Pink PostHow the calculation works
Replies = prospects × reply rate. Links = replies × win rate. Fees = links × share paid × average fee. Labour = hours × hourly cost. Total = fees + labour + tools. Cost per link = total ÷ links. ROI compares the value you put on the links with the total cost. Every number comes from your inputs.
Where to get honest inputs
- Reply and win rates: from your last campaigns. If you have none, run a small test of 50 prospects first; rates vary enormously by niche, list and pitch.
- Hours: include prospecting, qualifying, finding emails, writing, follow-ups and negotiating, not just sending.
- Link value: what you would otherwise pay for a comparable link, or what the extra traffic is worth to you. It is a judgement call, so try a range.
The levers that move cost per link
- List quality raises reply rate more than any template change.
- Personalised openers raise reply and win rate.
- Follow-ups add replies for little extra time.
- Time per prospect: templates, merge tags and a pipeline cut hours.
- Fees: decide your ceiling before you negotiate, and record every price so you know the going rate.
Tracking the real numbers in Pink Post
Pink Post records each prospect's stage, the agreed price and the live link, so after a campaign you can replace these guesses with your real reply rate, win rate and cost per link. Plans start free; Solo is $19 a month.