16 sales introduction email templates to boost lead generation

You've spent hours creating (what you think) is the perfect email to send out to potential leads. You hit send and hope and wait anxiously for a response. And then? No response. Your prospect never opened the email and, worse, maybe they've even unsubscribed from your list. It's frustrating, demotivating, and frankly, a waste of time. 

Most sales reps share the same struggles. Cold outreach can be a cycle of rejection and disappointment. 

What if you had tried-and-tested templates at your fingertips? Templates that balance professionalism with personality. Templates that get your foot in the door and keep it there.

In this article, we cover three best practices for writing a killer sales email and provide 16 sales email templates to get you started.

Sales introduction email templates

Cold emails are tough to write when you don’t know anything about your potential customers. 

If you personalize every sentence, you'll never be able to reach a large volume of prospects. But if you send out the same generic message to everyone, your response rates will be dismal.

The trick with boosting open rates is to know just enough to catch their interest. 

Here are 16 cold email templates to integrate into your sales process when looking to introduce your product and spark curiosity in recipients:

1. The benefit-focused introduction

Subject: Unlock New Possibilities for [Company Name]

Email Body:

Hi [Prospect Name],

Ever wondered how much easier [pain point 1] could be with the right solution? At [Your Company Name], we specialize in turning that 'what if' into reality.

I'm reaching out to you because I've noticed that [Prospect’s Company Name] has been actively looking to improve [pain point 1]. Our [Product/Service Name] has been instrumental in helping businesses like yours achieve [specific benefit], resulting in [positive outcome 2].

What makes us different? Our [unique feature or service] directly addresses [pain point 1], ensuring [specific benefit]. Additionally, [another key feature] offers [additional benefit], enhancing your [relevant business aspect].

I'd love to discuss how we can tailor our solutions to fit [Recipient's Company Name]'s unique needs. Could we schedule a brief call this week to explore this further? Please let me know a time that works best for you, and I'll make it happen.

Looking forward to the possibility of working together and making [pain point 1] a thing of the past for [Recipient's Company Name].

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Why this works: Focusing on the unique benefits your product or service offers directly addresses the recipient's needs and interests. This approach grabs the prospect's attention by immediately presenting a solution to a problem they know about. You create a connection by personalizing the email to reflect their company's challenges and aspirations.

2. The mutual connection introduction

Subject: [Mutual Connection's Name] Recommended I Reach Out to You

Email Body:

Hi [Prospect's Name],

I was speaking with [Mutual Connection's Name] recently, and your name came up in our conversation about [industry/topic of interest]. They spoke highly of [Recipient's Company Name] and suggested I reach out to you.

I work with [Your Company Name], where we specialize in [brief description of product/service]. We've helped companies like [example of a similar company] overcome challenges related to [pain point 1], leading to [positive outcome or benefit]. Given your role at [Recipient's Company Name], I thought this might resonate with you.

I'm particularly interested in discussing how we might be able to assist [Recipient's Company Name] with [specific service or product feature]. Our approach is unique because [brief explanation of unique selling proposition].

Would you be open to a short call next week to explore this further? I’d love to share insights that could be beneficial for [Recipient's Company Name] and hear about your current strategies and challenges.

Looking forward to the possibility of a fruitful collaboration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Why this works: Use the existing trust and rapport from a referral to make the recipient more likely to engage. The template blends a personal touch with professional interest, creating a balance between relationship building and business proposition. Not to mention, leveraging referrals is a great way to get past gatekeepers.

3. The useful resource introduction 

Subject: Enhancing [Topic from LinkedIn Post] with a Resource You Might Find Valuable

Email Body:

Hi [Prospect's Name],

I recently came across your post on LinkedIn about [specific topic or challenge mentioned in the post], and it really resonated with me. It's clear that you're deeply invested in [relevant business area or issue].

At [Your Company Name], we share your passion for [topic or challenge from LinkedIn post]. In fact, we've recently compiled a comprehensive [resource] that delves into [specific aspect of the topic], which I believe could be incredibly useful.

