I used to think cold emails were a waste of time. I was so wrong.

Cold emails are a powerful marketing tool. They reach the right person, at the right time, with the right message, without interrupting them or bothering them.

They’re also easy to customize – A few tweaks here and there can make a message more personal, or more focused on a particular pain point.

That is why cold email templates are so important for small businesses in driving sales success. By using cold email templates, you will not only save your sales team time, but it also increases open rates by ensuring that every email contains critical success elements, such as a focus on benefits and social proof to build trust.

Here I will share some cold email templates that will help you by boosting your open & click rates.

Crafting the ideal cold sales email is both an art and a science. It can be difficult to strike a friendly tone while also getting to the point. It takes skill to create a CTA that is inviting rather than forceful.

With the help of the cold email templates in this article, you’ll have the confidence to write attention-grabbing emails that prospects will want to read.

1. Cold Email Template to Introduce Yourself

Hi [First Name],

I’d like to introduce myself as your resource here at [Your Company Name]. I work with businesses in the [software, healthcare, nonprofit, education, etc.] industry, and noticed you visited our website in the past.

This inspired me to spend a few minutes on [Prospect’s Company] website to learn more about how you’re approaching [strategy for customer service, sales, marketing, etc.]. I noticed some areas of opportunity and decided to reach out to you directly.

[Your Company] is working with similar companies in your industry, such as [X Company Name], to help them accomplish [Y goals], and giving them the [Z tools/solutions] to succeed.

Do you have 15 minutes to discuss [Prospect’s Company] this week?

If so, you can book time directly onto my calendar here: [Meetings Link]

Looking forward to meeting,

[Your Name]

This cold email template can be used to introduce yourself and your company to the prospect. With this template, you’ll stand out because of the strategic yet subtle name drop that lends social proof to you and the company you represent.

2. The Authentic Referral Cold Email Template

Hi [first name],

My name is [my name] and I head up business development efforts with [my company]. We recently launched a new platform that [one-sentence pitch].

I’d like to speak with someone from [company] who is responsible for [handling something that’s relevant to my product].

Based on your online profile, you may be the right person to connect with or can at least point me in the right direction.

If that’s you, are you open to a fifteen-minute call on [time and date] to discuss ways the [company name] platform can specifically help your business? If not you, can you please put me in touch with the right person?

I appreciate the help!

Best,

[your name]

Some cold email templates are short and to the point; this one is a little longer and more involved—which is the point. You want to establish an authentic relationship with the prospect and be forwarded to the appropriate person, even if it isn’t them.

This template employs natural language but remember to personalize it. For instance, how did you discover them? Did they write a blog post that you read, or did they post something amusing on LinkedIn? Small details contribute to an authentic connection.

3. Recent Event Cold Outreach Email

Hey [first name],

I saw you recently [insert event—acquisition, new product launch, etc.]. Congratulations! [Insert salutations about how excited they are, mention if you saw good press, etc.]

After [event] many companies focus more on [industry/value you offer]. Things are probably crazy right now at [prospect company name], but I’d love to share how we can help [main benefit.]

Do you have time to chat next week? [Insert 1-2 times you’re available or link to your calendar.]

Congrats again,

[your name]

Making use of a recent event makes it easier to start a genuine conversation. Look for announcements about new product lines, awards, acquisitions, or other company achievements that you can mention in your email as you research a prospect.

Finally, instead of a one-liner followed by your sales pitch, offer a detailed congratulations. Use the event to build a relationship, not to trick them into opening your email. As always, end your cold sales email template with a clear CTA that asks them to take the next step with you.

4. Concise Sales Pitch Email

Hey [first name],

I hope this email finds you well! I wanted to reach out because [explain how you got their contact information: talked to a colleague, saw your company online, etc.].

[Name of company] has a new platform that will help [your team] at [organization name]. [One sentence pitch of benefits].

I know that [our product/service] will be able to help [name of your company] [insert high-level benefit here].

Are you available for a quick call [time and date]?

Cheers,

[your name]

This cold email template is effective for two reasons: it is brief and to the point, and it includes personal information about the recipient.

There’s no hedging here, just a quick introduction and explanation of how you can help. Consider including a brief case study, depending on your target audience.

Take the time to research the prospect on social media, include how you discovered them, and be genuine.

5. Selling Your Benefits Cold Call Email Template

Hey [first name],

I hope this email finds you well! I wanted to reach out because [explain how you found them and how you relate to them: talked to a colleague, saw a post on LinkedIn, etc.].

[Name of company] has a new platform that will help (your team at) [organization name]. [One sentence pitch of benefits]. We do this by:

Benefit/feature 1

Benefit/feature 2

Benefit/feature 3 (optional)

Let’s explore how [name of your business] can specifically help your business. Are you available for a quick call [time and date]?

Cheers,

[your name]

People want to know what’s in it for them, and this cold email template provides that information. Using bullet points keeps the email clean and easy to read (especially on mobile devices) while also explaining why they should be interested in your offer.

Parting words:

Every prospect who enters your sales funnel is unique, so use the cold email template that has the best chance of converting them into a customer.

Once you’ve mastered the formula, your cold email templates will become your secret weapon for connecting with prospects and converting conversations into sales.