30 Cold Email Templates That Get Responses

Sales Prospecting Templates

**Template 1: The Problem-Solution** Subject: Quick question about [Company]'s [specific process]

Hi [First Name],

I noticed [Company] recently [specific observation]. Many [job title]s in [industry] face [specific challenge] when [situation].

We helped [similar company] solve this by [brief solution], resulting in [specific metric].

Would you be open to a 15-minute chat to see if we could help [Company] achieve similar results?

[Your name]

**Template 2: The Mutual Connection** Subject: [Mutual connection] suggested I reach out

Hi [First Name],

[Mutual connection name] mentioned you're the person leading [initiative/area] at [Company]. They thought we should connect.

We work with [type of companies] to [specific value prop]. [Mutual connection] thought our approach to [specific area] might be relevant to what you're building.

Worth a quick conversation?

[Your name]

Recruiting Templates

**Template 3: The Specific Opportunity** Subject: Your [specific skill] + [Company]'s mission

Hi [First Name],

I came across your work on [specific project/contribution] and was genuinely impressed by [specific detail].

[Company] is building [brief description] and we're looking for someone with exactly your background in [specific skill/experience]. The role would involve [1-2 exciting aspects].

Would you be open to learning more over a quick call? No pressure - just wanted to share what we're building.

[Your name]

**Template 4: The Passive Candidate** Subject: Not sure if you're looking, but...

Hi [First Name],

I know you're doing great work at [Current Company], and this might not be the right time for a change. But I wanted to share something that might interest you.

[Company] is [brief exciting description] and your experience with [specific skill] is exactly what the team needs. The role offers [key differentiator].

Even if the timing isn't right, I'd love to connect for the future. Would a brief chat work?

[Your name]

Follow-Up Templates

**Template 5: The Value-Add Follow-Up** Subject: Re: [Original subject line]

Hi [First Name],

I wanted to follow up on my previous email. I also came across this [article/resource/insight] about [topic relevant to their role] that I thought you might find useful: [link]

[One sentence about how your solution relates to the resource]

Would next [Tuesday/Wednesday] work for a quick chat?

[Your name]

**Template 6: The Break-Up Email** Subject: Should I close your file?

Hi [First Name],

I've reached out a few times about [brief value prop] and haven't heard back. I completely understand if the timing isn't right or if this isn't a priority.

I don't want to be a bother, so I'll assume this isn't a fit unless I hear otherwise. If anything changes down the road, feel free to reach out anytime.

Best, [Your name]

(Break-up emails often get the highest response rates - up to 25%.)

Tips for Customizing Templates

Templates are starting points, not finished products. To maximize response rates:

1. **Always personalize**: Reference specific details about the recipient, their company, or recent news 2. **Keep it short**: Under 150 words for initial outreach 3. **One CTA only**: Ask one question or make one request 4. **Use their first name**: In both the greeting and body when natural 5. **Test and iterate**: A/B test subject lines and opening lines 6. **Match their tone**: If their LinkedIn posts are casual, be casual. If formal, be formal. 7. **Find verified emails first**: Use Signal Plug to ensure your emails actually reach the inbox

The best template is one that sounds like you wrote it specifically for that person.