The ultimate cold email guide 2023 

Table of Contents

The ultimate cold email guide 2023 

Tips, tricks, practical advice + 12 free cold email templates that are guaranteed to increase your sales this year. 


Introduction 

Email is one of the most effective ways to reach out to potential customers and establish relationships. Whether you’re reaching out to a new lead or following up with an existing customer, the right email template can make all the difference. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing 12 email templates that are guaranteed to help you improve your sales in 2023. These templates have been crafted to address a variety of common sales scenarios and are easy to customize to suit your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to schedule a meeting, follow up on a proposal, or close a deal, these templates will help you get the results you’re looking for. So, let’s get started!


Why is a B2B sales strategy so important?

Having a B2B sales strategy is essential for success in today’s business landscape. A well-crafted strategy can help you identify the best prospects, build relationships with key decision-makers, and close deals more effectively.

One of the key benefits of a B2B sales strategy is that it allows you to focus your efforts on the most promising leads. By understanding your target market and identifying the characteristics of your ideal customer, you can prioritize your efforts and focus on the prospects that are most likely to convert into paying customers.

Another advantage of a B2B sales strategy is that it enables you to build deeper, more meaningful relationships with your customers. By understanding their needs, challenges and goals, you can tailor your messaging and approach to better meet their needs and build trust. This, in turn, can lead to longer-term customer relationships and more repeat business.

Moreover, having a clear strategy can also increase your efficiency and productivity by providing your sales team with a roadmap for their efforts, which can help them focus on their goals and objectives, and prioritize the steps that lead to closed deals.

Overall, having a B2B sales strategy can bring numerous benefits that are crucial for the success of your sales team and the growth of your business.


5 Tips for maximizing your cold email outreach 

Whilst cold email outreach can be a powerful tool for reaching new prospects and growing your business it’s important to approach it the right way in order to maximize your results. 

Here are five tips to help improve your cold email outreach:

  • Personalize your emails: Personalization is key when it comes to cold email outreach. Take the time to research your prospects and tailor your emails to their specific needs and interests. This will help increase the chances that your email will be read and acted upon.
  • Keep it brief: No one wants to read a long, drawn-out email. Keep your emails short, sweet and to the point. Focus on the most important information and use clear, concise language.
  • Use a catchy subject line: The subject line is the first thing your prospect will see when they receive your email. Make sure it’s catchy, compelling and clearly communicates the purpose of your email.
  • Follow up: Following up with your prospects is essential to maximizing your cold email outreach. Send a polite follow-up email if you don’t hear back from your prospect after your initial email.
  • Use a professional email address: Your email address is often the first thing a prospect will notice about your email. Make sure you are using a professional email address that reflects your brand and identity.

The secret ingredients to crafting a winning cold email

When it comes to generating leads and boosting sales, the power of a well-crafted email cannot be underestimated. Here are three key elements to keep in mind when crafting your next prospecting email:

1. Snappy and compelling subject line

Your subject line is like a movie trailer, it’s the first thing that catches the attention of your audience, so make it count. Avoid using words and phrases that may trigger spam filters and sound too salesy. Instead, opt for a conversational and personalized tone, like “Chatting about [topic]?” And keep it short and sweet.

2. Engaging and relevant content

The body of your email should be engaging and tailored to your prospect’s needs and interests. Keep the length of your message in check and make sure the focus is on providing value to the prospect, not just talking about your own product or services. Use a personal tone, highlight the benefits of working with you and keep it concise.

3. Measure your results

Track your progress and measure the effectiveness of your cold emails by using software tools like CRM. This will give you valuable insights into what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve your strategy. You can see the open and click-through rates, and make data-driven adjustments to optimize your efforts and achieve better results.


Effective B2B cold email templates for your business success

Crafting the perfect email can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 12 B2B email templates that will help improve your open rate, reply rate and conversion rates.

Our collection includes email templates for various use cases, including:

  • Building links and partnerships
  • Collaborating with other businesses
  • Boosting sales and marketing efforts
  • Promoting valuable content
  • Reaching out to industry influencers

With these templates as a starting point, you’ll be able to create effective, targeted emails that will help you connect with the right prospects and drive business growth.


