16 Email Outreach Templates for Every Situation
Contents
Let’s be real: Email outreach should be a core element of your marketing plan. Promotion, prospecting, guest blogging, influencer marketing, building your personal brand, soliciting reviews and ratings, link-building, and more can all benefit from the tactic.
Here’s more good news: you don’t need 100+ different email templates to win at cold emailing.
What you do need is one email outreach template that works. Something specific to what you’re trying to accomplish, and tested to be effective.
Craft that one powerful template and then tweak it for 16 different outreach situations.
These templates can help you send hundreds of emails in a fraction of the time it takes to type each one by hand – and all without sounding like a robot.
Whether you’re a marketer, a sales rep, a podcaster, or just someone looking to develop new relationships, you’ll find an outreach template to suit your needs.
Let’s dive in.
1. Land any guest post with this email template
Guest posts aren’t dead… far from it.
While they aren’t as strong for SEO as editorial backlinks, they still provide a benefit. And, if done right, they can drive plenty of targeted traffic to your site.
But landing guest posts on high authority sites isn’t as easy as in the golden days. Bloggers are more aware now than ever before how a link is a valuable commodity.
With this template, however, you’ll be able to land spots on almost any site with relative ease.
Subject: “Really appreciate this post” or “Care for free content?”
Hey, {{name}}!
I’m a huge fan of {{their blog}}. I just wanted to reach out because I’ve really been enjoying your writing. In fact, I accomplished {{something cool}} from reading your blog post: {{link to their blog post}}.
I know you’re busy, so I won’t waste your time. I’m reaching out because I had some ideas I think the {{their blog name}} audience would positively love, and I was wondering if you’d be open to a guest blog post.
Here are the titles:
{{Title 1}}
{{Title 2}}
{{Title 3}}
To give you an idea of my writing style, here are two of my best posts:
{{Your post with the most shares}}
{{Your best-written post}}
Thanks for your time and consideration! I can’t wait to hear back from you.
Cheers,
{{Your name}}
It’s simple, straightforward, personal, and compelling. Fill in the blanks, and send it out.
2. Claim easy backlinks by fixing broken links
Backlinks are the pillars of SEO. Without them, you’ll never rank, no matter how good your content. (At least until Google’s algorithms change.)
Broken link building is a well-known strategy for getting relatively easy backlinks. It works by finding broken links on a site you’d like a backlink from, then emailing the site owner to let them know about the broken link.
(And, of course, suggesting they add your own, working link.)
There are a number of online and desktop tools to make finding them as simple as entering a URL. A few good ones to try include:
- Dead Link Checker – the free account checks the first 2000 links.
- Online Broken Link Checker – the free version is limited to “only” 3000 pages.
- Screaming Frog – this desktop application is a comprehensive SEO spider tool that includes checking for dead links amongst its many tricks. The free version is limited to 500 pages.
Once you’ve found a broken link or two, here’s a template to notify the site owner (part 1 of 2):
Hey, {{name}},
I was digging around for information on {{topic}} today and came across your post: {{link to their post}}
This is great! Lots of good advice. I even {{implemented something, learned something}}
However, I did find some broken links there. Let me know if you’d like me to send you the list I made.
This is a two-parter because you want to see if they actually care enough to respond.
If they do write back, find excellent replacements for the links (even if they’re not from your site) and send part 2:
No problem!
Here are the broken links I found:
{{Broken Link URL}} + {{Replacement URL}}
BTW, I just wrote a post about {{topic}}: {{post URL}}
I thought it would be a great addition to the page.
Either way, hope this helps and keep up the great work!
Cheers,
{{Your Name}}
3. The perfect outreach template for resource page link building
Another relatively easy way to get backlinks is by reaching out to the creators of resource pages. You might even snag a few valuable .edu links.
The simplest way to track them down is a good old-fashioned Google search with a few advanced search operators:
- inurl:links AND keyword
- inurl:resources AND keyword
- “useful links” AND “keyword”
Once you’ve found a few good ones, use this script:
Hey, {{their name}}!