You can access this resource here: [Link to the Resource]. I'm confident it’ll provide you with some fresh insights and practical strategies.

Besides offering resources like this, our team at [Your Company Name] also specializes in [brief description of product/service]. We've helped organizations like [similar company or industry example] to achieve [specific benefit or result], which might be something you find valuable.

I'd be thrilled to hear your thoughts on the [resource] and discuss how we might collaborate to bring similar value to [Recipient's Company Name]. Would you be open to a brief call next week to chat about this?

Thank you for your insightful LinkedIn posts, and I hope this resource proves to be a beneficial addition to your ongoing efforts.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

What we like: A prospect's LinkedIn post is a great jumping-off point. It establishes common ground and shows genuine interest in their professional activities. An immediate link to a relevant resource fosters a relationship based on helpfulness and expertise.

4. The congratulatory introduction

Subject: Congratulations on [Trigger Event]!

Email Body:

Hi [Prospect's Name],

I noticed [Recipient's Company Name] recently [mention of specific activity or event], and wanted to reach out and say congratulations! It's a big deal.

In light of this, I believe [Your Company Name] could support your continued success. We specialize in [brief description of your service/product], helping businesses like yours with [specific benefit].

Would you be open to a brief discussion on how we can contribute to your journey post-[trigger event]? A quick call could uncover some exciting possibilities.

Cheers to your achievement,

[Your Name]

Why this works: Recognizing and celebrating an achievement or event related to the recipient's company shows you're paying attention. It's more personal and builds rapport.

5. The post-engagement connection template

Subject: Thanks for Engaging with My Post - Let's Explore More

Email Body:

Hello [Prospect's Name],

I noticed your interaction with my recent LinkedIn post/website content about [Topic of Post/Content]. It's great to see your interest in [relevant subject matter]!

As someone passionate about [Topic], I'd love to discuss how [Your Company/Product/Service] can further enrich your understanding or provide solutions in this area. We specialize in [specific service or benefit], which seems aligned with your interests.

Would you be open to a brief call to exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations?

Looking forward to connecting,

[Your Name]

Why this works: The beauty of this template lies in how it uses the prospect's existing interest. It's friendly, thankful, and shows appreciation for the prospect's engagement. Instead of coming off as just another sales pitch, the invitation to chat feels like a two-way street, which is more personal and engaging. 

6. The "social proof" introduction

Subject: How We Helped [Similar Company's Name] Achieve [Remarkable Result]

Email Body:

Hi [Prospect's Name],

Ever wondered how companies in your industry achieve [specific remarkable result]? You're not alone. At [Your Company Name], we've been part of such success stories, like our recent work with [Similar Company's Name].

In our latest case study, we highlighted how we helped them [brief summary of the case study result], leading to [specific outcome or improvement]. I believe [Recipient's Company Name] could see similar benefits, especially in areas like [relevant business aspect].

Would you be interested in a quick call to discuss how we can replicate this success for your team?

Eager to explore possibilities,

[Your Name]

Why this works: This template hooks the prospect with a question that gets them thinking about a challenge they know all too well. It's like saying, "Hey, we get what you're dealing with." Then it drops in a case study, an impressive result, or compelling sales enablement content. The evidence of your success is what makes this intro hard to ignore. Plus, the last sentence is perfect—it shows confidence and curiosity in equal measure. 

7. The "personal story" introduction

Subject: How a Similar Challenge Led to a Breakthrough for Us

Email Body:

Hi [Prospect's Name],

I recently read about [Recipient's Company Name]'s efforts to [specific challenge or goal they are working towards]. It reminded me of a situation we faced here at [Your Company Name] not too long ago.

A few years back, we encountered a similar challenge when trying to [your company's past challenge]. Despite our best efforts, we just couldn't find the right approach. That is until we developed [a solution your company created or implemented]. This not only resolved our issue but also opened up new opportunities such as [positive outcome].

