Low Response Rate to Outbound Emails – What Could Be the Issue?

[Ali8]

Hi everyone,
I’ve been actively doing outbound marketing for some of my domain names, mainly targeting businesses with exact-match domains that are highly relevant to their services.
However, I'm facing a recurring issue: most of my emails are either ignored or receive no response at all, even when the domains are brandable, geo-targeted, or highly relevant to the recipient's niche.
I’m trying to evaluate where the problem might be. A few possibilities I’m considering:
– My emails are landing in spam folders
– I'm not reaching the right decision-makers
– My subject lines or message content isn’t engaging enough
– The value proposition isn't clear or urgent
I'd love to hear your insights:
• What common mistakes should I look for?
• How do you increase your response rate?
• Are there tools or strategies you recommend to improve targeting or deliverability?
Any feedback or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance

 

[alcy]

I press report spam on all of em

 

[AEProgram]

Hi everyone,
I’ve been actively doing outbound marketing for some of my domain names, mainly targeting businesses with exact-match domains that are highly relevant to their services.
However, I'm facing a recurring issue: most of my emails are either ignored or receive no response at all, even when the domains are brandable, geo-targeted, or highly relevant to the recipient's niche.
I’m trying to evaluate where the problem might be. A few possibilities I’m considering:
– My emails are landing in spam folders
– I'm not reaching the right decision-makers
– My subject lines or message content isn’t engaging enough
– The value proposition isn't clear or urgent
I'd love to hear your insights:
• What common mistakes should I look for?
• How do you increase your response rate?
• Are there tools or strategies you recommend to improve targeting or deliverability?
Any feedback or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance

more ai junk, don't waste your time replying

 

[Ali8]

more ai junk, don't waste your time replying

Show attachment 278117

Your response is sarcastic but very helpful.
Unfortunately, I don't speak English well, so I use artificial intelligence to write messages.
Anyway, thank you for the valuable advice.

 

[AEProgram]

Your response is sarcastic but very helpful.
Unfortunately, I don't speak English well, so I use artificial intelligence to write messages.
Anyway, thank you for the valuable advice.

include that in your message then so we know, forums are being flooded with ai content as people try to up their post counts and score in preparation of massive spam.

 

[Ali8]

include that in your message then so we know, forums are being flooded with ai content as people try to up their post counts and score in preparation of massive spam.

No. I had no intention of doing what I said. My goal was to identify the flaws in the marketing method I was using to contact customers after months without making any sales.
Thank you for clarifying the reason for not receiving any responses.

 

[AyoubAttari]

You're on the right track identifying possible weak points. In my experience, the most common causes for low response rates are:

1. Generic or unclear messaging – make sure your email highlights the domain’s unique value in one glance.
2. Poor targeting – verify you're contacting decision-makers, not generic inboxes.
3. Deliverability issues – use tools like MailTester or NeverBounce to improve inbox placement.
4. No personalization – a tailored first line can double your chances.

Try A/B testing your subject lines and keep follow-ups short and spaced. Outbound is a numbers + refinement game.

 

[biggie]

Hi

maybe your names are low quality.
also consider why would they buy your name if they already have a domain.

post two of best names here so we can see what you’re soliciting


imo….

 

[Ali8]

Hi

maybe your names are low quality.
also consider why would they buy your name if they already have a domain.

post two of best names here so we can see what you’re soliciting


imo….

FamilyLawyerServices. com
EliteToiture .com
Ettikett .com
ConnecticutRoofRepair. com
Arvrr .com
KansasCarpetCleaning .com
WilliamProperty .com
These are just a few of the domains I've promoted.

 

[biggie]

FamilyLawyerServices. com
EliteToiture .com
Ettikett .com
ConnecticutRoofRepair. com
Arvrr .com
KansasCarpetCleaning .com
WilliamProperty .com
These are just a few of the domains I've promoted.

Hi

those are not the kind of names that an existing business would buy to replace what they have

names like roof repair carpet cleaning fit best with city names, rather than the state name

family lawyer good but adding word services is unnecessary, which makes it unappealing

imo….

 

[Ali8]

Thank you for your opinion. Do you have any advice on what is selling and in demand?

Hi

those are not the kind of names that an existing business would buy to replace what they have

names like roof repair carpet cleaning fit best with city names, rather than the state name

family lawyer good but adding word services is unnecessary, which makes it unappealing

imo….

 

[DomainNature]

Problem is that most of out bounding emails are received as unsolicited, you basically make them more angry with such emails, I can tell you that I have try this lots of times, imagine I even emailed to car brands, only Lamborghini replied that they are not interested, but there was a second company, which I forgot who it was, possible Procter and Gamble.

It is better that you begin branding your domaining biz, if it's serious and do marketing of your domains and brand, as much as possible, the interested parties, if they will be interested, they will reach out you on their own, without the need of you doing outbound.

Also before investing, read and learn allot, because in this way you will skip the pain of wasted money on useless domains which most will end up dropped!

 

[biggie]

Do you have any advice on what is selling and in demand?

Hi

if it's selling and in demand...and you don't have any of those types of names,
then that means you're late getting on the bandwagon.

so, you have to "do the research" to figure what will be in demand in the future
or try to buy what is selling now for lower price, with hopes to resell for a profit later.

imo...

 

[likemike]

Sorry to tell you but it's rather simple. People hate spam. Good luck selling your names other ways.

