AI Cold Calling Software - How to 10x Your Cold Outreach

AI cold calling is how sales teams take their outreach from good to outstanding.

You know the drill—dialing number after number, trying to get prospects on the line for a sales call. But what if your calling strategy was smarter? More efficient?

That's where AI steps in, making cold outreach for outbound sales teams not only faster but more effective. Stick around, and we’ll show you how to 10x your results with outbound calls using AI-driven insights and tools.

TL;DR: AI Cold Calling - How to 10x Your Outreach

• AI cold calling: AI automates and enhances the cold calling process, handling tasks like dialing, transcribing, lead scoring, sentiment analysis, and even speaking with the right ai tools. This technology streamlines outreach, making it smarter, faster, and more effective.
• The 5 best AI cold calling software: Cold calling can be tough, so we tested the best ai cold calling tools that can make all the difference. These tools can help you 10x your outreach, making your cold calling efforts smarter, more efficient, and more effective:
  • ZappX by Alex Heiden: The best overall cold-calling software. It offers power dialing, AI-driven lead scoring, automated call summaries, CRM integration, and spam detection. ZappX is designed by salespeople for salespeople, making it highly effective and user-friendly.
  • Air AI: The best for full conversational AI cold calls. Air AI can hold 10-40 minute conversations that sound completely human, with infinite memory and perfect recall. It’s capable of conducting entire sales calls autonomously, making it perfect for scaling your outbound efforts.
  • Gong: The best for call analytics and conversation intelligence. Gong provides deep insights into your cold calls, helping you understand what’s working and where to improve. It’s ideal for those who want to use data to refine their strategy and optimize every conversation.
  • Balto: The best for real-time call coaching. Balto offers instant feedback during calls, helping sales reps handle objections, refine their technique, and stay on track. It’s like having a personal sales coach guiding you through every call.
  • Drift: A strong contender for automating initial outreach. Drift’s AI engages prospects in natural, human-like conversations, qualifies leads, and schedules meetings, freeing your team to focus on closing deals.
• Combines with cold email: Complement AI cold calling with tools like Smartlead for automated, personalized cold emails, and ListKit for triple-verified emails and phone numbers.
• Reduces stress: By automating repetitive tasks and offering real-time coaching, AI helps reduce the mental strain of cold calling, allowing sales teams to focus on more engaging work.
• Scalable and adaptable: Whether you’re a startup or a large enterprise, AI cold calling tools can scale with your needs, continuously learning and adapting to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Incorporating AI into your cold calling strategy can help you reach more prospects, have more meaningful conversations, and ultimately, close more deals and hit sales targets.

What is AI cold calling?

AI cold calling automates and enhances the otherwise manual cold calling process by dialing multiple prospects simultaneously, transcribing calls, and analyzing customer sentiment. AI cold calling software employs smart algorithms to collect customer data, verify users, prioritize leads, arrange calls, and perform other tasks.

You can do some serious damage by adding AI cold-calling software to your outbound marketing strategy. Alex Heiden, founder of Closify and ZappX, books 200+ demos per month doing so:

Traditional Cold Calling vs AI Cold Calling

AI cold calling takes a lot of the repetitive work off your plate. Here’s what it handles for you:

• Dialing numbers: No more manually punching in phone numbers—AI does it for you, even calling multiple prospects at once.
• Taking notes: AI can automatically transcribe calls, so you don’t have to jot down every detail during conversations.
• Prioritizing leads: Instead of sifting through a long list, AI ranks leads based on their likelihood to convert, so you focus on the best ones.
• Scheduling calls: AI can arrange call times and set reminders, making sure you never miss a follow-up.
• Analyzing customer sentiment: AI listens to how prospects react during calls and gives you insights, so you don’t have to guess how they’re feeling.

