Cold Email Templates: 62+ Proven Templates That Get Replies in 2025

Your cold emails are being ignored, and it’s crushing your quota. You spend hours researching prospects, crafting what feels like the perfect message, only to be met with deafening silence. As a Business Development Representative (BDR) or Account Executive (AE), the pressure to fill the pipeline is constant, but shouting into the void isn’t a strategy.

The harsh reality? The average cold email response rate is a painful 5.1%, and open rates have dropped to just 27.7% in 2024. Getting responses from potential customers remains a top challenge for BDRs worldwide.

But what if you could flip those odds? Personalized emails deliver six times more transactions than generic ones, and a strategic follow-up sequence can triple your reply rate. This isn’t just another list of templates—it’s your complete playbook for writing emails that get opened, build trust, and book meetings that crush your quota.

What Makes a Winning Cold Email in 2025?

Before diving into templates, let’s benchmark what success looks like:

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Cold Email Templates – Complete Guide

Sales Outreach Cold Email Templates

For BDRs and AEs, these templates break through the noise and get that first positive reply that opens the door to discovery calls.

Template: The Problem-Solution Pitch (PAS Formula)

Subject: Fixing [specific problem]?

Body: Hi {{FirstName}},

Noticed many in {{Industry}} grapple with {{Pain Point}}, which often leads to {{Negative Consequence}}. Our clients use {{Your Product}} to {{Achieve Specific Benefit}} and turn that problem into a competitive advantage.

Worth a quick chat to see how we help companies like {{Similar Company}} solve this?

Best, {{Your Name}}

Why it works: Based on the Problem-Agitate-Solve framework, this template shows you’ve done your homework. It leads with a pain point instead of pitching features.

Template: The Social Proof Pitch (AIDA Formula)

Subject: {{Similar Company}} saw a {{X%}} increase in {{Metric}}

Body: Hi {{FirstName}},

What if you could {{Achieve Desired Outcome}} this quarter?

We helped {{Similar Company}} achieve a {{X% increase in Metric}} in just {{Timeframe}} after implementing {{Your Product}}. Beyond the sales boost, they improved their overall workflow efficiency.

Are you open to a quick call to see the case study and discuss how we could do the same for {{Company}}?

Best, {{Your Name}}

Why it works: Uses the Attention-Interest-Desire-Action formula. For AEs with established case studies, this builds instant credibility.

Template: The Competitor Name-Drop

Subject: Question about {{Competitor}}

Body: Hi {{FirstName}},

I noticed your team’s using {{Competitor}}. How are you finding it?

Many former {{Competitor}} users switch to us for {{Unique Differentiator}}. We helped {{Client}} cut costs by {{X%}} after they made the switch.

No pressure, but if you’re open to seeing a quick comparison, just let me know.

Best, {{Your Name}}

Why it works: High-impact for BDRs in competitive landscapes. Creates immediate intrigue by showing you understand their current tech stack.

Template: The Industry Trend Approach (BAB Formula)

Subject: Adapting to {{Industry Trend}}?

Body: Hi {{FirstName}},

With {{Industry Trend}} changing how teams operate, many {{Their Role}} are struggling with {{Problem}}.

Imagine if your team could {{Ideal State/Benefit}}. That’s the reality for our clients who’ve made the shift.

We bridge that gap with {{Your Solution}}. Worth exploring?

Best, {{Your Name}}

Why it works: Positions you as a strategic advisor using the Before-After-Bridge framework. Perfect for higher-level business conversations.

Template: The Low-Commitment Offer

Subject: A resource for your {{Department}} team

Body: Hi {{FirstName}},

Saw your LinkedIn post about {{Topic}}. My team just published a guide on {{Related Topic}} that I thought you might find valuable.

Happy to send it over—no strings attached. Just thought it might help as you tackle {{Challenge}}.

Let me know if you’d like the link.

Best, {{Your Name}}

Why it works: Great for nurturing colder leads. Builds goodwill without pressure, opening doors for future follow-ups.

Customer Re-engagement Cold Email Templates

Template: Reconnecting with a Dormant Lead

Subject: Quick follow-up from {{Your Company}}

Body: Hi {{FirstName}},

Hope you’re doing well. I’ve been thinking about our conversation from {{Timeframe}} regarding {{Topic Discussed}}.

A few things have changed on our end, and I thought of you. We’ve since helped {{Similar Company}} achieve {{Specific Result}}.

I’d love to pick up where we left off. How does your schedule look next week?

Best, {{Your Name}}

Template: Re-engaging an Inactive Customer

Subject: We miss you at {{Your Company}}!

Body: Hi {{FirstName}},

It’s been a while since you last used {{Your Product}}. We’ve launched new features since then, including {{New Feature 1}} and {{New Feature 2}}, which could really help your team with {{Business Goal}}.

Would you be open to a quick 15-minute tour of what’s new?

Best, {{Your Name}}

Recruiting Cold Email Templates

Template: Reaching Out to a Passive Candidate

Subject: Your {{Specific Skill}} experience – Opportunity at {{Your Company}}

Body: Hi {{FirstName}},

I came across your profile and was impressed with your work at {{Current Company}}, especially your experience with {{Specific Skill/Project}}.

At {{Your Company}}, our team is working on {{Brief Project Description}}, and we’re looking for someone with your background.

Would you be open to a confidential conversation about how your experience might align with our needs?

Best, {{Your Name}}

Template: Asking for a Referral

Subject: Referral for a {{Role}} role at {{Your Company}}

Body: Hi {{FirstName}},

Hope you’re doing well. Our team is looking for a top-tier {{Role Title}}.

