Introduction

We sent thousands of smart, personal emails using AI and topped response charts in two weeks. Here is what really made it work.

What’s the problem it solves?

Many AI sales emails feel generic and get ignored. This approach shows how to train AI to send messages that people want to read and reply to.

Quick Summary

A SaaStr team used an AI tool to send 4,495 emails over two weeks and beat all platform averages. They didn’t just flip a switch-they spent hours cleaning data, teaching the AI their voice, and adding personal touches from event history and job news.

They split their audience into groups-past attendees, sponsors, and website visitors-and tailored each campaign. Humans stayed in the loop to answer replies quickly and keep quality high. They also built custom follow-up decks on the fly so prospects got exactly what they asked for.

The key lesson is that AI can scale personalization, but it needs daily oversight, deep data, and clear value in every message. Done right, it unlocks huge reach; done badly, it’s just more spam.

Key Takeaways

• AI must provide real, specific value in each email.
• Training an AI needs as much time as hiring a new SDR.
• Clean, complete data is vital before AI can work well.
• Segment your list and craft separate campaigns for each group.
• Keep humans in the loop to answer replies instantly.
• AI adds to your process-it does not replace humans.
• Build custom follow-up materials automatically.
• Quality AI use demands daily audits and fixes.

What to do

• Gather and clean all customer data: CRM, events, website, and past interactions.
• Block two weeks to train your AI: review outputs, correct errors, and set guidelines.
• Create audience segments: lapsed customers, event attendees, and new visitors.
• Write clear rules so AI references real events, job changes, and product offerings.
• Assign a person to watch AI messages each day and teach improvements.
• Use AI to build tailored proposals and decks for each conversation.
• Respond to every AI-generated reply in real time at the same level of personalization.
• Track response rates and adjust segments, messages, and training as needed.

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