Google Doc Outreach Strategy

A successful outreach strategy using Google Docs to get responses from hard-to-reach people, demonstrated through the egg cartons.com story.

Core Strategy

• Send an email with specific questions in a Google Doc instead of asking for meetings
• Make it easy for busy people to respond on their own time
• Include bullet points or specific questions they can quickly answer
• Demonstrate you've done research and are genuinely interested

Example Implementation

• Initial outreach email components:
  • Attention-grabbing subject line
  • Brief explanation of interest
  • Link to Google Doc with 5 specific questions
  • Mention of potential value/exposure (podcast reach, audience size)
  • Social proof (link to Twitter profile)

Results from the egg cartons.com case:

• No response for 20 days initially
• Eventually got detailed responses to all questions
• Target appreciated the format and efficiency
• Led to comprehensive answers that wouldn't have come from a regular interview
• Built enough rapport that the contact offered to send free products

Key Benefits

• Lower barrier to response than scheduling a meeting
• Allows busy people to respond on their own schedule
• Creates a structured format for gathering information
• More likely to get detailed responses than through email alone
• Can lead to deeper engagement if initial response is positive

The method worked even when cold outreaching to a successful business owner who normally doesn't do press or interviews.