternoons (around 2 pm-5 pm) tend to be the sweet spot. Why? It's all about catching prospects when they've settled into their workday, but haven't yet hit that end-of-day rush.

Timing your cold call right is like finding the perfect wave for surfing – it's all about understanding the currents and catching the flow. Master this, and you'll be riding a wave of conversions in no time.

Optimal Times of Day for Cold Calling (And Why)

There are two golden windows for catching prospects during their most receptive hours:

• Late mornings (10 am - 12 pm): By this time, prospects are usually settled into their work routine but haven't hit their peak workload yet. This makes them more available for a conversation.
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• Late afternoons (2 pm - 5 pm): Studies suggest this window boasts high connection rates. As prospects wind down for the day, they might be more open to calls that don't feel like interruptions.

Take it this way: you wouldn't interrupt someone's dinner, right? Similarly, avoid calling too early when they're still sipping coffee or mid-afternoon when they're heads-down in a project.

But remember...

Every industry and audience is different. Experiment with these timeframes to see what works best for your specific prospects. Maybe your ideal client is an early bird who loves a 9 am chat, or perhaps they're night owls who are more receptive after dinner.

Best Days of the Week for Cold Calling

Ever notice how Mondays are a blur of catching up, and Fridays are a race to the weekend? Your prospects feel the same way. That's why Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are the sweet spot for cold calling.

Let's break it down:

• Tuesday and Thursday: Studies show calls made on these days often last longer and have higher engagement rates. Why? Prospects are settled into their week, but the weekend isn't quite close enough to distract them. They're in the time zone and ready to tackle challenges – like the ones your product or service can solve.
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• Wednesday: It's hump day. The workweek is half over, and prospects might have a bit more breathing room to consider new opportunities. Plus, if you didn't catch them on Tuesday or Thursday, Wednesday offers another chance to connect.

Don't take our word for it – let's look at some numbers:

• 50% increase in conversations on Wednesdays compared to Mondays (CallHippo study)
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• Calls over 5 minutes typically occur between 3-5 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays (Yesware analysis)

The data speaks for itself. Focusing your cold calling efforts on these mid-week days will maximize your chances of connecting with prospects who are ready to listen.

Pro tip: Use a LinkedIn automation tool like Expandi to schedule connection requests and automated DMs for these peak days. It's a hands-off way to keep your pipeline flowing while you focus on closing deals.

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Additional Considerations for Best Time to Cold Call

Timing isn't the only factor that influences cold call success. Here are a few more things to keep in mind:

Persistence is key (But don't be a stalker)

Did you know it takes an average of eight attempts to reach a prospect? That's right – most people won't pick up on the first try. But don't give up. Just be strategic about your follow-up calls.

Here's a sample follow-up routine:

• Day 1: Initial call
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• Day 3: Follow-up email
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• Day 5: Second call attempt
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• Day 7: Voicemail with a personal touch
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• Day 10: Final email with a compelling reason to connect

Know your industry

The best times to call can vary depending on your target audience. Are you selling to busy executives or stay-at-home parents? B2B or B2C? Tailor your approach accordingly.

For example, B2B prospects are typically more receptive during business hours, while B2C consumers might be easier to reach in the evenings or on weekends.

Pro tip: Use ListKit to filter leads by industry, job title, and other relevant criteria. This ensures you're calling the right people at the right time – every time.

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Time management is your friend

Don't waste precious minutes dialing numbers that never pick up. Instead, use a tool like ListKit to automate your outreach and track your results. This frees you up to focus on what you do best – closing deals.

By considering these additional factors alongside optimal timing, you'll be well on your way to mastering cold calling.

When Is the Worst Time to Cold Call?

Just as there are prime times for cold calling, there are also terrible times when you're better off doing anything else. Avoid cold calling these like the plague:

• Early mornings (before 10 am): People are groggy, rushing to get their day started, and probably not thrilled to hear from a stranger. It's like calling someone before they've had their coffee – a recipe for disaster.
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• Lunchtime (12 pm - 2 pm): Most folks are taking a break to refuel and recharge. Interrupting their lunch break is a surefire way to get a grumpy prospect on the other end of the line.
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• After hours (after 5 pm): Respect boundaries. People are winding down, spending time with family, or pursuing personal interests. Don't be the annoying salesperson who ruins their evening.
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• Mondays and Fridays: These are the bookends of the workweek. Mondays are usually packed with meetings and catch-up, while Fridays are synonymous with winding down and prepping for the weekend. Your call is likely to get lost in the shuffle.
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• Holidays and special events: Seems obvious, but it's worth mentioning. People are celebrating, traveling, or simply not in the mood for a sales pitch. Save yourself the effort and try again when things are back to normal.
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• During major industry events: If your prospect's industry has a major conference or event happening, they'll likely be busy and distracted. Wait until the dust settles before reaching out.

