AI cold email agent hits 5.5% reply rate targeting Japanese schools for speech app

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A developer running an AI-powered cold email campaign for Speech Monster, a student speaking practice app, sent 238 emails to Japanese schools and education bodies between July 12 and August 28, receiving 13 human replies at a 5.5% reply rate. The campaign used an agent that researched each organization's website and crafted a personalized email referencing specific details like courses or events before sending. Of the 13 replies, six expressed interest, four declined, and three were unsubscribe requests, resulting in two meetings though no contracts. Outreach to targeted departments such as career centers performed significantly better than bulk sends to general institutional addresses, with boards of education and private school association lists returning zero replies. The email design lowered friction by asking only for a one-line response and offering simple opt-out phrases, allowing the agent to re-route or reschedule follow-ups based on how recipients replied.

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