Eight habits help keep cold email in line with the GDPR:
- Collect only what you need. Do not save data that "might come in handy someday". When you export, tick only the columns you use.
- Target people who will find your message relevant to their job.
- Say why you are writing. Be clear that it is a sales email. B2B outreach may rely on legitimate interest.
- Make opting out quick and easy, for example an unsubscribe link or "reply stop".
- Keep your list clean. Remove people who left the company or asked not to be contacted, and verify old lists before you send.
- Prepare answers to GDPR questions and complaints in advance, such as where you found an email.
- Introduce yourself in your first email (Article 14): who you and your company are, your contact details, where you got their data, a link to how you protect personal data, and who to contact about it.
- Check national e-marketing rules (ePrivacy in the EU, PECR in the UK). Some countries require prior consent even for B2B email.
This is general information, not legal advice.