1. Timing is everything: leveraging recent events in your email outreach

One effective way to grab a prospect’s attention is by tying your email to a recent event in their company or industry. By showing that you’re aware of and interested in their specific situation, you’ll be able to stand out from the crowd and make a more meaningful connection.

Here’s an example email template you can use:

Subject Line: Celebrating Your Success

Hi (First Name),

I just saw the news about (recent event or achievement at their company). Congrats on your team’s hard work and success!

I know that when (relevant event or challenge) happens, (specific need or opportunity) often becomes a priority. I thought you might be interested in how we helped (similar company) achieve (specific benefit or outcome) through our (product or service).

I understand things might be hectic at (company name) right now, but I’d love to set up a quick call to discuss further. How does (suggest a specific day and time) work for you? And, if that doesn’t work, please feel free to share your availability and we’ll set a time that works best for you.

This approach is effective because it shows that you’ve done your research, understand the prospect’s unique situation, and have a specific solution to offer. It also allows to build a human connection by highlighting that you understand their current scenario and schedule.


2. The AIDA formula for Cold Email Outreach

AIDA is a time-tested copywriting formula that can help you craft effective cold emails. It stands for Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action, and it describes the structure of an email that will grab a prospect’s attention, create interest in your solution, build desire to take action and ultimately lead to the benefit that you’ve outlined.

Here’s an example of how you can use AIDA in your cold email outreach:

Subject line: Boost Productivity with Our Software

Template

Hi (First name),

Imagine having an extra 10 hours a week to devote to growing your business. That’s the kind of time-saving benefit our software has delivered to clients like yourself.

We’ve had the pleasure of working with industry leaders such as Tim Ferriss, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Malcolm Gladwell, all of whom have seen significant productivity gains after incorporating our software into their tech stack.

I’d love to set up a personalized demo to show you how our software can work for you. Are you available for a quick call sometime next week? Let me know a time that works for you and I’ll make sure to send you the calendar link.

By using the AIDA formula, you’ll be able to create an email that grabs your prospect’s attention, creates interest in your solution, builds desire to take action and ultimately lead to the benefit that you’ve outlined.


3. The power of directness in cold email outreach

Being direct and concise in your cold email outreach can help you stand out and grab your prospect’s attention. In fact, using this approach can lead to impressive open and response rates. This can be achieved by:

  • Having a clear and compelling subject line that highlights the benefit to the recipient
  • Outlining what you can offer the prospect and what you need from them in a straightforward manner
  • Using social proof to provide evidence of your successful track record.

Here’s an example of a direct cold email template:

Subject Line: Unlocking Growth Potential for (Target Company)

Template:

Hi (First Name),

I hope you’re doing well. I have a quick and effective solution to help (Target Company) acquire 100 of its best customers. This strategy has already helped one of our clients (Your Client Company) achieve almost triple their monthly revenue.

I’d love to share more details with you, let’s schedule a 10-minute call to chat. What time works best for you?

By keeping your email direct and to the point, you’ll be able to grab your prospect’s attention, present a clear and compelling proposition, and make it easy for them to take the next step.


4. Sujan’s 3-Sentence Format; Less is more

Sometimes, less is more when it comes to email outreach. Sujan’s 3-Sentence Format Email takes a concise approach to cold emailing and has been known to deliver impressive results. This format focuses on making a quick and compelling introduction, highlighting the key benefit and making an straightforward ask.

Here’s an example of how you can use this format to make a big impact in just a few sentences:

Template:

Hi (First Name),

I’m (Your Name), founder of (Product name) – a game-changing software that helps busy execs like you reclaim up to 10 hours a week.

Top performers such as Tim Ferriss, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Malcolm Gladwell have all been raving about the results. Interested in seeing a personlized demo?

With this format, you’ll be able to grab the attention of your prospect, present a clear and compelling benefit, and make a direct and easy to act on ask, while being brief and engaging.


