12 cold email templates for sales (copy & paste)
Updated June 2026
Cold email works when it's short, relevant and about the prospect — not your pitch. These templates cover the whole sequence: the first touch, the follow-ups, the breakup, and the replies you send once someone bites.
Reps who hit quota don't write each email from scratch — they start from a proven structure and personalize the first line. Save these as snippets, insert them by typing //, then make the opener specific to the person. The structure is reusable; the first sentence should never be.
What makes a cold email get replies
- A real reason for emailing this person now.
- One idea, one ask. Don't bury the request.
- About them, not you. Lead with their problem.
- A specific subject line and a short body that respects their time.
1. Simple cold intro
Hi [Name], I work with [type of company] on [outcome]. I noticed [specific observation about their business] and thought it might be relevant. Worth a quick chat to see if it's a fit? Either way, happy to share what's working for similar teams.
2. Value-first opener
3. Referral / mutual connection
4. Problem–solution
5. After a trigger event
6. Quick-question opener
7. Free resource offer
Send your sequence in a fraction of the time. Save every template and insert it by typing // — then personalize.
Add ReplyKit to Chrome — free8. Follow-up #1 (gentle nudge)
9. Follow-up #2 (add value)
10. Breakup email
11. Meeting request
12. Re-engaging an old lead
Tips to send more without sounding like a robot
- Personalize the first line every time — the rest can be a snippet.
- Use placeholders for name, company and the specific detail so nothing ships with a blank bracket.
- Test subject lines — short and specific beats clever.
- Always follow up. Most replies come after the first email, not from it.
- Keep a "won" and "lost" snippet so your replies stay sharp once people respond.
Pair these templates with placeholders so the prospect's name and company fill in as you insert, and you'll run a full outreach sequence without retyping a word.
Subject lines that get opened
The body doesn't matter if the email is never opened. Keep subject lines short, lowercase and specific, so they read like a note from a colleague rather than a campaign. A few patterns that consistently work:
- quick question, [Company]
- [Mutual contact] suggested I reach out
- idea for [outcome]
- [Name] — worth a look?
Whatever you choose, avoid hype words and ALL CAPS — they're the fastest way to the spam folder. Save your best-performing subject lines as snippets too, so you reuse what's already working.
Related guides
- 12 freelance email templates for clients — proposals and follow-ups.
- Variables & placeholders — templates that fill themselves.
- Canned responses in Gmail — insert by typing //.
- Text shortcuts & abbreviations — expand triggers like ;cal.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a cold email get replies?
A relevant reason for reaching out, a short message focused on the prospect's problem (not your product), one clear ask, and a specific subject line. Personalize the first line.
How many follow-ups should I send?
Two to four, spaced a few days apart, usually works. End the sequence with a polite breakup email so you stop guessing and free up the lead.
How do I send cold emails faster without losing personalization?
Save each template as a snippet in ReplyKit with placeholders, insert it by typing //, then personalize the first line and any bracketed details before sending.
Is ReplyKit free?
Yes, free for up to 10 snippets. Pro unlocks unlimited snippets and sync across your devices.