I was digging around for information on {{topic}} today and came across your resource page: {{link to resource page}}
This is a fantastic list of resources. I didn’t even know about some of them.
If you’re interested, I actually just wrote a guide on {{topic}}: {{your URL}}
It might make a great addition to your page.
Either way, keep up the great work! Thanks for your time.
Cheers,
{{Your Name}}
4. More easy links: The “Guestographic” method
Brian Dean of Backlinko coined the term “Guestographic.”
In fact, he used it to increase his organic search traffic by 175.59%.
It’s a method of combining infographics +guest posting = guestographic.
Once you create a high-quality infographic, you simply find some websites in your niche that might be interested in posting it on their blog. Easy. In fact, Venngage offers plenty of options when you’re looking for a professionally designed infographic template.
Once you’ve got a list of great blogs to contact, send them Brian’s template:
Hey, {{their name}},
I was on the hunt for information on {{topic}} this morning when I came across {{their URL}}.
I really like that you {{talked about something important, emphasized something, explained something}}.
I actually just put together an infographic on {{topic}}.
As someone who writes about {{topic}} quite a bit, I thought you might get a kick out of it.
Let me know if you want to check it out.
Cheers,
{{your name}}
5. Promote your blog before you even publish it
The single biggest mistake I see new – and even established – bloggers make is that they don’t take enough time to promote their blog posts. In fact, many high profile influencers suggest promotion takes a bigger chunk of time than even creation. Derek Halpern of Social Triggers recommends an 80/20 split.
Are you doing that?
With this method, you can almost guarantee traffic before you even hit publish… or before you even type a single word!
It involves finding influencers who might be interested in promoting your content, then sending those influencers an email to determine their interest.
Pro Tip: A super easy way to find influencers is with a searchable influencer database. Just type in a name or category and start adding people to your list.
Once you’ve got your list compiled, it’s time to reach out:
Hey, {{their name}},
I just wanted to say, I’m a huge fan of your work. I especially loved {{link to one of their recent posts}}.
Great stuff! {{Insert key takeaway or funny comment}}
I’m actually publishing a post on {{topic}} next week. Being a master at {{topic}}, I thought you might enjoy it.
Would you mind if I sent you the link when it goes live to get your feedback?
Thanks for your time,
{{your name}}
If they say yes, boom. You’ve got yourself some heavyweight pre-promotion.
I also said you can use this method before ever typing a word. It’s a great way to see if a topic will be popular. If very few people get back to you, it could mean it’s a bad topic or they’re not interested.
Once you’ve published the post, send an email to the people who said yes:
Hi {{name}},
I just wanted to let you know that the post I talked about last week is live.
{{URL}}
I’d really love to get your feedback. Would you mind leaving a comment on the post?
Thanks!
{{name}}
I like to ask for a comment and feedback because, if they had a hand in sculpting the post, they’re likely to share. If you want, you can ask for a direct share instead.
6. Post-publish promotion made easy
What if you didn’t reach out to anyone before your post went live? Are you doomed?
Not at all. You can still ask for the share. It just might not be quite as effective.
On the plus side, you can send it to more people than just your initial influencers. You can also send this email to anyone who has an interest in your topic, like people and sites in “shoulder niches.”
Hey {{name}},
I noticed you’re really interested in {{topic}}. I’d even wager to say you’re something of an SEO expert.
I was wondering if you’d mind taking a look at a post I just published about {{topic}}:
{{URL}}
Could you please give me a little feedback on the post? I’d really appreciate you leaving a comment.
Either way, keep up the great work!
Cheers,
{{name}}
7. Landing a podcast, guest spot or interview? Use this template
Becoming a guest on my first podcast was one of the most satisfying feelings I’ve ever had.
It makes you feel, for lack of a better word, legit. Like a hot shot.
Plus, it’s a great way to build brand awareness, be seen as an authority, drive traffic, and even get backlinks for SEO. Four birds, one stone.
Once you’ve found a few podcasts you’d like to be on, hit ‘em with this:
Hey {{name}},
I’m a HUGE fan of your podcast. I especially liked {{episode}} because {{takeaway or comment}}.
