First Email Template

The email that starts it all — written to earn a reply, not just attention.

When to use

Use as the opening email of any cold outreach sequence. This is the email that creates the first impression. It should be short, specific, and end with a low-friction ask.

Who it's for

Anyone starting a cold email sequence — SDRs, founders, marketers, recruiters.

Why it works

First emails that work have three things in common: they're short (under 100 words), they're specific to the recipient (not generic), and they ask a question rather than making a demand. This template is engineered around all three.

Email Template

Subject: {Quick thought|Idea|Question} about {{company}}

Hi {{first_name}},

{I noticed|I saw|I came across} {{company}} {recently|the other day} — specifically {{specific_observation}}.

Companies in your position typically run into {{pain_point}}. We help {{ICP}} {{outcome}}.

{Worth a quick chat?|Open to a 15-minute call?|Would it be worth connecting?}

{{your_name}}

Ultra-short (under 50 words)

Subject: {{company}} — quick question

Hi {{first_name}},

Do you currently deal with {{specific_pain}}?

It's something we help {{ICP}} teams solve — {{one_line_description}}.

Happy to share how if it's relevant.

{{your_name}}

Referral opener

Subject: {{mutual_name}} suggested I reach out

Hi {{first_name}},

{{mutual_name}} mentioned you might be dealing with {{pain_point}} at {{company}}.

We help with this — {{one_line_outcome}}. {{mutual_name}} can vouch for us.

Worth 15 minutes?

{{your_name}}

Subject Line Variations

• {Quick thought|Idea|Question} about {{company}}
• {{company}} — {{first_name}}, quick question
• {I noticed|Spotted} something about {{company}}
• {{company}} + {{your_company}}?

Personalization Ideas

• Trigger on a specific company event (hiring, funding, product launch, news mention)
• Reference a specific person's LinkedIn post or content
• Use spintax on the opener phrase so every email sounds slightly different

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Writing more than 100 words — it tanks open-to-reply rates
• No personalisation beyond first name and company name
• Asking for too much in the first email (demos, meetings, proposals)
• Starting with 'I hope this email finds you well'