When is the Best Time to Make Cold Calls

Lately, we have been discussing cold calling as a marketing method quite a bit. For example, my last post touched on how to discuss freelance pricing during a cold call.

This time around, I want to take a closer look at when you should be making cold calls.

If you are going to spend time on the phone, you might as well give yourself the best chance of success.

Note: While there are some general rules of thumb to follow, don’t be shy about experimenting with a variety of schedules.

Here are three tips that will help you iron out the best possible cold calling schedule:

1. Aim for mid-morning or mid-afternoon.

If you call close to lunch or the end of the day, you are giving the other party an “easy out.” Not to mention the fact that they may not be available at all.

2. Keep the time zone in mind.

Although I live on the east coast, I often times call people as far west as California. Despite the fact that it may work best for me to pick up the phone at 10 a.m. my time, most people on the west coast have yet to arrive at the office.

3. Avoid making calls after hours, unless you want to reach somebody’s voice mailbox.

This should go without saying, but some people continually do this because they have a hard time finding any other time in their schedule.

If you make cold calls after 5 pm, your chance of actually connecting with the prospect is quite low. Sure, you could leave a voice message but there is no guarantee of a call back.

As noted above, what works for you may not work for the next freelance writer and vice versa. Through trial and error, you will eventually find a calling schedule that works.

Profile image for Chris Bibey
Chris is a full-time freelance writer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He specializes in web content, sales copy, and many other forms of writing. Chris has two books in print, as well as hundreds of articles in local and nationwide publications.

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