5. The Before-After-Bridge formula: BAB

The Before-After-Bridge (BAB) formula is a simple but effective approach to creating compelling B2B cold emails that will get a response. It involves highlighting the current problem or challenge that the prospect company is facing, showing the benefits of resolving that problem, and presenting your product or service as the solution to that problem.

Here’s an example of how you can use the BAB formula in your cold email outreach:

Template:

Hi (First Name),

Are you tired of wasting precious time on repetitive tasks? I know I am, and I bet most executives like yourself feel the same way.

That’s where our software comes in. It’s already helped industry leaders like Tim Ferriss, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Malcolm Gladwell reclaim up to 10 hours a week, and I’d like to show you how it can do the same for you.

All I need is 10 minutes of your time for a personalized demo. How about we schedule a call next week at your convenience?

By using the Before-After-Bridge formula, you’ll be able to create a cold email that resonates with the prospect’s current situation, illustrates the benefits of resolving that issue and highlights how your product or service can help them achieve the desired outcome.


6. The power of mentioning a competitor’s product

Mentioning a competitor’s product in your cold email outreach can be an effective way to grab the attention of potential prospects. By acknowledging that they are already using a similar product, you can show that you understand their current situation and are familiar with the market. You can then proceed to highlight the unique benefits of your product, which can make it a better choice for them.

Here’s an example of how you can use this approach in your cold email outreach:

Template:

Hi (First Name),

I was doing some research and noticed that you are currently using (competitor’s product). I wanted to reach out and ask how you like it so far? I run a (service) called (Your company name) that’s similar, but with a few key differences.

I’d love to schedule a quick call to hear your thoughts and explore how we might be able to improve (target company name) together. Would (specific date and time) work for you? If not, please let me know and I’ll work around your schedule.

By using this approach, you’ll be able to show that you understand the prospect’s current situation, highlight the unique benefits of your product, and make a clear and direct ask for a call.


7. The Problem-Agitate-Solve formula: Leveraging your prospect’s pain points

The Problem-Agitate-Solve (PAS) formula is an effective approach to sales email that involves highlighting a problem or pain point that your prospect is facing, agitating that issue and its consequences, and then offering a solution to remove or alleviate that pain. By focusing on the prospect’s pain points, you are able to grab their attention and demonstrate that you understand their current situation and have a solution to help them improve it.

Here’s an example of how you can use the PAS formula in your cold email outreach:

Template:

Hi (First Name),

Do you ever feel like there are just not enough hours in the day to get everything done?

If you are like most busy executives, you are constantly struggling to stay on top of everything, let alone be the effective leader you need to be.

Our product helps motivated entrepreneurs like save as much as 10 hours every week that can be directed back at your top priorities.

I would love to give you a personalized demo. When are you free next week for a quick meet?

By using the PAS formula, you’ll be able to grab the prospect’s attention by highlighting a pain point, demonstrate that you understand the consequences of that problem, and offer a solution that can help them alleviate it.


8. Navigating uncertainty: Crafting an effective cold email when you’re unsure if you’re contacting the right person

When you’re not certain if you’re emailing the right person within a company, it can be challenging to craft an effective email that will get a response. However, by showing that you’ve done your research, highlighting the benefits of your product, and being clear about who you’re looking to speak with, you can increase your chances of getting a response.

Here’s an example of how you can use this approach in your cold email outreach:

Template:

Hi (First Name),

I’m (Your name) from (Your company name), and I came across your profile while researching the best person to reach out to at (Target company). We’ve recently launched a new product that (one-sentence pitch of what your product does) and based on what I’ve seen, I think it could be a great fit for your team.

I’m looking to speak with someone at (Target company) who is responsible for (the key decision required to use or buy your product). I understand it might not be you, but I’m hoping you might be able to point me in the right direction or maybe even schedule a quick 10-minute call to discuss how our product can help your business on (Specific time and date)

Thank you for your help and I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

By using this approach, you’re showing that you’ve done your research and understand the prospect’s role within the company, highlighting the benefits of your product, and being respectful of their time while being direct in what you’re looking for.