Pro tip: Use a social media automation tool like Hypefury to schedule your Twitter DMs for the best times and avoid those dreaded after-hours messages.

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By steering clear of these cold calling faux pas, you'll avoid alienating prospects and increase your chances of connecting with them when they're actually ready to talk. Remember, timing is everything in the sales world, so make sure you choose your moments wisely.

Tools and Technologies to Enhance Cold Calling

Cold calling doesn't have to be a manual grind. In today's tech-savvy world, AI-powered tools and automation software are here to save the day (and your sanity). Let's explore how these tools can streamline your cold calling game:

AI dialers

Think of AI dialers as your trusty sidekick. They automate repetitive tasks like:

• Outbound Dialing: No more endless clicking. AI dialers auto-dial your list, saving you precious time and energy.
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• Lead Scoring: They analyze prospect data to identify the hottest leads, so you can focus your efforts on those most likely to convert.
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• Call Scheduling: AI dialers can even schedule sales calls for optimal times, ensuring you always reach prospects when they're most receptive.

Top AI dialers

• Smartlead: Combines AI-powered dialing with email automation and personalization.
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• Connect and Sell: Uses AI to connect you with the right decision-makers at the right time.
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• Orum: Accelerates your outreach with AI-powered dialing and real-time guidance.
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• PhoneBurner: A popular choice for sales teams, offering power dialing and CRM integration.
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• Kixie PowerCall: Provides local presence dialing and call tracking features.

CRM integration

Integrating your cold calling tools with your CRM is like giving your sales team X-ray vision. They'll have instant access to up-to-date customer information, call history, and notes, enabling them to personalize each call and build stronger relationships.

Top CRM integrations

• HubSpot: A popular all-in-one CRM with robust integration options.
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• Salesforce: The industry leader in CRM, offering a vast array of features and integrations.
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• Pipedrive: A user-friendly CRM designed specifically for sales teams.
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• Zoho CRM: A comprehensive CRM with a focus on automation and customization.

Data analytics

What gets measured gets managed. By tracking metrics like call duration, connection rates, and conversion rates, you gain valuable insights into what's working and what's not. This data-driven approach allows you to continuously refine your strategy and boost your results.

Top data analytics tools

• Gong: Uses AI to analyze call recordings and identify patterns and trends.
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• Chorus: Provides real-time call coaching and feedback for most sales reps.
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• Salesloft: Offers call analytics and reporting to track your team's performance.
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• InsightSquared: Provides in-depth sales analytics and forecasting.

Pro tip: ListKit offers a robust suite of tools that combine AI-powered dialing, CRM integration, and data analytics, making it the ultimate cold calling companion.

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By embracing these powerful tools and technologies, you can transform your cold calling from a dreaded chore into a well-oiled machine that generates leads and closes deals like a boss. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to upgrade your making cold calls techniques and watch your sales soar.

Best Practices for Cold Calling

Cold calling can be nerve-wracking. But with the right strategies, you can turn those cold leads into warm conversations. Here's the list of best cold calling tips from pros:

Scripts

A well-crafted script is like a map for your conversation. It keeps you on track, helps you handle objections, and ensures you deliver your message clearly and concisely.

Key elements of a killer script

• Strong opening: Grab their attention from the get-go. Try something like, "Hi [Prospect Name], I noticed your company recently [mention a relevant trigger event]. I have an idea that could help you [address a pain point]."
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• Clear purpose: Get to the point quickly. Explain why you're calling and how you can help them.
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• Objection handling: Anticipate common objections and prepare responses that address their concerns and highlight your value proposition.

Tone and delivery: It's not just what you say, it's how you say it

Your tone of voice can make or break a cold call. Aim for a conversational, friendly, and confident tone. Avoid sounding robotic or overly salesy.

Pro Tip: Research suggests that successful cold calls have a longer average monologue duration (53 seconds vs. 25 seconds for unsuccessful ones) and a higher talk-to-listen ratio (55% talking vs. 45% listening). So, don't be afraid to talk, but be sure to listen actively as well.

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Some more best practices

• Research: Know your prospect inside and out before you dial. This shows you've done your homework and builds credibility.
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• Personalize: Tailor your message to their specific needs and interests. This shows you're not just reading from a script.
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• Ask open-ended questions: Encourage them to talk and share their challenges. This helps you understand their needs and tailor your solution accordingly.
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• Be positive and enthusiastic: Your energy is contagious. A positive attitude can go a long way in building rapport.
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• Focus on value: Don't just pitch your product or service. Highlight the benefits and how it can solve their specific problems.
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• Follow-up: Even if you don't close the deal on the first call, follow up with a personalized email or LinkedIn message.

Pro Tip: When following up with an email, try using a simple yet effective subject line like "Quick question." This piques curiosity and can lead to a 75% open rate or higher.

