How to write cold emails - 12 examples

Have you ever wondered why some cold emails get immediate responses while others are left unread? This blog post will guide you through 12 compelling examples of cold emails that have proven successful in various industries.

You'll learn by example how to capture attention, personalize your message, and ultimately, increase your response rates. So, if you're ready to learn let's get started and jump to the examples:

1. Was chatting with Brad yesterday

2. Saw you have a few open SDR roles

3. Saw your post about looking for a dialer

4. Noticed you’re on an unsupported version of

5. Couldn't help but notice that Lavender uses

6. Does it ever feel like your AEs are trying

7. I noticed that you have been working on a

8. Salesforce says reps spend only 28% of

9. You said it, not me

10. Noticed you're a certified yoga teacher

11. I see that your SDR team is remote

12. Looks like you’re self-employed

Typical Cold Email Performance

Cold emailing remains one of the most effective outreach strategies, but evaluating your campaign's success requires understanding standard performance benchmarks.

Typical Cold Email Benchmarks

Generally, successful cold email campaigns fall within these standard performance ranges:

• Open Rate The percentage of emails opened by recipients typically ranges from 15% to 25%. Campaigns achieving above 30% indicate excellent subject line quality and strong targeting.

• Reply Rate Usually, reply rates average between 1% and 5%. A reply rate surpassing 10% suggests exceptional personalization, relevance, and messaging.

• Positive Response Rate The proportion of replies expressing genuine interest or willingness to engage typically sits between 0.5% and 2%. Rates above 5% indicate highly effective targeting and compelling email content.

• Click-Through Rate (CTR) If your cold emails include links, the CTR usually ranges between 1% and 3%. CTRs higher than 5% reflect particularly engaging content and clear calls-to-action.

• Conversion Rate This critical metric measures how many recipients take the desired action (such as booking a demo or call). Average conversion rates lie between 0.5% and 1.5%, with rates above 3% being outstanding.

Your campaign's success is influenced significantly by audience accuracy, email personalization, mail subject, email deliverability.

Cold email 01 - Was chatting with Brad yesterday... (origin)

Hey Frank

Was chatting with Brad yesterday and he pointed me in your direction - curious what the team is using when it comes to proposals?

We’re helping companies like [...] and several other [...] gain control and visibility into the proposal process. We help with challenges like inconsistent document creation, costly errors being included in proposals, and deals going dark once proposals are sent out.

If that sounds anything like what the team is dealing with today, I'd be happy to set up a demo call to show you our platform and walk through how we can help.

Does next Thursday work for you?

Here's why I think it worked

1. References a mutual contact

   The email immediately establishes trust by mentioning "Y," a mutual connection. Leveraging personal connections greatly increases the recipient’s willingness to engage because it creates familiarity and credibility.

2. Shares social proof
   
   By mentioning that other respected companies are already benefiting from the solution (even though names are redacted in this example), it boosts credibility and reassures the recipient that this solution is trusted and effective.

3. Messaging is problem-focused
   
   The email directly addresses common pain points, such as inconsistent proposals, costly mistakes, and losing track of deals. This makes the message relevant and compelling. Highlighting relatable issues helps the reader quickly identify their own challenges and sparks interest in learning more.

Cold email 02 - Saw you have a few open SDR roles... (origin)

Tom – Saw you have a few open SDR roles.
Imagine you’re looking to source more pipe for Tom.
Connect rates are typically 2 convos per 50 dials.
Hours of dialing often lead to nothing.
Gong got to 10 conversations per 50 dials with our data.

Open to seeing how?

Here's why I think it worked

This is a great example of a well-structured, personalized, and strategic cold email that gets replies, especially when targeting sales leaders.

1. The Pain Is Clear and Specific

The email speaks directly to a BTL leader (e.g., SDR manager), focusing on a problem they know all too well: low connect rates and inefficient cold calling. This hits a nerve, every line is crafted to reflect their day-to-day struggle.

2. The Trigger Is Personal and Timely

The mention of open SDR roles and even Tom, a known AE, gives this message context and relevance. It shows the sender did their research and that this isn’t a generic blast.

3. The Trigger Is Personal and Timely

At only 50 words, the email respects the recipient’s time. Every sentence either creates empathy, contrasts the pain with a better outcome, or invites further conversation. This is classic BAB structure:

• Before: Hours of dialing → 2 convos per 50 dials.

• After: Gong got to 10/50.

• Bridge: ZoomInfo's data.

4. Close With a Conversational CTA

Cold email 03 - Saw your post about looking for a dialer... (origin)

Hi [Name]

Saw your post about looking for a dialer! Left you a voicemail just now, must've missed you (Hopefully it's not because I'm the 115th call you've received today.) 😆

Servicebell is the first "inbound aware" dialer. It has all the same capabilities as [Redacted] (for a fraction of the price), but also alerts your reps in real-time when a prospect lands on the site. From there, reps can view the prospect's screen and live VIDEO call them.