You consistently put out some of the best podcasts I’ve ever heard, and that’s why I’m reaching out to you. I’d really like to be a guest on your show.
{{Quick intro about you, why you’d be a good guest. Link to an about page on your site.}}
(Optional) To give you a better idea of what I’m like on the mic, here are a few other podcast episodes I’ve been on:
{{Link to Podcast}}
Either way, keep up the great work! Can’t wait for your next episode.
Cheers,
{{name}}
8. Find and land guests for your podcast? Try this
If you’re on the other end of things and want guests for your podcast, there’s an outreach template for you too.
First, compile a list of potential guests. (Pro hint: If you were a guest on a podcast, that podcaster would probably make a great guest for yours). Who are the movers and shakers in your industry? There are plenty of tactics and channels to locate quality guests if you know where to look.
Here’s your script:
Hey {{name}},
I know you’re a busy man/woman, so I’ll get right to the point. Whenever I find myself researching {{topic}}, it’s your name that keeps popping up. I especially loved your recent {{post/interview/round table/article}} on {{topic}}. It taught me {{something interesting or unusual that you took away from it}}.
I have a {{subject or niche}} podcast, and I’d love to interview you for an upcoming episode. You’re exactly the type of guest that my audience of {{average monthly listeners}} loves.
If you’re interested in checking it out, this is one of my most popular episodes:
{{Link to podcast}}
I understand your free time is limited, so I’d be happy to work around your schedule.
When would be a convenient time to chat? Either way, keep up the great work that you do. Thanks.
Cheers,
{{name}}
9. Blow up your podcast traffic
There’s one thing every podcaster loves:
Traffic!
If you want more of it, we’ve got just the thing for you. Find yourself a list of influencers, then fire this off:
Hey {{name}},
I noticed you’re really interested in {{topic}}. I’d even wager to say you’re something of an expert.
I was wondering if you’d mind listening to my latest podcast episode about {{topic}}:
{{URL}}
It’s only X minutes long.
Could you please give me a little feedback on the episode? I’d really appreciate you leaving a comment.
Either way, keep up the great work.
Cheers,
{{name}}
If they respond, listen, and comment, their numbers will inflate your numbers.
10. Get real survey data with this template
Data-driven posts are some of the most linked to and shared content on the web.
Even if you aren’t writing a post, survey results can help you learn a lot about your customers. They can improve your marketing, advertising, conversion copywriting, and the all-important customer experience.
The problem lies in getting people to take the damn survey. You have to find potential participants, then find a way to get them to donate a few minutes of their time.
But where there’s a will, there’s a way. Let thy will be done with this email:
Hey {{name}},
I’m reaching out because I noticed {{something related, like their interest in your topic}}.
It seems like you really know your stuff.
In fact, I’d really love to get your input on {{topic}}. I put together a survey in order to {{reason}}.
Could you please spare a couple of minutes to take the survey so I can get your insight?
{{URL}}
Either way, thanks for your time.
Cheers,
{{name}}
11. Generate loads of feedback and product reviews
If you’re in the eCommerce world, product reviews are massively important.
They increase your sales, give you fodder for your social media ads, and boost your ego (we can all use that, right?)…to say nothing of the fact that 82% of Americans under 50 always, almost always, or sometimes check reviews before making a purchase.
Grab your email list of customers and fire off this email:
Hey {{Name}},
Thanks again for ordering {{product}} from {{your site}}!
You helped us {{accomplish a goal, like hitting an income level or selling X product}}.
Would you mind helping us accomplish one more goal?
We’re trying to {{get X product reviews, get into the hands of X people, etc.}}. To do that, we need you to leave a product review on your recent purchase.
It only takes 30 seconds. You can leave a review here:
{{URL}}
Thank you – your review means a lot to us.
(Optional) As an added bonus we’ll give you {{discount/freebie}} for reviewing.
Cheers,
{{Name}}
12. Warm your sales leads
The problem with cold emailing in sales is that it’s, well, cold.
These people probably don’t know you or your company even exist. Then you’re asking them out of the blue to buy something. Not an easy sell.
