Email could be the most effective way for salespeople to get attention today.
Almost 21% of prospecting emails get opened, according to MailChimp research. Meanwhile, only about 2% of cold calls go anywhere worthwhile.
But email success isn’t just a matter of sending more messages and hoping for responses. Certain email rules hold true regardless of the industry or audience. And great messages can be built from solid prospecting templates like those here.
But first, you want to make sure that any email you send prospects is:
- Subject-driven. Nail the subject line. More than a third of people open email based on the subject line, according to research by author Jay Baer. It has to concisely lay out a benefit for prospects.
- Short. Prospects are busy, and they don’t know you, so they won’t invest much time reading an unsolicited message.
- Prospect-driven. The first sentences need to be about prospects, not your product or service. Use the language they use in their industry, business and/or life.
- Personalized. Mention their industry, a competitor, an event attended – anything that shows you didn’t just merge their name into a template.
- Relevant. You can set up Google alerts to stay on top of news and social feeds for your biggest prospects. You can mention something relevant to what’s going on in their world every time you send a message.
- Customized from your side. Prospects are almost 40% more likely to open messages from a name or email address. Make your messages from you – yourname@company.com – not a corporate account.
- Actionable. Every prospecting email needs a call to action that drives the sales process forward. Ask them to respond, call, set up a meeting or permit you to call.
Here are seven reasons to send prospecting email and 38 templates to speed you along. To use these templates, just select the text, copy and paste it.
INDEX TO EMAIL TEMPLATES
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4 email templates to make a first connection with prospects
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8 email templates to little-known prospects
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10 email templates to follow a trigger event
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3 email templates for referrals
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2 email templates to compare yourself to competitor
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7 email templates to follow up
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4 email templates to confirm it’s time to stop your efforts
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4 email templates to make a first connection with prospects
Cold emailing never has to feel cold. Salespeople can find out enough about prospects online and through social media to make a relevant connection.
These templates for making an initial connection after digging up information on your prospects will help.
Template #1: Initial Connection
Dear (Prospect name),
I can tell from your website that you’re trying to (accomplish a specific goal your solution addresses). Without making too many assumptions about your business goals, I’m pretty sure (your product) can play a pivotal role in your success.
While I’m familiar with your company, you might not be as familiar with (your company name). We help businesses in (prospect industry) with three main goals:
- (Your benefit #1)
- (Your benefit #2)
- (Your benefit #3)
When are you free in the next few days for a short call to discuss strategy for (prospect company name) and how we can help?
Best,
(Your signature)
Template #2: Initial Connection
Hi (Prospect name),
I’m sending this message to introduce myself as your resource at (your company name). I work with small companies in the (prospect industry) space and see that your colleagues stopped by our website in the past.
That inspired me to take a closer look at your website and gain a better understanding of how you handle (a situation or strategy that your solution addresses). I noticed a few areas where we might be able help and was compelled to reach out to you directly.
We work with similar companies in your industry such as (happy customer company 1 and 2). We’ve helped them accomplish (a benefit of your solution) while providing them the tools to (another benefit).
When do you have 15 minutes to connect today or tomorrow? You can book time directly on my calendar here (your embedded meeting calendar url).
Thanks so much,
(Your signature)
Template #3: Initial Connection
Hi (Prospect name),
I saw that you were checking out (your product, company or solution) and wanted to reach out quickly after checking out (prospect company) site.
I certainly don’t want to waste your time, but I thought it would be helpful to speak a little bit about what you hope to get from (your product). I’d love to share some helpful best practices.
What’s a good time today or tomorrow for a brief chat. You can schedule directly on my calendar here (your embedded url meeting calendar) or call me at (your direct phone line here).
Regards,
(Your signature)
P.S. In the meantime, you’ll find these about (specific issue) helpful. They’re just a few-minute read and you’ll gain immediate useable insight!
- (Link to resource 1)
- (Link to resource 2)
Template #4: Initial Connection
Hi (Prospect name),
In working with (prospect job title), I hear one of the biggest issues they struggle with is (key issue).
We’ve helped many companies overcome (key issue), resulting in (relevant benefit such as money saved, revenue added or productivity increased).
