Picture this: you’ve got a solid networking email drafted, your target recipient is the CEO of a company you admire, and you’re ready to hit “send.” But then… the question hits you like a bucket of cold water: “Can you send networking emails on Friday?”
It’s the age-old dilemma that strikes fear into the heart of many a would-be networker: when should I send that email to maximize my chances of being noticed? Is there a magic day of the week, or a time of day, that will increase my odds of getting a response? Are Fridays the kiss of death for email engagement? Let’s dive in and unpack the science behind email timing, sprinkle in some expert insights, and—of course—give you the most up-to-date stats on the best times to send emails.
Spoiler alert: yes, you can send networking emails on Fridays, but there might be smarter days for specific situations. Read on to find out more.
The Science of Email Timing: Does It Really Matter?
Before we jump into the specifics of Fridays, let’s zoom out a bit and understand why timing is even a thing. The truth is, the timing of your email matters more than you might think. In fact, studies have shown that emails sent at specific times get higher open rates and engagement. So, while your networking email is undoubtedly brilliant (let’s face it, you’re a genius), the when can play just as important a role as the what.
Here’s a juicy statistic to kick things off: According to a study by Customer.io, open rates are the highest on Tuesdays, with an average of 18%. Meanwhile, Saturdays surprisingly have higher open rates than Fridays. Meanwhile, Fridays? They’ve got an open rate of around 17%, which is noticeably lower than those mid-week sweet spots.
Now, before you start running for the hills, let’s talk specifics.
Can You Send Networking Emails on Friday? A Quick Answer
The short answer: Yes, you can send networking emails on Friday. But… should you?
It depends.
If you’re targeting someone in a senior position or someone who’s generally busy, sending your email at the tail end of the week can feel a bit like throwing a message in a bottle into the ocean. With many people winding down their week and preparing for the weekend, Friday emails often go unnoticed, buried under a pile of last-minute tasks.
However, if you time it right, Fridays can still work. Here’s the breakdown:
1. Industry Matters: What’s Your Target’s Work Week Like?
When it comes to deciding when to send your email, one of the most important factors to consider is the industry you’re targeting. Different industries have different rhythms to their work weeks, and those rhythms dictate when people are most likely to open and respond to your email.
- Corporate/Finance/Consulting: If you’re trying to reach someone in a high-powered corporate job (think: consulting or finance), sending your email earlier in the week—preferably on Tuesday or Wednesday—might be your best bet. These industries often have packed schedules, and catching someone midweek when they’re fresh might get you the attention you need.
- Tech and Creative Industries: Folks working in tech or creative industries often have more flexible schedules. Therefore, sending emails on a Friday might actually be more effective—after all, Fridays in these sectors can feel like a winding-down, creative time. They’re often less tied to strict schedules, and might be more receptive to a well-timed email.
- Retail/Service: For retail or service industries, timing is a bit tricky. Many people in these industries are working over the weekend, which might make Fridays less ideal. But, if your recipient is someone managing schedules or working on a bigger project, a Friday email might slip through the cracks. You’ll have better luck sending these emails earlier in the week, perhaps on Monday or Tuesday.
2. Geography: Time Zones Matter
As if figuring out your recipient’s industry wasn’t enough, let’s throw geography into the mix. We live in a global world, and the timing of your email can depend on where your recipient is located. Someone in the UK may have a completely different work rhythm than someone in California (no surprise there).
Statistics Show: When Should You Send Emails by Time Zone?
- For US-based Recipients: Studies by HubSpot and GetResponse show that the best times for sending emails in the US are between 10 AM and 12 PM (for that mid-morning, fresh-out-of-coffee break vibe) and between 1 PM and 3 PM (post-lunch energy boost). This applies to Monday through Thursday, with Friday being a bit more hit-or-miss.
- For Global Audiences: If you’re sending emails internationally, adjust according to time zones. For Europe, for example, the early afternoon (12 PM to 2 PM) is considered prime time for sending emails, while Asia’s best email times are often later in the afternoon.
The Role of Job Function: When to Send Based on Their Role
Not all email recipients are created equal. Some people spend their workday buried in their inbox, while others only check email at specific times. Here’s a breakdown of when to send based on job function:
1. Executives (CEOs, CMOs, etc.)
These high-ranking individuals have packed schedules, often with back-to-back meetings. Your best bet is to send your email early in the week (Monday or Tuesday) and aim for early morning or late afternoon to catch them before they get swamped by the day’s events.
2. HR Professionals and Recruiters
These folks tend to have a lot of communication to sift through, especially at the beginning and end of the work week. You’ll likely see better open rates with emails sent on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings.
3. Salespeople
Salespeople are usually on the go, meeting clients and working on deals throughout the week. If you’re emailing a salesperson, your best shot is early in the morning (before 9 AM) or mid-afternoon (after 2 PM).
The When Is Important, But So Is the How: Crafting Your Perfect Networking Email
Okay, you’ve chosen the right day and time to send your email, but now what? What’s going to make your email stand out in a crowded inbox, especially on a Friday when everyone’s trying to wrap up their week?
1. Personalization is Key
You know what’s worse than a generic email? A generic networking email that has no context. If you want a response, show that you’ve done your homework. Reference something specific about the recipient—whether it’s their recent blog post, a company initiative, or an industry event they attended.
According to a study from Campaign Monitor, personalized subject lines have a 26% higher open rate than generic ones. So, before you send, ask yourself: Is this email relevant to the person I’m emailing?
2. Make It About Them, Not You
Networking emails can often veer into the territory of “Here’s how I can help you!” without considering how much time the recipient actually has. Instead of talking solely about what you want, show that you’ve taken the time to understand their needs. Address their pain points or goals, and show how your background, skills, or project could be beneficial to them.
Tools to Make Emailing Easier: Schedule Your Sends
You’ve got your email drafted, it’s personalized, and now you’re thinking, “Do I have to wake up at 6 AM on Tuesday to hit send?” Fear not! You don’t need to be a slave to your inbox. Both Gmail and Outlook allow you to schedule emails in advance, meaning you can draft your networking emails at your convenience and set them to send when they’re most likely to be opened.
How to Schedule Emails in Gmail:
- Write your email as you normally would.
- Instead of hitting “Send,” click the downward arrow next to the send button.
- Select Schedule send and choose your preferred date and time.
How to Schedule Emails in Outlook:
- Write your email and click Options in the top ribbon.
- Choose Delay Delivery.
- Under “Delivery options,” select your desired time and date.
- Click Close, then Send. The email will be scheduled.
Introducing Skail: A Game-Changer for Networking Emails
If you want to take your networking emails to the next level check out AI personalized email solutions, like Skail. This innovative tool uses information from your CRM, the recipient’s business website, and their social media accounts to craft emails that are completely unique to the recipient. It helps you create emails that speak in your voice and highlight your experience in ways that drive real connections and relationships. Essentially, it takes personalization to a whole new level, ensuring your emails don’t just get opened—they get responses.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Stress the Timing Too Much, But Keep These Tips in Mind
The truth is, email timing does matter, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. If your email is valuable, personalized, and written with care, you’re much more likely to get a response regardless of the day you send it. But if you want to optimize your chances, follow these guidelines:
- Send on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for corporate industries.
- Try Fridays for creative and tech industries.
- Don’t forget about time zones.
- Always personalize your emails to make them stand out.
And don’t forget—while Friday may not always be the golden day for email sends, with a bit of strategic scheduling and personalization, you’ll be getting responses in no time!
Happy emailing, and good luck out there! May your inbox always be full of meaningful connections.