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By incorporating these best practices into your cold-calling strategy, you'll be well on your way to becoming a cold-calling pro.

Overcoming Challenges in Cold Calling

Cold calling is not always a walk in the park. But with the right mindset and strategies, you can overcome any obstacle that comes your way:

Rejection: It's part of the game (Like, a big part)

Let's be real. Rejection is as much a part of cold calling as dial tones and awkward silences. You might even face rejection 8 out of 10 times. But don't let that discourage you. It's not a reflection of your skills or worth. It's simply the nature of the beast.

Remember, not every prospect will be a perfect fit. Some might be too busy, not interested, or just plain grumpy. The key is to not take it personally and keep your chin up. Each "no" brings you one step closer to a "yes."

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Strategies for handling rejection

• Don't Dwell: Acknowledge the rejection, learn from it, and move on.
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• Stay positive: A positive attitude is contagious. Even if a call goes south, maintain your enthusiasm for the next one.
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• Follow-up: A well-timed follow-up email or LinkedIn message can sometimes turn a "no" into a "maybe" or even a "yes."
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• Track your progress: Keeping track of your rejection rate can help you identify areas for improvement and celebrate your successes.

Gatekeepers

Gatekeepers can be a tough nut to crack, but they're not invincible. Here's how to get past them:

• Be Polite and respectful: Remember, they're just doing their job. A friendly and professional approach can go a long way.
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• State your purpose clearly: Explain why you're calling and who you'd like to speak with.
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• Offer value: If you can pique their interest by mentioning a potential solution to a problem their company is facing, they might be more willing to connect with you.
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• Ask for their help: People love to feel helpful. Ask for their advice on the best way to reach the decision-maker.

Voicemail

Don't let voicemail be a dead end. Use it as an opportunity to leave a compelling message that sparks their interest.

Tips for leaving effective voicemails

• Keep it short and sweet: Get to the point quickly. You have about 30 seconds to capture their attention.
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• State your name and company clearly: Make it easy for them to remember who you are.
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• Mention a benefit: Briefly explain how you can help them solve a problem or achieve a goal.
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• Leave a call to action: Invite them to visit your website, download a resource, or schedule a call.
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• Sound confident and enthusiastic: Your voice is your most powerful tool. Use it to your advantage.

By facing these challenges head-on and implementing effective strategies, you can turn cold calling into a powerful weapon in your sales arsenal. Persistence, preparation, and a positive attitude are the keys to success. And if you need some help getting started, ListKit can provide you with a steady stream of high-quality leads to fuel your cold-calling engine.

Are You Calling The Right People at the Right Time?

You've now got the inside scoop on mastering the timing of your cold phone calls. By strategically planning your outreach, you'll connect with more prospects, spark meaningful conversations, and close more deals. Remember, it's not just about what you say, but when you say it.

Key takeaways:

• Timing is everything in cold calling.
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• Aim for late mornings (10 am - 12 pm) and late afternoon (2 pm - 5 pm).
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• Focus on mid-week days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday).
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• Persistence pays off. Follow up strategically.
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• Know your industry and tailor your approach.
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• Utilize technology to streamline your sales process.
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• Embrace rejection and learn from it.
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• Master your script, tone, and delivery.

Ready to put these tips into action but struggling to find the right prospects? Look no further than ListKit. Our B2B lead database is packed with triple-verified emails and phone numbers, so you can spend less time searching and more time selling.

Plus, with credit-based pricing, you only pay for the contacts you actually use. No more wasted time or money on outdated or inaccurate leads.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for ListKit today and start making those calls count.

Cold Calling FAQs

Is 2 pm a good time to cold call?

Yes. 2 pm falls within the sweet spot of late afternoons (2 pm - 5 pm), which studies suggest have high connection rates. People are usually wrapping up their most pressing tasks and might be more open to conversations.

What is the best time to cold call, according to research?

Research indicates late mornings (10 am - 12 pm) and late afternoons (2 pm - 5 pm) are generally the most effective times. However, the optimal time can vary depending on your industry and target audience, so it's important to experiment and find what works best for you.

Is 9 am too early to cold call?

In most cases, yes. People typically settle into their workday at 9 am, check emails, and prioritize tasks. They might not be as receptive to a cold call at this time. Aim for later in the morning or afternoon for better results.

What are the first 7 seconds of a cold call?

The first 7 seconds are crucial for making a good impression. Here's a breakdown of what to do:

1. Greet the prospect by name: "Hi [Prospect Name], this is [Your Name] from [Your Company]."
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2. State your purpose: Briefly explain why you're calling and how you can help them.
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3. Ask for permission to continue: "Do you have a minute to chat?" This shows respect for their time and gives them a chance to opt-out if they're busy.

Following these tips can increase your chances of a successful cold call and avoid coming across as pushy or intrusive.

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