Benefits of AI Cold Calling

AI cold calling is changing the game by making outreach smarter, faster, and more effective. Here’s what ai cold calling software like ZappX can do for you:

• Talk to the first person who answers: Power dialing lets you call up to 5 prospects at once, connecting you to the first one who picks up.
• Focus on the best leads: AI helps you prioritize the prospects most likely to convert, so you spend time where it counts.
• Get real-time call feedback: With automated transcription and sentiment analysis, you can adjust your approach on the spot.
• Keep your outreach personal: CRM integration ensures your conversations are always relevant, with the latest data at your fingertips.
• Boost your answer rates: Rotating area codes make your calls look local, so more people are likely to pick up.
• Follow up with a quick text: SMS capabilities make it easy to send a follow-up message and keep the conversation going.
• Track your team’s performance live: Real-time analytics let you see how your team is doing and keep everyone motivated.
• Cut out the dead ends: Advanced spam detection filters out wrong numbers and bad leads, so you only talk to genuine prospects.

We Tried The 5 Best AI Cold Calling Tools So You Don't Have To

Cold calling can be tough during the sales process, but the right tools can make all the difference.

That’s why we rolled up our sleeves and tested the best cold-calling tools on the market.

Here's our list:

1. ZappX by Alex Heiden - The best cold-calling software overall

When it comes to setting up a profitable ai cold calling system, ZappX takes the top spot. Built by salespeople for salespeople, ZappX is designed to handle the toughest challenges in outbound sales. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Dial up to 5 prospects at once (power dialing): ZappX connects you with the first person who picks up, so you’re always talking to someone.
• AI-driven lead scoring: Prioritize leads most likely to convert, so you focus your efforts where they matter most when it comes to lead generation.
• Review key details quickly: From the call recording, you get automated call summaries provide instant recaps, so you can act fast.
• CRM integration: Seamlessly sync data with popular platforms like HubSpot and Apollo for more personalized outreach.
• Automated follow-ups: Easily send SMS or emails after sales conversations and automatically leave voicemails to keep the conversation going.
• Avoid wasted calls: Spam detection filters out wrong numbers and bad leads, making sure you only talk to real prospects.

If you’re looking for a cold calling solution that combines efficiency, effectiveness, and ease of use, ZappX is the ultimate choice.

Other reasons to go with ZappX:

• Founded by Alex Heiden, who has over 16,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter) and founded Closify - a popular commission-only marketplace for salespeople.

• Integrates with ListKit and Smartlead to combine high-quality lead data with cold email and cold calling efforts.
• 50% more dials per day for less than any dialer

2. Drift - The Best Conversational AI for Initial Outreach

If you’re looking to remove yourself or fellow sales representatives in the initial stages of cold calling campaigns, then Drift is designed to leverage ai to engage prospects in natural, human-like conversations to handle the initial stages of cold calling with ease.

Here’s what makes it a standout for sales team members:

• Engage in natural conversations: Drift’s AI is trained on vast amounts of data, allowing it to understand and respond to a wide range of questions in a way that feels human.
• Qualify leads automatically: The AI can assess and qualify leads based on their responses, saving you time and ensuring that only the most promising prospects move forward.
• Set up meetings on the fly: Drift can schedule meetings or demos directly within the conversation, eliminating the back-and-forth of calendar coordination.
• Continuously learns and adapts: As Drift interacts with more prospects, it learns and improves, making each conversation better than the last.

Drift is perfect for automating the initial outreach, freeing up your sales reps to focus on building relationships and closing deals.

3. Air AI - The Best Conversational AI for Cold Calls

Imagine having 100,000 sales and customer service reps at your fingertips. That’s what Air AI brings to the table—the world’s first AI capable of holding full, 10-40 minute phone conversations that sound like a real human.

With infinite memory, perfect recall, and the ability to autonomously take actions across over 5,000 applications, Air AI can do the entire job of a full-time agent without needing to be trained, managed, or motivated. It just works—24/7/365.

