cold email templates that actually get replies

Most cold emails get ignored. The average response rate is under 1%. But with the right approach, you can hit 10-20% or higher.

why most cold emails fail

They're too long, too generic, and too focused on the sender. Nobody cares about your company's "innovative solutions." They care about their problems.

the anatomy of a great cold email

Subject line: Short, specific, curiosity-inducing Opening line: Personalized, shows you did research Value proposition: What's in it for them (1-2 sentences) Social proof: Brief credibility builder Call to action: One clear, low-commitment ask

subject lines that get opened

"Quick question about [specific thing]"
"[Mutual connection] suggested I reach out"
"Idea for [their company]"
"[Specific result] for [their industry]"

Keep it under 40 characters and avoid spam triggers like "FREE" or excessive punctuation.

the personalization paradox

Generic personalization ("I love your company!") is worse than no personalization. Instead, reference something specific: a recent post they wrote, a company announcement, or a mutual connection.

keep it short

Aim for 50-125 words. Three short paragraphs maximum. Busy people don't read novels from strangers.

templates that work

The problem-solution: "Hi [Name], noticed [specific observation about their business]. Many [similar companies] struggle with [problem]. We helped [similar company] achieve [specific result]. Worth a quick chat?"

The mutual connection: "Hi [Name], [Connection] mentioned you're working on [initiative]. We recently helped them with [similar challenge]. Happy to share what worked if useful."

The value-first: "Hi [Name], put together [resource] specifically for [their company] based on [observation]. No strings attached — just thought it might help with [goal]."

timing matters

Tuesday through Thursday, 8-10 AM in their timezone tends to work best. Avoid Mondays (inbox overload) and Fridays (weekend mode).

the follow-up sequence

Most replies come from follow-ups, not the first email. Send 3-4 follow-ups spaced 3-5 days apart. Keep them shorter than the original. Add new value or a different angle in each.

what kills response rates

Talking about yourself too much
Vague value propositions
No clear CTA
Too many asks in one email
Obvious templates with no personalization
Sending from a no-reply address

track and iterate

Use email tracking to measure open rates and reply rates. A/B test subject lines and opening lines. Small improvements compound over time.

Cold email is a skill. The more you practice and refine your approach, the better your results will get.