Cold Email Template

The classic first-touch cold email that actually gets read.

When to use

Use this when reaching out to a prospect for the very first time — they don't know you, haven't opted in, and have no prior relationship with your company. This is the starting email in any cold outreach sequence.

Who it's for

Sales reps, SDRs, founders doing outreach, and anyone prospecting a cold list. Works across B2B industries.

Why it works

Short emails get read. This template leads with a specific observation about the prospect (not a generic compliment), connects it to a problem you solve, and ends with a soft question rather than a hard pitch. The entire email fits on a mobile screen — critical when 60%+ of emails are opened on phones.

Email Template

Subject: Quick thought about {{company}}

Hi {{first_name}},

I noticed {{company}} recently {{specific_observation — e.g. expanded to a new city / launched a new product / is hiring for X role}}.

Companies in that phase typically run into {{pain_point}}. We help {{your_ICP}} {{outcome}} without {{friction_they_want_to_avoid}}.

Worth a quick chat to see if there's a fit?

{{your_name}}

The Compliment + Problem opener

Subject: {{company}}'s {{area}} — quick thought

Hi {{first_name}},

Came across {{company}} while researching {{industry}} companies — genuinely impressed by {{specific_thing}}.

One thing I often see at companies doing well in this space: {{pain_point}}.

We've helped {{similar_company}} solve this by {{solution}}. Happy to share how if it's relevant.

{{your_name}}

The Direct Value opener

Subject: Helping {{company}} with {{benefit}}

Hi {{first_name}},

We help {{ICP_description}} {{achieve_outcome}} — typically in {{timeframe}}.

I think {{company}} could benefit because {{specific_reason}}.

Would it make sense to connect for 15 minutes this week?

{{your_name}}

Subject Line Variations

• Quick thought about {{company}}
• {{first_name}} — idea for {{company}}
• Question about {{company}}'s {{area}}
• {Thought|Idea|Question} for {{company}}
• {{company}} + {{your_company}}?

Personalization Ideas

• Reference a recent company announcement (funding, hiring, product launch)
• Mention a specific blog post or LinkedIn article they wrote
• Call out a job listing that signals a pain point you solve
• Reference a mutual connection or shared industry event
• Use their company tagline in the opening observation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Writing more than 5 sentences — prospects don't read novels
• Opening with 'I' or bragging about your company ('We are the leading...')
• Asking for a meeting as the very first CTA — too big a commitment
• Not personalising beyond {{first_name}} — it reads as a blast
• Sending from a brand-new domain without any warmup