 

[UniqueU]

Hi.
I have done outbound for some of my .com domains but have not got much success. Only one sale through continuous work.

I think outbound is dead unless you start outbound by understanding the core elements of email marketing using multiple brandable domains with a professional email signature with a strong online presence, especially on social media.

You need to find the right strategy to work with outbound and not every domain is sold by going outbound. It requires never giving up an attitude with the right strategy. I hope you will get results, but 2025 is difficult for newcomers.

 

[BaileyUK]

Businesses generally do not want to divide their web traffic into different channels and identities therefore only the strongest of generic or descriptive domains are used as supplementary redirects and even these need to show existent and relevant traffic.

Your never going to persuade any business owner to rename their existing business/website, no matter what the benefits. that is unless they arrive at that conclusion themselves.

The only way to successfully outbound is if your offering a far superior extension .com or ccld of the same wording to that which they are currently using.

I've sold a few outbound .coms to users of the .info , .biz , cctld etc etc. Trust me they are still bloody hard work, remember up until your contact, this is an expense they hadn't budgeted for and they are never grateful for you putting a spoke in their otherwise satisfactory world.

 

[QUAD DOMAINS]

Outbounding is about reaching the appropriate person, establishling a connection, building trust, tailoring the pitch and attempting to close the deal. All of these take time and require a level of persistence that most folks eventually realize they weren't expecting to invest. The first three are the most complex because complacency and skepticism are what keep most businesses and individuals from being open to new opportunities - even if an email is well-worded and spells them out.

With everything stated, getting VERY creative is key. Aim to reach people in ways others aren't willing to. (Legally and respectfully of course.) Even then, you might have to follow-up since people have so much competing for their attention nowadays. Definitely consider outbounding from an email account that notifies you when a sent email is opened or when an attachment is viewed. This will keep you out of the trenches of uncertainty about whether your emails are going to spam or being ignored. Wishing you all the best in getting the sale.

 

[CKMG]

Great topic. Will share results from a mini outboound initiative I'm working on... Curious to see what plays out. I've always had solid success with targeted outbounding - low volume - sniper shots via Linkedin... when drumming up agency client work. It's been a minute... haha - but fundamentals remain the same. IF you have a solid fit with a directly relevant org / may have to tap multiple parties to get to the shot caller. For this initial run the first volley was both Linkedin and Website contact pages... Typically the follow up volley goes out within first 3-5 days... then another... within 10-14... and another within 30... each appreciating the fact that just because it's top of mind for us - does not mean it's top of mind for them... which is all good - perfectly understandable...

 

[biggie]

Typically the follow up volley goes out within first 3-5 days... then another... within 10-14... and another within 30... each appreciating the fact that just because it's top of mind for us - does not mean it's top of mind for them... which is all good - perfectly understandable...

Hi

that part reads like a desperate spammer


imo…..

 

[Eric Lyon]

Lots of good suggestions so far in this thread

Now to see if I can help address a few of your inquiries:

– My emails are landing in spam folders

Authenticate Your Domain
Set up these three protocols to prove you're a legitimate sender:

• SPF (Sender Policy Framework): Authorizes specific servers to send on your behalf.
• DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): Adds a digital signature to verify message integrity.
• DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance): Tells inbox providers how to handle unauthenticated emails.

Note: Avoid using Free email providers (E.g. Yahoo, gMail, Hotmail, etc.) as many people auto-flag free email providers with a higher filter setting since most spam comes from free emails addresses.

– My subject lines or message content isn’t engaging enough
– The value proposition isn't clear or urgent

Personalize and Avoid Spam-like Language

• Use custom fields (e.g., first name, company) to personalize it.
• Avoid trigger words like “Free,” “Act Now,” “Guaranteed,” or “Click Here.”
• Keep subject lines clear and relevant, not gimmicky.
• Lead with value and not a pitch

Note: Even if a spam filter setting doesn't catch those, the eyeball will and most people won't continue reading once they catch a glimpse of gimmicky or call-to-action email content. Straight to the trash it goes.

Instead of selling, offer:

• A relevant insight (“We noticed companies in your space are struggling with…”)
• A free resource (e.g., audit, guide, or case study)
• A quick win (“We helped [similar company] reduce [pain point] by 30% in 2 weeks”)

Note: it's human instinct to put up a wall and resist being sold. So, don;t come in hot, build rapport and plan for a few follow-up emails. Don't try to hard close out of the gate and scare them away.

– I'm not reaching the right decision-makers

Start by defining who the decision maker is BEFORE you offer:

• CEO/Founder – for strategic partnerships or high-level services
• CMO/Marketing Director – for branding, advertising, or lead gen
• CTO/Head of Product development – for tech or SaaS solutions
• HR Director – for hiring or training services

Note: If you contact the wrong one, they may not forward it to the right department, as they figure you should already know who you need to talk to and just toss the email into the trash. remember, just because someone has the CEO/Founder title, it doesn't mean they want to deal with marketing or development topics. They have more important things to do each day and no time to do other departments jobs for them.

Are there tools or strategies you recommend to improve targeting or deliverability?

Not sure what tools you're using for outbounding (Marketing, Lead Procurement, Sales, etc.), but here's a list of a bunch of free tools for outbound initiatives that may come in handy: https://www.namepros.com/threads/outbound-list-of-free-tools-to-help-with-outbound-sales.1352033/

The above is just the tip of iceberg, but should help get you headed in the right direction with a bit more research.

Good luck!