25 Sales Email Templates That Get Responses (2026)

Copy-paste sales email templates for every stage of outreach. Proven to generate 15-23% response rates when personalized correctly.

Why Templates Alone Don't Work

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Generic = Ignored

Templates without personalization get 2-5% response rates. Prospects can tell it's a mass email.

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Context Matters

Same template works differently for different industries, roles, and situations. Customize for context.

Personalization Wins

Emails with personalized opening lines get 15-23% response rates. 3-5x better than generic templates.

Cold Outreach Email Templates (5)

1. Problem-Agitate-Solution (PAS) Template

Subject: [Problem] at [Company]?

Hi [Name],

I noticed [Company] is [doing X]. Most [industry] companies doing this run into [specific problem] - it costs about [time/money] per [unit].

We recently helped [similar company] solve this by [solution], saving them [specific result].

Worth a 15-minute conversation?

Best,
[Your name]

When to use:

When you can identify a specific pain point the company likely has.

Personalization tips:

Reference their recent news, product launch, or hiring patterns that indicate the problem.

2. Content Reference Template

Subject: Loved your post about [topic]

Hi [Name],

Your recent [article/post/podcast] about [topic] really resonated - especially the part about [specific insight].

We're seeing similar challenges with [related issue] at [industry] companies. I work with [type of companies] to [value proposition].

Would you be open to a quick call to discuss [specific topic related to their content]?

Thanks,
[Your name]

When to use:

After they publish content on LinkedIn, blog, or podcast. Shows genuine interest.

Personalization tips:

Quote a specific line from their content. Make it clear you actually read/listened.

3. Mutual Connection Template

Subject: [Mutual connection] recommended I reach out

Hi [Name],

[Mutual connection] suggested I reach out. They mentioned you're working on [initiative] at [Company].

I recently helped [similar company] with [related challenge], achieving [specific result]. Thought there might be value in connecting.

Open to a brief call next week?

Best,
[Your name]

When to use:

When you have a genuine mutual connection. Ask permission first before using their name.

Personalization tips:

Mention how you know the mutual connection and why they made the introduction.

4. Before-After-Bridge Template

Subject: How [Company] can [achieve result]

Hi [Name],

Most [role] at [industry] companies spend [X hours] on [task] each week.

What if you could reduce that to [Y hours] while improving [outcome]? That's what we did for [similar company].

The bridge: [Brief explanation of solution]. Worth exploring for [Company]?

Let me know,
[Your name]

When to use:

When you have a clear before/after transformation story with metrics.

Personalization tips:

Use industry-specific metrics and reference their company size for relevance.

5. Direct Value Template

Subject: [Specific value] for [Company]

Hi [Name],

Quick question: are you currently using [tool/process] for [specific task] at [Company]?

We built [solution] specifically for [industry] companies doing [what they do]. Early users are seeing [specific metric] improvement.

I'd love to show you a 5-minute demo. Does [day] or [day] work?

Thanks,
[Your name]

When to use:

When you have a highly targeted solution for a specific problem/industry.

Personalization tips:

Research their current tech stack and reference specific tools they might be using.

Follow-Up Email Templates (5)

1. The Bump (2-3 Days After First Email)

Subject: Re: [Original subject]

Hi [Name],

Following up on my email from [day]. I know you're busy, so I'll keep this brief.

We helped [similar company] [achieve result]. Would a 15-minute call be valuable to explore if we could do the same for [Company]?

Best,
[Your name]

2. Value Add (1 Week After First Email)

Subject: Thought this might be useful

Hi [Name],

I know you're busy, but I came across [article/resource] about [relevant topic] and immediately thought of you given [Company]'s focus on [initiative].

[Link to resource]

Still interested in discussing how we can help with [value prop]?

Thanks,
[Your name]

3. The Breakup (Final Follow-Up)

Subject: Should I close your file?

Hi [Name],

I've reached out a few times about [value prop], but haven't heard back. I don't want to be a pest!

If it's not a priority right now, no problem - I'll close your file. If there's still interest, just reply and let me know when might be better to connect.

Either way, best of luck with [relevant initiative]!
[Your name]

+ 2 more follow-up templates...

Meeting Request Templates (5)

Templates optimized for securing calls and demos...

View all 5 meeting request templates →

Turn Templates Into Personalized Emails with AI

Templates give you structure, but personalization drives responses. LeadSpark AI automatically researches each prospect and generates custom opening lines for your emails.

Template vs AI-Personalized: Real Example

GENERIC TEMPLATE:

Hi Sarah,

I noticed you work at TechCorp. We help SaaS companies improve their sales process...

❌ Response rate: 3-5%

AI-PERSONALIZED (LEADSPARK):

Hi Sarah,

Congrats on the Series B announcement last week! Saw you're hiring 10 new SDRs based on your LinkedIn post. We helped a similar-stage SaaS company (Acme Inc) ramp their SDR team in half the time using AI-powered personalization...

✓ Response rate: 18-23%

Manual Personalization:

  • ✗ Research LinkedIn profile (10 min)
  • ✗ Read recent posts (10 min)
  • ✗ Research company news (10 min)
  • ✗ Write custom opening line (5 min)
  • = 35 minutes per email

LeadSpark AI:

  • ✓ Upload CSV with LinkedIn URLs
  • ✓ AI scrapes profiles + posts
  • ✓ AI generates personalized opening lines
  • ✓ Download enriched CSV
  • = 3 minutes per email

Sales Email Best Practices

1. Personalize the First Line

The opening line determines if they read the rest. Reference something specific: their content, company news, mutual connection, or recent achievement.

2. Keep It Short (Under 150 Words)

Busy people skim. Get to the point in 3-4 short paragraphs. Save detailed explanations for the call.

3. Focus on Them, Not You

Lead with their problem/goal, not your product features. Show you understand their world before pitching your solution.

4. One Clear Call-to-Action

Ask for one thing: a 15-min call, a demo, or a specific question. Multiple CTAs create decision paralysis.

5. Test Your Subject Lines

50% of email success is the subject line. Test different approaches: questions, curiosity, personalization, or direct value.

Ready to Automate Email Personalization?

Stop manually customizing templates. Let LeadSpark AI generate personalized opening lines for every prospect.