A strategy we’ve seen success with is (your key solution), and based on what I know about your business, here are a few ways you could put it into action and see the same success:
- (Strategy and benefit point 1)
- (Strategy and benefit point 2)
- (Strategy and benefit point 3)
That probably sounds similar to challenges you face. I have some more ideas that might help. Can we set up a meeting (specific day 1 and 2) at a time that’s convenient to you?
Best,
(Your signature)
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8 email templates to little-known prospects
On rare occasions, salespeople may not be able to find out much about potential prospects and need to send a cool email. These outreach templates can help.
Template #1: For little-known prospects
Hi (Prospect name),
I hope to find the right person to talk to about (specific issue your solution addresses).
Is this something that challenges you or your colleagues at (prospect company name)?
We at (your company name) are already working with hundreds of organizations such as (happy customer company names 1, 2 and 3) to improve (specific issue) by (brief description of what your company does).
Are you the person I should talk to about this? Is there someone you would refer me to? When would be a good time for a quick call?
Cheers,
(Your signature)
Template #2: For little-known prospects
Hi (Prospect name),
I’ll keep this short and concise so the 28 seconds to read it is worth your time.
As a (your title) at (your company name), I speak with people like you about (achieving a specific goal). (Prospect company name) is on my radar because we’ve helped a lot of companies in (prospect industry) with (specific issue).
Can we schedule a 15-minute call to discuss your strategy for (specific issue your solution addresses)? I’d like to hear what excites and challenges you – and the changes you envision. Even if you decide that you don’t want to talk more after our first call, you’ll gain some insight for (specific issue) that you’ll be able to use immediately.
Best,
(Your signature)
Template #3: For little-known prospects
Hi (Prospect name),
Are you at (prospect company name) challenged with (specific issue)?
We at (your company name) work with organizations in your same industry such as (happy customer company names 1, 2 and 3) to improve (specific issue) by (brief description of what your company does).
I know the life of a (prospect title) can be hectic, but would you be available for a quick call later this week to see if this could be valuable for you?
Cheers,
(Your signature)
Template #4: For little-known prospects
Hi (Prospect name),
How much do you struggle with (specific issue) at (prospect company name)?
I know from working with organizations like yours such as (happy customer company names 1 and 2) that the struggle is real.
I have some ideas that might help. Let me know when we can talk about this.
Sincerely,
(Your signature)
P.S. Check out this content I’ve put together that directly addresses (specific issue). (Embedded link to content)
Template #5: For little-known prospects
Hi (Prospect name),
I’m trying to figure out who is in charge of (the situation you solve) there at (prospect company name).
Would you mind pointing me toward the right person, and the best way I can get in touch with him or her?
Regards,
(Your signature)
Template #6: For little-known prospects
Hi (Prospect name),
My name is (your name), and I’m with (your company name), where we help organizations with (your value proposition).
I’d like to learn how you currently handle (specific issue) and show you what we’ve been doing to help companies like yours.
Are you available for a short call tomorrow afternoon?
Kindly,
(Your signature)
Template #7: For little-known prospects
Hi (Prospect name),
We have a service that we think can really help (prospect company name).
Would you guide me to the person responsible for (specific issue) and let me know the best way to get in touch with him or her?
Regards,
(Your signature)
Template #8: For little-known prospects
Hello (Prospect name),
(Your name) with (your company name) here. I want to introduce myself because (prospect company name) is similar to many of the organizations we work with every day – some of which you might know such as (happy customer company names 1 and 2).
While I have your attention, I wanted to let you know that our customers use us to do things like (benefits of your solution).
We’d love to give you a try with (your solution)!
I’m assuming you’re the best person for this – and if I’m wrong, who would you recommend I speak with?
Regards,
(Your signature)
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10 email templates to follow a trigger event
Many successful prospecting emails come after a trigger event – something that’s happened that helps you build an immediate connection. It could be a company announcement, social media post, business news or personal meet-up at an industry get-together.
Use those events to send useful prospecting emails from these templates.
Template #1: To follow a trigger event
Hi (Prospect name),
Because I work so much within (prospect industry), I constantly follow industry news. I see you recently (prospect company action or milestone). Congrats!
