Why The 1-2-3 Email Hack Works (And How To Use It)

The 1-2-3 email hack can work wonders at nudging cold leads. Instead of writing off cold leads and moving on, this approach helps you reconnect with them in a zero-friction, zero-pressure kind of way. You’re essentially reaching out to them with 3 simple options. They don’t need to send a long reply but rather respond with the number they prefer.

Writer Kaleigh Moore contributed a piece to the Close blog that covers the 1-2-3 hack and how to use it. She says, ultimately, it’s a spark that can re-ignite conversations. You can use it in churned leads or active leads, and it works with both warm and cold leads. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share Moore’s thoughts on why this email hack works so well.

The Benefits
One of the biggest benefits of this email hack, Moore says, is that it reduces friction. It makes a conversation feel like a possibility rather than an obligation. It also feels playful and human, she says, because people don’t feel cornered. And by giving people a “no” option, it signals honesty. It shows that you can handle hard truths when prospects are willing to share them.

How To Use This Strategy
Don’t let churned or cold leads rot in your CRM. There’s always value there, Moore says, even if it’s just keeping brand awareness alive and well.

Pull a small segment of old trials or no-response leads so you can test a 1-2-3 email. Moore recommends thinking of it as your “Hail Mary” list, stored away for some key lessons one day.

Frame your options around your product’s common objections. Price? Missing features? Then, see what else you can learn from there, she says.

Always include an option to say “no.” This way, your ask feels safe and non-pushy. When you get a “no,” it signals there’s feedback you need to glean. And if you get no response, that’s OK too. It lets you know this prospect has truly gone cold and you can move on for now.

The 1-2-3 hack isn’t magic and won’t suddenly turn cold leads into customers. But many leads will reply, which will give you insight into hidden objections. And you could even spark some new conversations. Every reply sharpens your understanding of why people buy and why they don’t. You can use these lessons to learn more about your prospects and how you can move deals forward.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Kaleigh Moore is a freelance writer who contributes to the Close blog.