Open up your email program and read open your spam folder, and (if you're anything like us) you'll see hundreds of cold emails. But cold emails don't need to be spam; they can provide value, create connections, and deliver business success.
Writing cold emails is harder than formal emails because there's no real structure. In fact, you should be creative to try and build a connection. Boring doesn't win in the cold emailing business.
We're going to show you how to write cold emails, with 5 samples covering:
- Cold email to a prospective customer
- Cold email to a prospective client
- Cold email proposing a partnership
- Cold email invitation to an event
- Cold email for connection
Our 101 guide to cold emails continues with a breakdown of the format before we build a template together. At the end, we deliver pro tips from cold emailing experts.
To make your work a lot easier, you can also take advantage of HIX.AI cold email generator, which can help you write a cold email in an instant.
Streamline Your Cold Email Process with AI
Before exploring our expertly crafted templates, harness the power of our free AI email generator to efficiently create personalized cold emails with a touch of innovation.
What is a cold email?
Cold emails are messages sent to someone you don't know. That's the easiest explanation, but behind that is a huge amount of email science and sales talk.
Great cold emails generate emotion and create connections. They're engineered to get results, using some tried and tested techniques to encourage action. In most cases, cold emails are used to raise awareness of your business, brand, product, or service.
Cold emails are all about numbers. The more you send, the more likely you are to be successful. But before you start writing, you need to develop some solid emails, understand the format, and focus on your USP.
Want to know how? There's a lot to learn, but here are 5 cold email samples to get you started.
5 cold email templates
Cold emails are all about personality. If you're simply going to copy us, you're not going to be successful (sorry!). Instead, use these cold email templates to learn how to create cold emails and get inspiration from some of the tricks that we use.
Cold email to a prospective customer
Got a product to sell? Cold emails are a core part of product marketing, helping to build an audience and increase demand. You're going to need to go big on what makes your product stand out, so don't be shy!
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to introduce you to our innovative product that I believe could greatly benefit your business. Our product offers [unique features/benefits] that set it apart from competitors in the market.
We have received positive feedback from other clients who have seen significant [improvements/advantages] since implementing our solution. I would love to discuss how our product can address your specific needs and contribute to your success.
Please let me know if you would be available for a brief call or meeting at your convenience. I am confident that once you see the value our product brings, you'll be eager to explore further.
Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to the opportunity to connect.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Cold email to a prospective client
Cold emails are as critical for promoting your service, helping you to reach new clients in all sectors. If you're in marketing, you'll regularly receive stuff from SEO agencies, and they're always good to read (either to see what works or what doesn't!).
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to introduce our marketing services and discuss the possibility of working together.
At [Your Company], we specialize in helping businesses like yours achieve their marketing goals. With over 10 years of experience, our team has successfully implemented strategies that have led to significant growth for our clients.
I would love to schedule a time to discuss how we can help you drive more traffic, generate leads, and increase conversions. Please let me know if the proposed schedule works for you or if you would prefer to suggest an alternative time.
Thank you for your attention.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
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Cold email proposing a partnership
You can't conquer the business world alone, but you need to form partnerships. How? This cold email proposes an international partnership between firms. This email is, as you'll see, more serious than the previous samples.
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to propose a potential partnership between our two firms. As experienced experts in our respective fields, I believe that collaborating could create significant opportunities for both parties.
Let's schedule a meeting to discuss this proposal in more detail. Please let me know if the proposed schedule works for you, or if you would prefer to suggest an alternative time. I am open to your suggestions and eager to explore the potential of a partnership.
Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Cold email invitation to an event
Struggling to fill spaces in your event? Send a cold email! Cold emails are a great way to generate interest and sign-ups for your event. You'll have to provide some details and encourage them to attend (free food? Yes please!).
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am excited to invite you to our upcoming event, [Event Name], taking place on [Event Date] at [Event Venue]. It promises to be an informative and engaging gathering for industry professionals like yourself.
We have arranged a lineup of distinguished speakers who will be sharing their expertise and insights on [Event Topic]. This is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge and network with peers in the field.
As an added benefit, we are delighted to offer complimentary refreshments throughout the event. So you can enjoy not only the enriching discussions but also indulge in some delicious treats.
Please click on the registration link below to secure your spot:
[Registration Link]
If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out. We look forward to seeing you at [Event Name]!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Cold email for connection
LinkedIn has transformed networking, but cold emails can still be successful in building a connection with individuals and organizations. In the same way as you would on LinkedIn, you have to explain who you are and why you're messaging. You'll have to express the benefits of making a connection.
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name] and I am reaching out to you to introduce myself and explore the possibility of connecting.
As an expert with over 10 years of experience in writing all types of emails, I have successfully helped individuals and organizations build connections through effective cold emails. I believe that by connecting, we can mutually benefit from sharing knowledge, experiences, and opportunities.