Usually when that happens, (your business value) becomes a priority. That’s why I thought you might be interested in finding out how we helped (happy customer company 1 and 2) get going in new directions after a big change like yours without any of the typical glitches.
Can we set up a quick call today or tomorrow afternoon so you can learn more?
Regards,
(Your signature)
Template #2: To follow a trigger event
Hello (Prospect name),
Your big news about (specific detail of prospect announcement) this week got me thinking.
I found an article on (related topic) that may be useful as your (company or department) moves forward.
You can read it here (embedded url).
With this news, I bet you’re working on improving (your business value). I have some more insight and research that could be valuable.
I hope the article is helpful. When you’re done reading it, can we set up a brief call tomorrow?
Best,
(Your signature)
Template #3: To follow a trigger event
Hi (Prospect name),
I saw that you recently posted a question on LinkedIn about how to handle (key business issue) for your company.
I have some insight that should be valuable to you. Other companies such as (happy customer company name 1 and 2) have found that (our solution) has been a successful solution. For more in-depth examples, here’s what companies I’ve worked with in the past have done. They could be helpful to you:
- (Helpful success story 1)
- (Helpful success story 2)
- (Helpful success story 3)
Can we chat in the next day? You can set up a time in my calendar here (embedded meeting calendar url).
Regards,
(Your signature)
Template #4: To follow a trigger event
Hello (Prospect name),
I loved your recent piece on (topic) in (publication, blog, podcast, etc.) I especially appreciated your point about (specific point related to your solution).
I thought you might like this piece on a similar topic: (link to story with a tie to your solution)
Would love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Can we connect tomorrow afternoon after you’ve read the piece?
Regards,
(Your signature)
Template #5: To follow a trigger event
Hi (Prospect name),
I see you took on a new role at (prospect company name) recently. Congratulations!
You’re probably trying to make an impressive and immediate mark during your first few months in the position, and I think I can help.
I’ve helped companies like yours:
- (relevant benefit 1 such as money saved, revenue-added or productivity increased)
- (relevant benefit 2 such as money saved, revenue-added or productivity increased)
- (relevant benefit 3 such as money saved, revenue-added or productivity increased)
Can we set up a brief chat tomorrow to see how I can do the same for you? Feel free to book some time on my calendar. (embedded meeting calendar url)
Regards,
(Your signature)
Template #6: To follow a trigger event
Hey (Prospect name),
I hope you enjoyed (event name)! Did you get a chance to check out (specific part of the event)?
I (reference to a connection – perhaps stopping at prospect booth, meeting in a roundtable, chatting at cocktail hour) and I think you’re going to make a difference in (prospect industry).
As the (your title) at (your company name), I’ve been able to help businesses like (happy customer company names 1 and 2) get (benefit of your solution) by (area where you excel).
Would you be up for a call to talk about how you handle these things and how we might be able to help you maximize those efforts?
Regards,
(Your signature)
Template #7: To follow a trigger event
Hi (Prospect name),
I read your blog piece about (specific subject) and really liked your approach, especially when it comes to (specific point).
We at (your company name) help others in the (prospect industry) such as (happy customer company name 1 and 2) achieve (your value proposition with a measured result).
If that’s something you’d like to see happen at (prospect company name), I have some ideas that can help immediately. When are you available for a quick call?
Best,
(Your signature)
Template #8: To follow a trigger event
Hello (Prospect name),
Your (accomplishment), and knowing (prospect current or former colleague), inspired me to reach out. Other companies like yours leverage (your product) to further increase success (relevant benefit such as money saved, revenue-added or productivity increased).
In fact, within six months of working with (your company name), (happy customer name) saw (positive result). I’d be happy to share a few ideas on how (prospect company name) could accomplish the same.
If you’re open to that, when is the best time we can chat for 15 minutes this afternoon or tomorrow morning?
Best,
(Your signature)
Template #9: To follow a trigger event
Hi (Prospect name),
I see you requested a demo of (your product). I work with companies in your area, and my goal is to be helpful while you evaluate solutions for your need.
