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.ch · March 2026
The 7 keys in the sequence
5 emails, 1 phone call, 1 LinkedIn message — over 30 days.
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.
Last updated: March 2026
