When is the Best Time to Cold Call in B2B Sales? [Updated for 2023]

In B2B sales, the art of cold calling remains a potent weapon in the arsenal of sales professionals. But when should you unleash this weapon for maximum impact? When is the best time to cold call in B2B sales?

For B2B sales in 2023, the most effective times to cold call are Tuesday through Thursday, between 10 am and 3 pm, as these periods show the highest engagement rates. With the rise of remote work, it's important to consider the prospect's time zone and personal work schedule. Continuously tracking and analyzing call outcomes is essential to refine and adjust these time frames for the best results.

Timing is everything regarding cold calling in the B2B arena, as it can significantly affect your success rate. In this blog post, I will delve into the best times to cold call and the worst times to pick up the phone and provide you with a free cold calling guide to support your efforts.

In the fast-paced world of B2B marketing, reaching out to potential clients or prospects can be a challenging endeavor. Cold calling, often seen as the frontline of sales efforts, involves contacting individuals or businesses who may have no prior knowledge of your product or service. It’s a bold approach that can yield remarkable results when executed strategically. However, the success of cold outreach is not solely dependent on your pitch or charisma; the timing of your call also influences it.

Understanding the nuances of when to make that call can be the difference between sealing a deal and being met with resistance. This begs the question: When is the Best Time to Cold Call in B2B Sales? To answer this, we must consider various factors, including the schedules and receptivity of your prospects, industry norms, and even the day of the week.

By dissecting the science of timing in cold outreach, we can help you optimize your strategy and increase your chances of success. So, let’s explore the intricacies of the best and worst times to embark on your cold-calling journey in B2B sales.

The Best Times to Cold Call

B2B marketing revolves around understanding your prospects and their behaviors. The same principle applies to cold calling. To achieve the highest success rate, you must align your outreach with your prospects’ schedules.

1. Tuesday and Wednesday Mornings:

According to cold calling statistics, midweek mornings are often the prime time for reaching decision-makers. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, professionals have likely settled into their workweek, making them more accessible and attentive to your pitch.

2. Late Morning and Early Afternoon:

Research shows that the best times to cold call are typically between 10 AM and 12 PM and 2 PM and 4 PM. During these hours, people are generally more receptive and less distracted.

3. Avoid Mondays and Fridays:

Mondays are notorious for being hectic, with professionals catching up on emails and planning their week. Fridays, on the other hand, are often less productive as people anticipate the weekend. Cold calling during these days may yield a lower success rate.

4. Lunch Hours:

Surprisingly, lunchtime can be a good time for cold outreach. Some professionals may use this time to catch up on tasks, so calling around noon can sometimes yield positive results.

5. Thursdays for Follow-ups:

While not ideal as Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, Thursday afternoons can be a good time for follow-up calls. By this week, prospects may have had time to digest previous information, making them more receptive to a follow-up discussion.

The Worst Times to Cold Call

Just as there are optimal times to cold call, there are periods when your efforts are more likely to be in vain.

1. Early Mornings and Late Afternoons: Avoid calling early or late in the afternoon. People are either preparing for their workday or winding down, and you’re more likely to catch them at an inconvenient time.

2. Weekends: Weekends are reserved for personal time, and attempting a cold call may lead to annoyance rather than interest. Respect your prospects’ work-life balance.

3. Holidays: During preeminent holidays, professionals are typically out of the office or mentally disengaged from work. Save your cold outreach for a more suitable time.

Free Cold Calling Guide to Support Calling Time

To enhance your cold-calling success rate, it’s crucial to have a structured approach. Here’s a free cold-calling guide with best practices to support your efforts:

1. Targeted Lead Generation:

Before making a call, ensure you have a list of well-qualified prospects. A successful cold call begins with suitable leads.

2. Customized Messaging:

Craft a personalized message that addresses the prospect’s pain points and offers a solution. Tailoring your approach increases your chances of engagement.

3. Script and Practice:

Prepare a script, but avoid sounding robotic. Practice your delivery to sound confident and natural during the call.

4. Active Listening:

Engage in a two-way conversation. Listen carefully to your prospect’s responses and adapt your pitch accordingly.

5. Follow-Up Strategy:

Have a follow-up plan in place. Send follow-up emails or schedule another call to nurture the relationship.

6. Use Technology Wisely:

Leverage telemarketing tools and CRM software to track your calls and manage leads efficiently.

7. Continuous Learning:

Stay updated with the latest B2B marketing trends and cold-calling best practices. Adapt your approach as needed.

Call Time Matters, but So Do Accurate Mobile Numbers

While knowing when to call is essential, it’s equally crucial to have accurate contact information. Cold callers often face the challenge of outdated or incorrect phone numbers. To improve your conversion rate, regularly verify and update your contact database with CUFinder tools. Use reliable lead generation tools to reach prospects with the right phone numbers.

Closing Thoughts
The answer to the question, “When is the Best Time to Cold Call in B2B Sales?” is not a one-size-fits-all solution but a nuanced understanding of your target audience’s behaviors and preferences.

Successful cold calling in B2B sales requires a strategic approach that considers the ebb and flow of the workweek. By aligning your outreach with the optimal times mentioned earlier, you’re positioning yourself for higher chances of engagement and conversion. However, it’s important to remember that timing is just one piece of the puzzle.

To truly excel in cold calling, it’s essential to complement your timing with a well-thought-out strategy. Crafting personalized messages, actively listening to your prospects, and having a robust follow-up plan can make all the difference. Utilizing the provided cold calling guide, filled with best practices, allows you to refine your approach and maximize your outreach’s effectiveness.

Additionally, maintaining an accurate contact database is paramount to ensuring that your efforts are directed toward prospects with valid phone numbers, further improving your conversion rate. In the dynamic world of B2B sales, where every call counts, a harmonious blend of timing, strategy, and adaptability will lead to the most rewarding results in your cold outreach endeavors.