Given your expertise in {{Industry}}, I was hoping you might know someone who’d be a great fit. We’re looking for someone who excels at {{Key Skill 1}} and {{Key Skill 2}}.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Best, {{Your Name}}

Job Application Cold Email Templates

Template: Speculative Application (No Open Role)

Subject: Interested in opportunities at {{Company Name}}

Body: Hi {{Hiring Manager Name}},

I’ve been following {{Company Name}} and am impressed with your innovative work in {{Specific Field}}.

As a {{Your Role}} with experience in {{Relevant Skill 1}} and {{Relevant Skill 2}}, I’m confident I could contribute to your team’s success. I’m particularly drawn to your mission to {{Company Mission}}.

I know you may not have an open role right now, but I’d love to discuss how my skills could be valuable to your team in the future. I’ve attached my resume for reference.

Best, {{Your Name}}

Networking Cold Email Templates

Template: Reaching Out to an Alumni Connection

Subject: Fellow {{University Name}} alum reaching out

Body: Hi {{FirstName}},

I found your profile through our shared alumni group from {{University Name}}. I noticed you’ve built a successful career at {{Company Name}} in {{Industry}}, an area I’m passionate about.

I’m currently a {{Your Role}} at {{Your Company}} and would love to learn about your experience and any advice you might have.

Would you be open to a brief 15-minute call in the coming weeks?

Best, {{Your Name}}

Template: Following Up After an Event

Subject: Great to meet you at {{Event Name}}

Body: Hi {{FirstName}},

Great to meet you at {{Event Name}} last week. I really enjoyed our conversation about {{Topic Discussed}}.

After our chat, I found this article on {{Relevant Topic}} and thought you might find it interesting: [Link].

Looking forward to keeping in touch. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to connect and bounce around more ideas.

Best, {{Your Name}}

Partnership Proposal Cold Email Templates

Template: Co-Marketing Collaboration

Subject: Partnership idea: {{Your Company}} + {{Their Company}}

Body: Hi {{FirstName}},

I’ve been following {{Their Company}} and am impressed by your work in {{Their Field}}. We share a similar audience of {{Target Audience}}, and I believe there’s great opportunity for collaboration.

My recent co-marketing campaign with {{Previous Partner}} resulted in {{Quantifiable Benefit}}, and I see similar potential for us. One idea is a joint webinar on {{Topic}}.

Would you be open to a quick call this week to explore this further?

Best, {{Your Name}}

Additional Template Categories

The remaining template categories include:

• Influencer Collaboration Outreach: Product gifting and review requests
• Product Outreach: Feedback requests from early users
• Survey or Research Outreach: Industry survey participation
• Fundraising Outreach: Initial investor outreach
• Event Invitations: Community webinar invitations
• Media/PR Outreach: Podcast guest pitches
• Guest Posting: High-authority blog contributions
• Feedback Requests: Power user testimonials
• Sponsorship: Newsletter or event sponsorships
• Community Building: Expert community invitations
• Nonprofit Outreach: Donation and collaboration requests

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Write Cold Emails That Feel Personal, Offer Value, and Get Replies

Having the right cold email template is like having a high-performance car—it’s useless if you don’t know how to drive. This section is your driver’s manual for turning templates into reply-generating machines.

The Anatomy of a High-Converting Cold Email

The Subject Line: Your 8-Second Audition

Your subject line’s singular goal is earning the open without being misleading. Personalized subject lines result in a 30.5% higher response rate, and mentioning the recipient’s name can boost open rates to over 43%.

Examples:

• Bad: “Quick question” (Overused and generic)
• Good: “Question about {{Company Name}}” (Relevant and specific)
• Bad: “Our new software” (Focused on you)
• Good: “{{FirstName}}, idea to improve your {{Department}} workflow” (Focused on them)

The Opening Line: The Hook That Keeps Them Reading

This is your most critical personalization piece. It must prove instantly that this isn’t a mass email template. Avoid generic flattery like “I love what you’re doing at your company.”

Framework: Reference a recent LinkedIn post, company award, funding announcement, shared connection, or trigger event like a new job.

Example: “Hi {{FirstName}}, I was impressed with your recent blog post on B2B funnels—especially your take on using LinkedIn for top-of-funnel.”

The Value Proposition: The “What’s In It For Me?”

Your prospect doesn’t care about your “AI-driven synergy platform.” They care about not spending three hours manually updating their CRM. Focus on solving problems, not listing features.

Examples:

• Feature-focused (Bad): “Our tool has real-time analytics and automated reporting.”
• Benefit-focused (Good): “We help sales leaders like you get back 5 hours a week by automating team reporting.”

The Call-to-Action: Make it Easy to Say “Yes”

One email, one clear, low-friction ask. Personalized CTAs perform 202% better than generic ones.

Types:

• Interest-based CTA: “Worth learning more?” (Best for initial outreach)
• Meeting-based CTA: “Are you free for a 15-min call next Tuesday?” (Save for warmer leads)

The Art of the Follow-Up: Where Most Deals Are Won

A single follow-up can boost replies by nearly 50%, and campaigns with 4-7 emails receive triple the response rate of those with only 1-3.

The Optimal Cadence:

• Day 1: Initial email template
• Day 3: Follow-up 1 (Try a different angle or value prop)
• Day 7: Follow-up 2 (Add value—share a resource, case study, or insight)
• Day 12: Follow-up 3 (The “breakup” email—”Circling back one last time…”)

Each message should add new value, not just “check in.”

Avoiding the Spam Folder: Technical Foundations

The most brilliant cold email is worthless if it lands in spam. Email deliverability is non-negotiable.

Essential Setup:

1. Technical Trinity: Set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records for your sending domain
2. Email Verification: A bounce rate over 3-5% kills your domain reputation
3. Account Warm-Up: Gradually increase sending volume to build positive reputation

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FAQs About Cold Email Templates