9. The Power of Praise: Using the Praise-Picture-Push formula to craft effective B2B cold emails

The Praise-Picture-Push (PPP) formula is a great way to build rapport with your prospects and increase the chances of getting a response to your cold emails. By starting with a sincere compliment or praise about the recipient’s recent achievements or successes, you can establish a positive connection with them. Then by clearly outlining how your product can help them achieve even more and encouraging them to take action, you’re increasing the likelihood that they will be interested in your offering.

Here’s an example of how you can use the PPP formula in your cold email outreach:

Template:

Hi (First Name),

I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to reach out and extend my congratulations on (recent achievement or success). It’s clear that you’re doing amazing things, and I’m impressed by your dedication and hard work.

As you’re preparing for your next venture, I can imagine you might be feeling a bit stressed, trying to keep up with everything. That’s where our product comes in. It has helped top performers like Tim Ferriss, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Malcolm Gladwell reclaim 10 hours or more every week.

I’d love to schedule a quick call with you next week to give you a personalized demo, what’s the best time for you?

By starting with a sincere compliment and clearly outlining how your product can help the prospect achieve even more, you’re increasing the chances that they’ll be interested in learning more about your offering.


10. The Power of Personalization: Using website behavior to craft effective B2B cold emails

When it comes to cold email outreach, personalization can make all the difference. One effective way to personalize your emails is by using website behavior as a starting point. If you know that someone has recently visited your website and taken a specific action, you can use that information to craft an email that is highly relevant and tailored to their interests.

Here’s an example of how you can use website behavior to personalize your cold email:

Template:

Hi (First Name),

I noticed that you recently visited our website, (company name and website link), and (specific action taken) – it’s great to see that you’re interested in (content topic).

Based on your interests, I wanted to recommend the following additional resources: (relevant resources)

On top of that, our company also offers (a product/service) which could help you (achieve the specific result or statistics) that you’re looking for.

Would you be available for a quick call next week at (give two possible times) to discuss how this can help your business achieve your goals?

By acknowledging the actions they have taken on your website and offering relevant resources, you are showing the prospect that you have taken the time to understand their interests and demonstrating how your product or service can help them achieve their goals.


11. Unlocking Value: How Sharing a Resource or Article Can Boost Your Cold Email Outreach

When it comes to cold email outreach, one of the most important things to keep in mind is that you want to be seen as an asset to your recipients. You want to provide value to them every time they choose to open your emails. One of the quickest and most effective ways to do that is to share a valuable resource with them.

Here’s an example of how you can use this approach in your cold email:

Subject Line: Unlocking Insights: A Must-Read Article for [Your Industry]

Hi [First Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I was reading your recent article on [content topic] and it got me thinking that you might be interested in [related subject]. I came across an article that I believe can provide you and your team with some valuable insights and practical tips on this subject.

[Article Title] – [Link]

I highly recommend giving it a read. I’m confident you’ll find it to be a valuable resource in your efforts to [related goal or industry specific objective].

Please let me know if you have any questions or if there’s anything else I can do to assist. Keep up the good work!

By sharing a relevant and useful resource, you are showing your recipient that you are knowledgeable and invested in their industry, and that you can provide them with valuable insights and information. This helps to establish you as a valuable asset and increases the chances of them responding positively to your cold email.


12. Influencer Outreach: Maximizing your chances of getting a response

Social influencers are often looking for ways to monetize their audience and will regularly receive cold emails from brands and agencies pitching products or services

Use the following template to stand out from the crowd. 

Hello (first name),

Hope you’re having a great (day of a week)! My name is (your name) and I am a part of the team at (your company name). I’ve been a fan of your (social media accounts, channel, or blog) for a while now, and I really appreciate the way you (a reference to their content).

We are currently working on (Product name), and I believe that it would be a great fit for your audience. We (explain what you do and why it would be attractive to their audience). We’d love to collaborate with you and have you promote our brand.

Are you open to discussing this further? If so, we’d love to schedule a quick call at your convenience.

Best,

(First name)

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