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BIOFUELSMULTICHANNELTRADERS & CFOs

Cold email campaign for market intelligence & biofuels — 33% response rate

7 steps over 30 days. 5 emails, 1 phone call, 1 LinkedIn message. 289 prospects contacted.

Charles Perret, founder of devlo

Charles Perret

Founder of devlo.ch · March 2026

289
Prospects contacted
73%
Open rate
33%
Response rate
30
Interested prospects

The 7 keys in the sequence

5 emails, 1 phone call, 1 LinkedIn message — over 30 days.

EmailDay 1Email #1
Subject: our call {{firstName}}
{% assign ampm = "now" | date: "%P" %}{% if ampm contains "am" %}Good morning{% else %}Good afternoon{% endif %} {{firstName}}, {{Icebreaker}} My research has shown that you manage biofuel-related projects at {{companyName}}. It is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with developments in the renewable fuels market, particularly regarding regulatory frameworks and demand forecasts for an ever-wider range of feedstocks and technologies. Hundreds of organisations rely on our expertise and global knowledge of biofuels. Their team members have access to daily updates via our Renewable Fuels Intelligence platform. “Your report is the Bible,” said the head of biodiesel at an S&P 500 company. No one else offers such accurate analysis. It would be great to give you a bit more context over the phone and explain how {{companyName}} could also benefit. Are you interested, or am I way off the mark? Kind regards, {{salesRep}} PS: Do have a look at our website https://companyurl/{{firstName}}{{lastName}} {{signature}}
Email7 days laterEmail #2
{% spin %}{% variation %}Hello{% variation %}Dear{% variation %}Hi{% endspin %} {{firstName}}, Here’s an offer for you, along with a little more context: try our platform for 10 days. See for yourself why our 100+ clients can no longer do without our analytics to track the renewable fuels market and make their own decisions. They save hundreds of hours by monitoring blending obligation levels and forecasting [ProductName]. Some have even realised they don’t need to hire an in-house analyst, as they have all the information they need. Interested? Kind regards, {{salesRep}} {{signature}}
Email5 days laterEmail #3
{% assign ampm = "now" | date: "%P" %}{% if ampm contains "am" %}Good morning{% else %}Good morning{% endif %} {{firstName}}, Would it be best to contact your colleague {{colleaguename1}} or {{colleaguename2}} to discuss information regarding biofuels? Or perhaps someone else? Thank you for your reply, {{salesRep}} PS: My to-do list with a photo below reminded me to write to you 😉 {{signature}}
Call3 days laterPhone call
Cold call no. 1 Date sent: 3 days after the last message Call script: If the prospect answers: Follow this cold call script In this case, ask these questions to tailor the demonstration, assess the prospect and schedule the demonstration Do you have a specific challenge we could help you with? How many people from the team are involved? Would you like to invite your colleagues who also market biofuels? If not, ask why and overcome the objections: (Courtesy – Problem – Action) _____ _____ _____
Email1 day laterEmail #5
{% spin %}{% variation %}Hello{% variation %}Dear{% variation %}Hi{% endspin %} {{firstName}}, Did you get my call yesterday? Is there a better time to call you? Perhaps {% assign today = "now" | date: "%A" %}{% case today %}{% when "Monday" %}tomorrow or Wednesday{% when "Tuesday" %}tomorrow or Thursday{% when "Wednesday" %}tomorrow or Friday{% when "Thursday" %}tomorrow or Monday{% when "Friday" %}Monday or Tuesday morning{% when "Saturday" %}next week{% when "Sunday" %}next week{% endcase %}? Kind regards, {{salesRep}} PS: Here’s a little virtual coffee to get you through the rest of your day :)! {{signature}}
Email4 days laterEmail #6
Subject: Missed call {{firstName}}
{% assign ampm = "now" | date: "%P" %}{% if ampm contains "am" %}Good morning{% else %}Good morning{% endif %} {{firstName}}, I hope you are well. I’ve tried to get in touch with you several times, so I fully understand if you’re not interested in our renewable fuels information platform. As a {{jobtitle}}, what specific information do you currently need that you’re struggling to find? Let me show you how you can make better decisions using our analytics. {{salesRep}}
LinkedIn1 day laterLinkedIn login
LinkedIn connection Sent: 1 day after the last message From: [Client_FirstName] Content: from LinkedIn {% spin %}{% variation %}Hello{% variation %}Dear{% variation %}Hi{% endspin %} {{firstName}}, [Client_FirstName] from [ClientCompanyName]. I’m delighted to connect with you and share some information on biofuels and best practices. Perhaps this could be useful to you and {{companyName}}?

Why this sequence works

289 prospects and a response rate of 33%, with 30 interested prospects — a 10% interest rate. This sequence of 7 follow-ups over 30 days targets a niche market (biofuel traders and analysts) with surgical precision.

The quote “Your report is the Bible” from a decision-maker at an S&P 500 company is a testament to its exceptional power. For a trader or analyst, this endorsement immediately establishes the platform’s quality and reputation.

The 10-day free trial (Touch #2) is ideally suited to a data/intelligence product. Traders want to test the quality of the data before committing. By removing this barrier, the sequence converts curious prospects into active users.

What you can learn from this campaign

  • Use an iconic testimonial. "Your report is the Bible" – a statement from an S&P 500 executive – is the final word on the matter.
  • Offer a short free trial. It only takes 10 days to demonstrate the value of a data platform.
  • Customise the website link. An URL that includes the prospect’s name demonstrates an extra effort to personalise the message.
  • Target a niche market precisely. Biofuel traders and analysts = a highly specialised sector with little competition.

When to use this sequence

Market intelligence platforms

You sell data, analytics or insights to a niche market. The model is suitable for any data-driven sector.

Targeting traders and analysts

Your target audience consists of professionals in the finance and commodities trading sectors.

Renewable energy and biofuels

If your solution covers the renewable energy market, this section uses the correct terminology.

SaaS model with a free trial

The 10-day trial is a framework that can be applied to any data/intelligence platform.

Who can use this sequence?

Market data providers

If you sell market analysis, reports or market intelligence platforms.

SDRs aimed at traders and analysts

The professional tone and references to the S&P 500 are appropriate for this audience.

SaaS providers in the renewable energy sector

Adapt the sequence to the specific vocabulary of your energy sector.

Energy and commodities consultants

If you advise companies on renewable commodity markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you sell a market intelligence platform?

The key is to demonstrate the value of the insights straight away. The testimonial “Your report is the Bible” is a decisive selling point. The 10-day free trial allows the prospect to see for themselves the quality of the data. In the world of trading, the quality of information is the number one selection criterion.

Why is 30 interested prospects out of 289 a good result?

A 10% return is excellent in a niche market such as biofuels. These 30 prospects are highly qualified — they are traders and analysts with a genuine need for market data. The average value of a market intelligence subscription more than justifies the investment in lead generation.

How can this sequence be adapted for another data market?

Keep the structure (7 touches, 30 days) and replace “biofuels” with your industry. The free trial (Touch #2) is universally applicable. The high-profile testimonial should come from a recognised decision-maker in your sector. And the personalised link to the website (Touch #1) adds a welcome touch of personalisation.

Want a customised sequence for your industry?

devlo designs and executes bespoke B2B cold email campaigns. ICP, buying signals, multi-channel sequences — we take care of everything.

View all 25 sequences

Last updated: March 2026