I believe [Your Company Name]'s experience could be invaluable for [Recipient's Company Name]. Let's discuss how we turned our challenge into a success story, and how we might be able to assist you in doing the same.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Why this works: A personal story is a great way to connect with the recipient on a more human level. It shows you understand and empathize with their struggles, and also positions your company as a valuable resource for solving similar challenges. Providing details about your company's past challenges and solutions gives your story credibility. 

8. The "event follow-up" introduction

Subject: Great Connecting at [Event Name]!

Email Body:

Hi [Prospect's Name],

It was a pleasure meeting you at [Event Name]. I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic discussed or presentation given at the event].

Reflecting on our discussion, it struck me how [Your Company Name] could offer valuable insights and solutions for [Recipient's Company Name], especially regarding [specific challenge or opportunity discussed at the event].

Our [product name] has helped businesses like yours achieve [specific benefit or result], which seems particularly relevant to your current goals. I’d love to dive deeper into this and explore how we can specifically assist you with [specific aspect of your product].

Could we schedule a follow-up call or meeting to continue our conversation from [Event Name]? I’m excited about the potential synergy between our companies.

Looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate,

[Your Name]

Why this works: A shared experience at an industry event establishes common ground with the recipient. Referencing a specific topic or presentation shows active participation. Your mention of how your product can specifically help their current goals shows you’ve done your research and are sincere about collaborating — not just another lead for their pipeline.

9. The podcast/webinar listener

Subject: Inspired by Your Insights on [Podcast/Webinar Name]!

Email Body:

Hi [Prospect's Name],

I recently had the opportunity to listen to/watch your [podcast/webinar] on [specific topic], and I must say, your insights were incredibly enlightening. The way you discussed [specific aspect or takeaway from the podcast/webinar] really resonated with me and what we're trying to achieve at [Your Company Name].

Your thoughts on [specific topic from the podcast/webinar] align closely with our approach, especially in regards to [a particular aspect of your product/service]. I believe there's a strong synergy between your vision and our capabilities. Our [product/service] has been successful in addressing similar challenges, and I think it could be a great fit for [a problem or opportunity related to the podcast/webinar topic].

Would you be open to a conversation to explore potential collaborations or ways our product/service could support your work?

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and looking forward to the possibility of working together.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Why this works: Showing genuine interest and engagement with the recipient's content establishes a relevant connection. It shows you’ve understood their perspective and expertise, which builds rapport. 

10. The "exclusive offer" introduction

Subject: Exclusive Opportunity Just for [Recipient's Company Name]

Email Body:

Hi [Prospect's Name],

I have an exciting, exclusive offer that I think you'll find intriguing. At [Your Company Name], we value innovative partnerships and want to extend a special opportunity to [Recipient's Company Name].

For a limited time, we're offering [specific offer or discount] on our [Product/Service]. This deal not only enhances [specific business area], but also aligns perfectly with your recent initiatives in [relevant field or project].

Would you like to explore this exclusive opportunity further? A quick call can unlock these special benefits for your team.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Why this works: This template makes the recipient feel like they're part of an exclusive group and that their company is valued by your company. Who doesn't love feeling special and getting something that's not available to everyone else? The limited time and special discount create a sense of urgency and scarcity to make the offer more enticing — a proven tactic for lead gen.

11. The "industry news" introduction

Subject: Insights on the Latest [Industry] Trend

Email Body:

Hi [Prospect's Name],

I recently came across an article about [specific industry news or trend], and it immediately made me think of [Recipient's Company Name]. The way [specific aspect of the news] is impacting businesses like yours is quite significant.

At [Your Company Name], we've been closely monitoring these developments and have already started implementing strategies that address these new challenges. For instance, our [product/service] has been updated to reflect these changes, offering solutions like [specific feature or benefit relevant to the news].

I believe a discussion about how these industry shifts affect [Recipient's Company Name] and how our [product/service] can help could be very insightful. Would you be open to a brief call to explore this further?