Made you this quick personalized video below that you can check out! What do you think? Did I earn myself a seat at the eval table if I can promise a better price 👀

[Video Link]

What’s GOOD about this message?

1. References a Relevant SIGNAL

The message starts by referring directly to something the prospect recently posted. Leveraging a fresh, relevant signal creates immediate trust and familiarity, significantly boosting response rates compared to generic outreach.

2. Includes a Personalized Video

A personalized video humanizes the sender and provides additional context. Videos make it clear you're not mass-spamming, you're genuinely invested in solving their specific problem.

While engaging, the message could be tighter. Shorter, clearer messages typically yield higher response rates.

Cold email 04 - Noticed you’re on an unsupported version of... (origin)

Hey Jim – Noticed you’re on an unsupported version of Spotify API.
Usually that means server timeouts requiring manual intervention.

Folks plug me in temporarily to migrate from a batch system to a real-time system utilizing webhooks so they can scale.
35+ migrations.
Worth a chat?

Fractional Kevin

Why this cold email worked?

1. Observation that relates to a problem

Hey Jim – Noticed you’re on an unsupported version of Spotify API.

This clearly highlights a specific, relevant issue directly applicable to the recipient, making the reader immediately curious.

2. A crispy problem

Usually that means server timeouts requiring manual intervention.

Directly addresses a concrete and relatable consequence, creating credibility and emphasizing the urgency of the problem.

3. Answers the question prospects are secretly asking

Folks plug me in temporarily to migrate from a batch system to a real-time system utilizing webhooks so they can scale.

Explicitly explains how the sender solves the identified problem. Clear, concise, and believable.

4. The bandwagon effect

35+ migrations.

People are influenced by the actions of people like them. It’s called the bandwagon effect. Social proof that shows the sender has helped many others in similar situations, increasing confidence and trust.

Cold email 05 - Couldn't help but notice that Lavender uses... (origin)

Subject: Will - Intercom optimization at Lavender

Will, couldn't help but notice that Lavender uses Intercom. Great choice, but it's no secret that many companies underutilize its power, leading to slow responses and frustrated customers.

In just a month, we optimized Wifly's Intercom chat, enhancing customer satisfaction and refining their workflow. Our approach meant only 50.1% of customers needed human assistance, with 49.9% managing to self-resolve. Leveraging AI could potentially drive self-serve resolutions up to 50-70%.

Happy to explain more over a quick call, what do you think?

Here's why I think it worked

The email successfully leverages personalization, identifies a genuine pain point, provides convincing social proof, and finishes with a clear CTA. With slight tweaks, performance could even improve further.

1. Acknowledgment & Personalization

Couldn't help but notice Lavender uses Intercom.

This immediately shows that the sender researched the recipient’s company. Personalization always enhances relevance and increases the likelihood of a reply.

2. Complimentary Approach

Great choice...

Starting off with a compliment builds rapport. It signals that the sender respects the recipient’s current decisions, making them more open to further suggestions or advice.

3. Identification of Pain Point

Many companies underutilize its power, leading to slow responses and frustrated customers.

The sender effectively highlights a common, relatable issue, creating a sense of urgency and relevance.

4. Social Proof & Specific Results

Optimized Wifly's Intercom...

5. Direct but Friendly Call-to-Action (CTA)

Happy to explain more over a quick call, what do you think?

It’s conversational and polite, clearly prompting a response without being overly pushy.

Cold email 06 - Does it ever feel like your AEs are trying... (origin)

Subject: Uhaul Prospecting

Will,

Does it ever feel like your AEs are trying to load up their calendars with 10-12 ideal accounts in your TAM, but the good opps are hidden in camo?

With G2, reps don't have to scan the sky for good accounts. They can see when accounts are in-market for Lavender which can make your reps 2 hours a day of prospecting more effective.

Open to seeing how Grammarly's AEs are doing it?

Here's why I think it worked

This creative, thoughtful cold email did exactly what great cold outreach is supposed to do, it started a meaningful conversation. Key takeways:

1. Hyper-Personalization

Olivia referenced a unique and personal signal, a recent LinkedIn video posted from a Uhaul about building pipeline. This went beyond a generic acknowledgment and tied directly into the recipient’s specific context. Personalized references trigger curiosity, build rapport, and significantly improve response rates.

1. Creative Language and Visual Metaphors

Using creative, visual language like "good opps hidden in camo" and "scan the sky for good accounts" makes the email feel fresh, engaging, and memorable. This unique phrasing effectively captures attention and differentiates from typical cold emails.

1. Strong, Relevant Social Proof

The mention of "Grammarly's AEs" provides relevant, recognizable social proof. Demonstrating that similar, respected organizations benefit from the product creates trust and triggers the recipient’s competitive curiosity.