Here’s what makes Air AI a standout:

• Human-like Conversations: Air AI is designed to handle intricate conversations that mimic real human interaction, making it difficult for prospects to distinguish between AI and a live salesperson. This helps maintain a personal touch while scaling outreach efforts.
• Handles Full Sales Conversations: Unlike other tools that only assist with parts of the sales process, Air AI is capable of conducting entire sales calls, from introduction to closing, which is especially useful for companies looking to streamline their sales efforts.
• High Conversion Rates: With its ability to manage complex interactions, Air AI has been reported to drive high conversion rates, making it a powerful tool for increasing sales efficiency.
• Continuous Improvement: The AI continuously learns from each interaction, refining its responses and improving its effectiveness over time.

Air AI is an excellent choice for businesses looking to scale their outbound sales efforts without sacrificing the quality of customer interactions​.

4. Gong - The Best for Call Analytics and Conversation Intelligence

For those who want to dive deep into what’s working and what’s not during cold calls, Gong is the tool you need. This platform offers advanced conversation intelligence and call analytics, giving you the insights to refine your strategy. Here’s why Gong is essential:

• Analyze call recordings in-depth: Gong uses advanced speech recognition and NLP to break down your calls, highlighting key moments like objections or pain points.
• Understand talk ratios and trends: Get detailed analytics on metrics like how much you’re talking versus listening, recurring themes, and trending topics.
• Refine your scripts: With data-driven insights, you can tweak your cold calling scripts to better resonate with prospects and improve your success rate.
• Improve listening skills: Gong helps you identify areas where you can listen more effectively, making your calls more about the prospect and less about the pitch.

Gong is the perfect companion for those who want to use data to continually optimize their cold calling approach, ensuring every call is better than the last.

5. Balto - The Best Real-Time Call Coaching Tool

When it comes to getting real-time support during cold calls, Balto is the tool that stands out. It’s like having a personal sales coach guiding you through each conversation, helping you make the most of every opportunity. Here’s what makes Balto a game-changer:

• Instant feedback during calls: Balto analyzes live conversations and provides real-time suggestions, so you can adjust your approach on the spot.
• Handle objections with ease: If a common objection comes up, Balto will prompt you with a recommended response, helping you overcome hurdles smoothly.
• Improve your technique: Whether you’re talking too fast or not asking enough open-ended questions, Balto offers gentle reminders to help you refine your style.
• Stay on track: Real-time coaching ensures you don’t miss a beat, keeping you focused and increasing your chances of closing the deal.

Balto is ideal for sales teams looking to boost their performance and make every cold call count.

AI Cold Calling Strategies for Sales Teams

1. Use AI to Schedule Calls, But Make the Call Personal: Let AI handle the scheduling of calls based on optimal times for each prospect. Once on the call, make sure your sales rep personalizes the conversation by mentioning specific details about the prospect’s business or challenges. For example, after an AI tool schedules a call with a lead, the sales rep could start the conversation by referencing a recent company achievement or industry trend relevant to the prospect.
2. Complement Cold Calls with Cold Emails: Sales teams can enhance their outreach by following up cold calls with personalized cold emails. Use tools like Smartlead for cold email automation and ListKit for accessing triple-verified emails and phone numbers, ensuring your follow-up efforts target high-quality leads and maximize engagement.
3. Use Sentiment Analysis and Call Summaries: Make the most of sentiment analysis by checking how prospects feel during your calls. If they seem interested or hesitant, you can adjust your follow-up approach to match their mood. Also, automated call summaries are great for quickly reviewing what was discussed, so you can send emails or make follow-up calls that directly address the key points from your conversation. Both are features offered by ZappX. This way, your follow-ups feel more personalized and relevant, keeping the conversation flowing smoothly.
4. Taking Advantage of Real-Time Analytics: To make the most of real-time analytics, start by actively monitoring key metrics during your sales calls, such as talk time, response rates, and common objections. Use these insights to adjust your strategy on the spot—whether it’s tweaking your pitch, focusing on certain pain points, or identifying when to wrap up a call. Real-time data helps you see what’s working and what needs improvement right away, so your team can adapt quickly and stay on track to meet targets.
5. Time Your Calls Wisely: Make your calls at the best times to reach prospects. AI tools can help a sales team determine optimal calling times, but understanding your industry and prospect behavior also plays a significant role in reaching them when they’re most receptive.