That’s why it’s good to start with a nice, lead-warming email. The kind that nurtures a relationship.
Use LinkedIn to see when a prospect gets a round of funding, a promotion, or some other accomplishment. Follow them on Twitter or Facebook or Instagram and take note of when they post about something interesting or amazing that just happened to them. Then, send them this:
Hey {{name}},
Congratulations on your recent {{round of funding/promotion/accomplishment/etc}}.
What you’re doing is going to impact {{their industry}} in a major way.
I look forward to seeing how you improve it and what you do next.
Cheers,
{{name}}
It sets the stage to cultivate a closer connection. It engages. Even if they don’t respond to this first one, it makes your name that much more recognizable when you send the next one.
13. Be useful to be liked by your sales prospects
You typically wouldn’t ask someone you just met for a favor. So why come out of the gate asking for a sale or contact info in your first cold email?
This is another nurturing email to build rapport. Find some way you can help a potential client, such as web design advice, then let them know about it.
Like this template, courtesy of HubSpot:
Hey {{name}}!
Your website’s design is amazing! The visuals really enhance your message and the content compels action. I’ve forwarded it to a few of my contacts who I think could benefit from your services.
When I was looking at your site, though, I noticed a mistake made re: search engine optimization. It’s a relatively simple fix. Would you like me to write it up so that you can share it with your web team? If this is a priority, I can also get on a call.
Regards,
{{name}}
Make yourself not just known, but invaluable. The type of friend we all need.
14. Warm ‘em up and sell ‘em
Now that you’ve warmed up those cold leads, it’s time to ask for the sale. Or for the contact info for the person who has the authority to purchase.
Here’s a template for that:
Hey {{name}},
I hope you’re doing well. I see you’ve {{published a post, done something interesting}}. Great stuff!
I was doing some research this morning and noticed you {{have a need for our product/aren’t doing X/could benefit from Y}}.
I actually sell {{product or service}} that can help you with that.
(Optional) Can you point me in the direction of {{sales department/person who handles purchasing}}? I promise to be brief and helpful.
Either way, keep up the great work! And let me know if there’s anything I can do to {{help you with goal}}.
Cheers,
{{name}}
15. Get prospects on the phone with ease
What if your product or service is more intricate and can’t be sold in a simple email?
You need to get those prospects on the phone. And I have just the trick for that, too:
Hey {{name}},
I hope you’re doing well. I see you’ve {{published a post, done something interesting}}. Great stuff!
I was doing some research this morning and noticed you {{have a need for our product/aren’t doing X/could benefit from Y}}.
My company actually works with people like you to help them achieve {{goal}}.
Would you be interested in a brief call to see if we can help you grow your business? I promise to take up no more than 15 minutes.
Let me know if you’re available at:
{{Date & Time}}
{{Date & Time}}
{{Date & Time}}
Either way, keep up the great work.
Cheers,
{{name}}
16. A phone call follow-up email to win clients
You got ‘em on the phone and they seem promising. Now it’s time to lay down the finishing touch. Send this email:
Hi {{name}},
It was great chatting with you earlier today and learning more about how you {{role}} at {{company}}.
I understand the issues you’re facing with {{challenges discussed in conversation}} and how they make it harder to {{do X discussed in call}}.
As discussed, I’ve attached more information about our resources and how we can help you {{achieve a goal}} and solve {{business problem}}.
Let me know if you have any additional questions and I’d be more than happy to chat again or follow up with an email. If not, I look forward to talking again on {{date and time}}.
Cheers,
{{name}}
If you’re hankering for more sales emails, check out more here.
Parting Words of Advice
Cold email outreach is one of the best ways to get shares, interviews, and sales. They just work.
With these outreach templates, you’ll be WAY ahead of the competition in a fraction of the time.
One word of advice: make sure you customize your emails when you send them. Don’t sound like a robot and people won’t instantly hit delete.
Oh, and one last tip…
If they don’t answer your first email, don’t give up!
Always follow up. Always. Most acceptances happen in the follow up.
Continue reading
Social