Looking forward to sharing our insights and hearing your perspective on this evolving situation.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Why this works: The template incorporates current industry news to establish relevance and immediacy. Adapting to industry trends shows your company is not only knowledgeable but also proactive. 

12. The follow-up to non-response

Subject: Just Checking In - Any Thoughts on My Previous Message?

Email Body:

Hi [Prospect's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. A little while ago, I sent an email regarding [brief recap of the original email topic, like a specific product, service, or offer]. I understand you have a busy schedule, so it's completely understandable if it slipped through the cracks.

I thought I'd check in to see if you had any thoughts or questions about it. To quickly recap, [Your Company Name] specializes in [brief description of your service/product], and I believe it could significantly benefit [Recipient's Company Name] in areas such as [specific benefit or solution].

If it's easier for you, I’m happy to have a quick call to discuss this in more detail, or if email works better, I’m here to answer any queries you might have.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

[Your Name]

Why this works: Provide a gentle reminder of the previous email while being respectful of the recipient's time. Briefly recapping the original message's key points reinforces the potential value for the recipient without being overly aggressive. A friendly, accommodating tone offers different communication modes for further discussion to ultimately nurture the lead.

13. The "comparative advantage" introduction

Subject: Discover What Sets [Your Product/Service] Apart from [Competitor's Product/Service]

Email Body:

Hi [Prospect's Name],

I've noticed that [Recipient's Company Name] has been utilizing [Competitor's Product/Service]. While they offer some great features, I wanted to introduce you to [Your Product/Service] and highlight a few key areas where we differ – and excel.

One of the main advantages of [Your Product/Service] is [unique feature or benefit]. This has proven to be a game-changer for many of our clients, especially in terms of [specific improvement or result]. Unlike [Competitor's Product/Service], we also offer [another distinctive feature or service], which has been highly beneficial for [specific type of client or industry].

Would you be open to exploring how [Your Product/Service] could provide enhanced value to [Recipient's Company Name]? A short call could reveal new opportunities and insights for your business.

Looking forward to the possibility of elevating your [relevant business area],

[Your Name]

Why this works: This introduction immediately catches the recipient's attention by mentioning their current use of a competitor's product/service. It then smoothly transitions into highlighting the unique features and benefits of your own offering, without sounding overly salesy or aggressive. 

14. The "expert opinion" introduction

Subject: [Industry Expert's Name]'s Insights on [Relevant Topic]

Email Body:

Hey [Prospect's Name],

I recently read an insightful piece by [Industry Expert's Name] on [specific topic or trend]. Their perspective on [key point from the expert's opinion] really highlights the challenges and opportunities in [recipient's industry].

This got me thinking about how [Your Company Name] could help [Recipient's Company Name] navigate these [challenges/opportunities]. Our [product/service] aligns closely with [Industry Expert's Name]'s recommendations, particularly in areas like [specific feature or benefit of your product/service].

Would you be interested in discussing how these insights could be applied to enhance your business strategy?

Best,

[Your Name]

What we like: Using the authority of an industry expert establishes relevance and credibility. It connects their insights to the benefits of your product or service. It shows your solutions align with expert opinions.

15. The solution teaser introduction

Subject: A Sneak Peek at a Game-Changing Solution for [Industry/Problem]

Email Body:

Hi [Prospect's Name],

Have you ever wondered if there's a better way to tackle [common problem in recipient's industry]? We did too at [Your Company Name], and that's why we're excited to share a glimpse of our latest innovation.

Our [new product feature] is designed to revolutionize [specific process or issue], offering [key value proposition]. While I can't reveal all the details yet, I can say that it significantly improves [specific aspect of the problem] by [brief description of how it works].

I’d love to give you an exclusive preview and hear your thoughts. Are you available for a brief phone call to discuss how this could specifically benefit [Recipient's Company Name]?

Looking forward to potentially transforming [aspect of their business] together,

[Your Name]

Why this works: Piques the recipient's interest with a teaser about an innovative solution to encourage curiosity and engagement. The mention of an exclusive preview adds a sense of privilege and urgency. The email creates anticipation and a desire to learn more about how this new solution addresses their needs.