Not let's address some frequently asked questions about ai cold calling:

Is AI Cold-calling illegal?

AI cold calling is not illegal in the U.S., but it must follow regulations like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). This includes respecting the Do Not Call Registry, obtaining consent, and providing clear opt-out options. Compliance with these rules is essential to avoid legal issues.

Can AI make phone calls for me?

Yes, AI can make phone calls for you using tools that automate the dialing process and even engage in conversations. These AI systems can handle tasks like scheduling, lead qualification, and initial outreach. While AI can handle many aspects of a call, understanding its limitations and ensuring proper setup is key for effective use.

Can someone tell if you use AI?

Yes, someone may be able to tell if you use AI—especially with conversational AI, where responses might occasionally feel scripted or less natural. However, with other AI features like those offered by ZappX, such as lead scoring, automated dialing, and call summaries, it’s much harder for someone to detect AI involvement. These backend processes enhance efficiency without altering the human element of the interaction.

Can AI do sales calls?

Yes, AI can do sales calls by automating various aspects of the process, such as dialing, lead qualification, and even holding initial conversations. Conversational AI can engage with prospects, answer questions, and set up meetings. While AI can handle many sales tasks, integrating it with human oversight ensures a more effective and personalized approach.

Is it OK to cold call someone?

Yes, it is OK to cold call someone as long as you follow legal guidelines, such as those outlined in the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). This includes obtaining consent, respecting the Do Not Call Registry, and providing an opt-out option. Beyond legal requirements, it's important to consider moral etiquette: be respectful, avoid calling at inconvenient times, and be polite if the person isn’t interested. Balancing legality with courtesy ensures a more positive experience for both parties.

Is AI 100% accurate?

No, AI is not 100% accurate. While AI systems are highly efficient and can handle large volumes of data, they can still make mistakes or misinterpret information. Accuracy depends on factors like the quality of data, the complexity of tasks, and the specific AI model being used. Human oversight is often needed to catch errors and ensure the best results.

Is cold calling bad for mental health?

Cold calling can be stressful and may negatively impact mental health, particularly if not managed properly. The constant rejection, pressure to meet targets, and repetitive nature of the job can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and burnout. This emotional toll can cause significant stress and mental health issues if not addressed.

However, using tools like ZappX can help reduce these stressors by automating many of the more challenging aspects of cold calling. For example, ZappX’s AI-driven features like power dialing, automated follow-ups, and real-time coaching can help lighten the workload, allowing sales professionals to focus on more engaging and less repetitive tasks. This not only improves efficiency but also helps reduce the mental strain associated with cold calling.

Want to try AI-powered cold calling?

AI-powered cold calling is revolutionizing how sales teams approach outreach, making the process smarter, faster, and more efficient. By integrating AI into your cold-calling strategy, you can streamline your efforts, boost productivity, and ultimately close more deals.

Key Takeaways:

• Power Dialing: AI tools like ZappX allow you to dial multiple prospects simultaneously, connecting with the first one who answers.
• Lead Prioritization: AI-driven lead scoring helps you focus on the prospects most likely to convert, saving you time and increasing your chances of success.
• Real-Time Insights: Features like automated call summaries and sentiment analysis provide immediate feedback, helping you adjust your approach on the fly.
• CRM Integration: Seamlessly sync data with your CRM for more personalized and effective outreach.
• Spam Detection: Filter out bad leads and wrong numbers to ensure every call counts.

If you're serious about taking your cold-calling strategy to the next level, ZappX is your go-to solution. Built by sales professionals for sales professionals, ZappX combines cutting-edge AI technology with user-friendly features to make your outreach efforts not just more efficient, but significantly more effective.

Book a demo today and watch how your sales team's performance can soar.