You can expect two parts to our demo – the first is a conversation to help me understand what you hope (your product, your company, or you) can help with and your strategy and goals. That leads to part two – a demo customized to your needs.
To get started, go ahead and schedule a time on my calendar here (embedded meeting calendar url).
Best,
(Your signature)
Template #10: To follow a trigger event
Hi (Prospect name),
I see (number) of people at (prospect company) are using a demo version of (your product).
I’d be happy to share some best practices related to (a feature of your product) with you and your team. Would love to share more on how to get more out of (your product).
Let me know if you and your team are interested in more help. You can pick a time for meeting on my calendar. (embed link to your meeting calendar).
Regards,
(Your signature)
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3 email templates for referrals
Success rates are much higher when the sale starts with a referral. So when you can establish an inroad with a prospect through another happy customer, you want to get the first email contact right.
These templates for referrals will help.
Template #1: For referrals
Hi (Prospect name),
(Mutual connection) recommended we get in touch. I work with (him/her) for (your company name) which helps (him/her) with (your unique value).
Because of your role at (prospect company name), I thought we might be a good fit for your organization.
Our (product, service or solution) has been (refer to an industry award, recognition, certification, etc.), and I think it would be helpful to you.
If this sounds aligned with your current priorities, can we talk briefly? Let me know when we can schedule a call tomorrow or Friday.
Best,
(Your signature)
Template #2: For referrals
Hi (Prospect name),
I write to you on a referral from (mutual connection). I met (him/her) at (event or occasion) and (he/she) thought this could be a great opportunity for both of us.
We at (your company name) work with organizations within your industry such as (happy customer company names 1 and 2) to improve (what your company does best).
I understand it’s something you’re challenged with at (prospect company name), and I believe we can help.
When would you be available for a short call Tuesday or Wednesday?
Cheers,
(Your signature)
Template #3: For referrals
Hi (Prospect name),
(Mutual contact) told me today that you two were talking about how tough it is to (a challenge your solution addresses). You’re right: It’s a big issue that most (prospect industry) companies face now.
I have some ideas you can put in place fairly easily that would have a positive impact on (the challenge). Just ask (mutual contact) how we’ve helped (him/her) achieve (a positive result).
Would you like to schedule a 15-minute chat to cover more on this (challenge)?
Best,
(Your signature)
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2 email templates to compare yourself to competitor
Sometimes salespeople can try a comparison approach to prospecting. Put your value proposition over your competitor’s out there right away.
Here are a couple of templates to help.
Template #1: Compare to competitors
Hello (Prospect name),
I understand you are (prospect title) at (prospect company name) and you use (competitor company name). They’re a reputable company, but it could be beneficial for us to have a chat.
(Your company name) has been busy solving (critical prospect issue), and I believe you’d see immediate benefits from (your product, service or solution) that could result in (scalable solution such as increased revenue, lowered cost, boosted efficiency) like (happy customer company name 1) has.
The difference between (competitor company product) and ours is substantial, and I’d love to show the benefits of ours.
Can we arrange a short call later this week?
Thanks,
(Your signature)
Template #2: Compare to competitors
Hello (Prospect name),
I just spoke to (prospect colleague or referring customer) and (he/she) told me that you use (competitor company name).
How are you liking it?
I work for (your company name). It’s somewhat like (competitor company name) only (brief differentiator description).
If you’re up for it, could we jump on a short call? I’d love to get your opinion on how the service is with (competitor company) and see if it makes sense for us to work together.
Can we set aside 15 minutes in the next three days?
Thanks for considering,
(Your signature)
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7 email templates to follow up
So the first message didn’t work? Or the prospect did respond, then went cold? Those are perfect times for follow-up email messages.
These templates will help you approach follow up in the right way.
Template #1: Follow-up emails
Hi (Prospect name),
This is a quick follow up on the email and call from yesterday. I wasn’t able to connect with you.
I’m hoping to set up a call to introduce (your company name). Do you have 15 minutes in the next week when we could talk about (specific issue).
I thought you might be interested in our work with (happy customer company name). We helped them (achieve a goal) resulting in (meaningful, scalable result). You can read more about it here (embed your case study url).
Our company specializes in (a relevant issue to prospect), and we’ve worked with (companies similar to the prospect).