16. The “quick question” introduction

Subject: A Quick Question About [Recipient's Key Business Area]

Email Body:

Hi [Prospect's Name],

I was exploring [Recipient's Company Name]'s approach to [specific business area or challenge], and a question struck me: How are you currently handling [specific aspect of business area or challenge]?

At [Your Company Name], we've found that [a brief insight or observation about this specific aspect]. We offer [Product/Service Name], which addresses this by [key value proposition].

I’m curious to hear your thoughts and experiences in this area. Would you have a few minutes for a quick call this week to discuss it? I believe our conversation could uncover some beneficial insights for both of us.

Thanks for considering,

[Your Name]

Why this works: The template engages the recipient by posing a relevant question and inviting a response. The approach is conversational and encourages an exchange of ideas. The invitation positions the sender as someone interested in understanding and addressing the recipient's specific challenges.

3 Best practices for writing effective sales introduction emails

Email outreach is still one of the best methods for outreach and sales professionals consider it the third most-effective sales channel overall for revenue. But it’s also only effective when done right. 

Here are three best practices to improve your chances of not landing in the spam folder:

1. Create a compelling opening line 

An opening line in an email is the first sentence or phrase your prospect reads after the email subject line. It sets the tone for the entire email and determines whether your prospect continues to read more or simply deletes your email. 

An opening line appears in the preview which is exactly why it's important to make it count.

The best opening lines are personalized, intriguing, and relevant. Follow these tips:

• Start with a question: Engage your reader with a thought-provoking question. Rhetorical questions work well—they don't require an immediate answer but still get the reader thinking. 

• Share a statistic: People love data and numbers. Start with an interesting statistic related to your product or industry that grabs attention.

• Use humor (when appropriate): A light-hearted or witty opening is refreshing, but it also needs to be your audience and context.

• Provide immediate value: State a benefit or offer that's relevant to the reader. You show respect for their time and have something worthwhile to say.

• Create intrigue: Begin with a surprising fact or an unexpected statement. Pique your prospect’s curiosity and lure them into reading more.

2. Personalize the email (but make it relevant)

Everyone talks about personalization, but the guidelines are always limited to “use their name” or “mention something you have in common.” Yes, these are important tips but there's more to it.

Personalization also means understanding your prospects' pain points, goals, and interests. Bad personalization screams "I'm just trying to sell you something." Good personalization shows that you did your research and have something valuable to offer.

Pro tip: Use a prospect's LinkedIn profile, blog, or company website to gather information and tailor your email accordingly.

Remember, personalization is all about relevance. For example:

• Mention a recent achievement or project they worked on.

• Highlight a common challenge that your product/service can solve.

• Share content that aligns with their interests or industry.

• Ask for feedback on something they recently shared on social media.

3. Send a follow-up email

How many times have you mentally replied to an email but never actually got around to writing a response? It happens more often than we'd like to admit. 

Your prospects are the same. That's why follow-up emails are so crucial to any communication strategy, especially in sales. 

A well-timed, considerate follow-up can be the gentle nudge that turns a prospect's mental note into a real conversation. Tips to ensure your follow-up email is effective:

• Be timely, but not pushy: Wait at least three days after your initial contact before sending a follow-up. This shows you respect their time and space. But don't wait too long—you want to stay on top-of-mind.

• Add new value: Offer something new with each follow-up. Think of additional information, a helpful resource, or an interesting update about your product or service. 

End with a clear call-to-action (CTA): Be clear about what you want them to do next. Whether it's to schedule a call, check out a link, or reply with their thoughts.

Conclusion 

The most important takeaway here: create a memorable first impression. The first email you send can set the tone for your entire business relationship. It's your opening act and the initial handshake.

The best sales emails don’t just capture attention—they resonate with your potential client. Use these free templates to help you create a memorable first impression, build rapport and address your potential new client’s needs.