If you are open to connecting, I would be delighted to discuss further how we can potentially collaborate or support each other's endeavors.
Thank you for your attention and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Complete guide to cold emaling
First, we've got to be honest with you. There are hundreds of books written about how to write a cold email. It's a skill that people spend their entire careers mastering. So you'll understand why we're going to struggle to condense all that learning into 800 words. It won't stop us from trying!
Cold emails are about grabbing interest. You'll need a superb subject line to catch the eye and encourage a click. Once you've got it, you need a bold body copy that's going to inspire them to learn more. But it can't just be funny; it must offer value. Finally, there must be a CTA either encouraging them to connect, contact you, or make a purchase.
While you'll need to spend time crafting cold emails (and testing them), we're going to help you by building a template based on three parts:
- Cold email subject line
- Body copy
- Sign off/next steps
Ready to create a connection? Then let's get into it!
Cold email subject line
It's out with the traditional and in with the clickbait! Yes, cold emails live and die by the subject line. Get it right, and you can count on lots of clicks and engagement.
How do you know what works? Many marketers run A/B tests where they send out the same email with different subject lines to see which is more successful.
- This product could change your life! (Maybe)
- We're searching for a new partner
- You're wasting time on your admin (and we can help)
- Are you making these 5 common mistakes?
- Don't open this email (unless you want to make money)
Writing great cold email subject lines is an art form, so practice, practice, and then practice some more... Learn from what works and what doesn't.
Cold email body copy
Body copy is where you make your impact, shaping your message around your audience. In traditional emails, you start with a personalized greeting, but in cold emails, anything goes.
In fact, un-traditional approaches are often more successful than simple (and dull) emails.
We're going to build a cold email for your SEO-writing service. We start with an attention-grabbing intro:
"Is your SEO agency letting you down? Too many rely on outdated tactics and cut-price content – and it's hitting your ranking. Wouldn't you like to work with a better agency?"
This is a catchy opener that hits the reader straight away. If they're suffering from poor-quality SEO, they'll read on. Now explain what you're offering, and provide evidence to back up what you're saying.
"We're a leading SEO copywriting agency that's built a reputation for getting results. Want to see some? Here's what we achieved for (client). (Insert client testimonial)."
You've got their attention, and hopefully, they're interested. Lots of cold emails offer incentives to encourage someone to contact you.
"You don't want to sign an expensive contract, and you don't have to. We're offering new customers the chance to try our SEO copywriting service for just $50 today. Sound good?"
We've given them an intro, we've hooked them in, they've got an exclusive offer, and now it's time to lock in the deal with the next steps and our sign-off.
For more details about how to start an email, click here.
Cold email sign-off/next steps
People don't want to feel under pressure, but in a cold email, you want to encourage them to act (and not ignore your email). So adding a time limit is a powerful technique.
"We've only got limited space, and we're filling up. So our exclusive offer is only available today.
Don't worry if you don't take us up on the offer. I'm sure one of your competitors will."
This works as it's a little cheeky, but it's also serious too. It adds some peril for the person reading it. What if a competitor takes us up on the offer?
Now, wrap things up with a CTA.
"If you want to chat, you can contact me at (insert details). I'm ready and waiting to talk about how our content can supercharge your SEO..."
That's a powerful cold email. Even so, response rates will still struggle to achieve 1% – unless you follow our 5 tips for clickable cold emails.
5 tips for creating clickable cold emails
Cold emails are an essential part of the digital marketing toolkit. In fact, if you can create cold emails with a high click-through rate, you'll never find yourself struggling for work.
- Start from basic principles (and build from there) – Cold emails are about educating your customer, so assume they know nothing about what you do and build from there. That doesn't mean patronizing them, but it does mean that you'll need need to provide basic information.
- Making them smile is key to being successful – Cold emails are bold and never boring. Focus on making the reader smile. Find a way to subvert the way they think or approach a familiar subject with a fresh angle. Basically, be creative.
- Introduce peril – People are fundamentally lazy and won't act unless there's a reason to do so. Suggesting their competitors could take advantage, or they could miss out on a deal can inspire them to act. Try it!
- Include exclusive offers – Whether you're inviting someone to an event, offering a service, or pushing a product, exclusive offers are a great idea. They make the person feel special (even if you're sending the same email to millions of people).
- Cold emails are a numbers game – You need to try, try, and try again with cold emails. That means creating various subject lines and body copy that you can test and refine. If you're finding it hard to get creative, outsource the job to HIX.AI cold email generator.
Conclusion
Cold emails have a bad name (we're looking at you, spam), but they can be hugely successful – if you get them right. Nobody creates super-successful cold emails from scratch. You need to learn the format, find some inspiration, and be bold. Push boundaries, introduce peril, and chase success!