Can we chat?
Best,
(Your name)
Template #2: Follow-up emails
Hi (Prospect name),
Hope you (are well, had a good weekend, had a successful work week).
You might have been slammed lately, or decided to hold off for now, so I wanted to see if you have any feedback on our (proposal, earlier conversation, information I sent, etc.)
No rush on my end. Just let me know if you’re still interested.
I also thought you might have some interest in a recent post on (a specific challenge, issue or industry news). You can read it here (insert url).
I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
(Your signature)
Template #3: Follow-up emails
Hello (Prospect name),
I just saw that you decided not to move forward with us. I understand there are a lot of options in (your industry) space, and you found that we weren’t the right fit for you.
I like to use these situations as learning opportunities. So when you have a few minutes this week, could you tell me three things that could’ve changed your mind?
We’re always trying to improve, and I’d really appreciate your feedback.
Cheers,
(Your signature)
Template #4: Follow-up emails
Hi (Prospect name),
I know you’re busy! But could you message me to let me know you received the email below?
I’d love to talk more about (prospect company name), and the best ways we can collaborate.
When can we connect on a short call or Skype?
Best,
(Your signature)
Template #5: Follow-up emails
Hi (Prospect name),
Your trial just ended. What did you think?
Was (your product name) a good fit? What made you go, “Wow”? What made you say, “Ugh”?
I’d love to hear all about it.
Regards,
(Your signature)
P.S. If you’d like to just move forward, you can follow this link to our plan: (embed paid plan url here)
Template #6: Follow-up emails
Hi (Prospect name),
I enjoyed our conversation about (prospect issue and how your solution addresses it).
All of us at (your company name) are excited about working with you. What do you suggest is the next step for us?
Best,
(Your signature)
Template #7: Follow-up emails
Hi (Prospect name),
Following up on my last email. Want to see if (one of your solution’s benefits) is something you’d be interested in discussing more.
(Your company name) offers tools for (specific business area prospect showed interest in) including:
- (Solution benefit 1)
- (Solution benefit 2)
- (Solution benefit 3)
I’d be happy to give you a brief, more in-depth walk through the (product or specific feature) so we can figure out if there’s a good fit here.
Please let me know what time is good for a 15-minute chat in the next three days.
Regards,
(Your signature)
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4 email templates to confirm it’s time to stop your efforts
Sometimes the best thing for your sales success and prospects who might buy some time in the future (or even never) is to confirm that it’s time to stop email efforts.
These templates to confirm that prospects aren’t interested will work.
Template #1: Confirmation to stop
Hello (Prospect name),
I’ve reached out a few times now without a reply. Usually when this happens, it means that what I’ve shared on (prospect issue) is not a priority right now. I understand that. Is it safe for me to assume that’s the case?
If it is, I’ll call it quits. If you’d rather I follow up at a later time when you can give (prospect issue) more attention, I’ll be happy to do that, too.
Let me know what you’d prefer.
Best,
(Your signature)
Template #2: Confirmation to stop
Hi (Prospect name),
I’m making a final follow up on my email and voicemail. I’m closing files for the month, and when I haven’t heard back from someone it typically means you aren’t interested now or are really busy.
If that’s the case, do I have your permission to close your file?
If you are still interested, what do recommend as our next step?
Thanks,
(Your signature)
Template #3: Confirmation to stop
Hi (Prospect name),
I get it. Now’s now the best timing for you. However, I’m still convinced that (your solution) is something that will help you overcome (prospect issue or challenge).
That’s why I’ve included a couple of case studies from (happy customer company names 1 and 2) that you can check out when you have more time.
- (Case study 1)
- (Case study 2)
If you say it’s OK, I’ll touch base in two months to update you on what’s new.
Regards,
(Your signature)
Template #4: Confirmation to stop
Hi (Prospect name),
I understand you aren’t interested in us right now … but it still stings a bit! We just weren’t meant for each other … yet, perhaps.
If it’s never meant to be, I want to leave you with some valuable insight that can help you (achieve a goal or address a challenge) immediately:
- (Link to relevant article 1)
- (Link to relevant article 2)
Best,
(Your signature)