1. Creates Demand Rather Than Capturing Existing

Instead of waiting for the recipient to realize a need, Olivia proactively presented a compelling reason why G2 might be valuable to the recipient's team. This approach plants the seed of consideration and sparks curiosity, even when the recipient wasn’t actively evaluating the product.

1. Soft and Curiosity-Provoking CTA

The closing question "Open to seeing how Grammarly's AEs are doing it?" prompts a low-friction, curiosity-based response rather than a direct request for time. It's casual, conversational, and far less aggressive than traditional CTAs like "Book a meeting now."

Cold email 07 - I noticed that you have been working on a... (origin)

Subject: your newsletter

Mike,

I noticed that you have been working on a newsletter lately.

Building a newsletter helps establish credibility and as a revenue leader I assume that you are always looking for ways to increase your team's credibility too.

A great way to do so is by providing your prospects with reference customer who can vouch for Deel.

Can I share a quick video to show you how Deeto can help streamline your reference process and improve conversions?

Gabi

Here's why I think it worked

This email successfully combines personalization, relevance, simplicity, and a low-pressure CTA to increase the likelihood of response.

1. Personalized Subject

"your newsletter" is ultra-specific, short, and directly relevant to the recipient's current activity. Short and personalized subjects increase open rates significantly.

1. Observation

I noticed that you have been working on a newsletter lately.

Demonstrates genuine research and interest. Establishes immediate relevance and credibility.

1. Transition + Challenge

...as a revenue leader I assume you're always looking for ways to increase your team's credibility...

Smoothly transitions the observation into a relevant challenge, directly speaking to the recipient’s role and goals. This creates urgency by aligning with a known priority.

1. Clear Value Proposition

...providing your prospects with reference customer who can vouch for Deel.

Clearly articulates a solution that addresses the challenge. It positions the sender’s offering as directly beneficial to the recipient’s stated goal of credibility and conversions.

1. Interest-Based CTA

Can I share a quick video...?

Easy for the recipient to say "yes." Not asking directly for a meeting, thus significantly reducing friction. According to Gong, interest-based CTAs increase reply rates 2-3x.

Cold email 08 - Salesforce says reps spend only 28% of... (origin)

Subject: Is 28% good?

Mike,

Salesforce says reps spend only 28% of their week actually selling.

Trackland helps teams spend more time selling. With a similar UI to spreadsheets, adoption is easy, but this saves and updates right to SFDC.

Update your pipe, next steps, notes with ease all from one screen instead of 30+ tabs.

Could your team use the help?

Here's why I think it worked

This email effectively blends curiosity, clear value proposition, simplicity, and a frictionless call-to-action. It is also quite short.

1. Curiosity-Provoking Subject

Is 28% good?

It immediately creates curiosity by posing a question that's intriguing and impossible not to click.

2. Observation & Segue

Salesforce says reps spend only 28% of their week actually selling.

This opening provides a data-driven observation. It's relatable and sets the stage effectively by establishing a clear problem right away.

3. Clear Value Proposition

Trackland helps teams spend more time selling. With a similar UI to spreadsheets, adoption is easy, but this saves and updates right to SFDC.

The benefits are immediately clear and concise. Easy adoption, familiarity, and direct integration into Salesforce, these benefits are tangible and easy to visualize.

4. Immediate Benefit

Update your pipe, next steps, notes with ease all from one screen instead of 30+ tabs.

A concrete, easy-to-understand improvement makes the benefit real and urgent, reinforcing the solution’s value.

5. Interest-Based, Low-Friction CTA

Could your team use the help?

This conversational, easy-to-answer CTA significantly lowers response barriers. It's non-pushy and invites engagement naturally.

Cold email 09 - You said it, not me... (origin)

Kyle – you said it, not me: "Align with the GTM team". But did you know that a lack of social proof is affecting everyone? Here's how:

folks like Matt Dynan and Rebecca Martins who are running paid ads have less industry proof points and statistics to use, resulting in fewer demo requests

Adam Harris can't get feature-specific feedback to help validate new releases

all the Mike and Michael's (guessing everyone has a nickname?) sales teams aren't armed with the competitive evidence and ROI data it takes to win more new business

CSMs like Cassie Crumal and Kelsey Allanson can't tell strong account-level stories, directly impacting retention and the ability to cross-sell/up-sell

In the spirit of giving. Give the gift of UserEvidence to your GTM team.

(Personalized Image of recipient as Santa Claus here)

Sure you'd likely be the one handling the DocuSign, but Hannah would be the one unwrapping the present. What do you say the three of us find some time to chat the week after Thanksgiving?

Here's why I think it worked

This email isn't just effective, it's exceptional. It turns cold outreach into something fun, engaging, and impossible to ignore.

1. Deep Research & Personalization

The sender references specific colleagues by name, clearly demonstrating thorough research about the recipient's team. Personalization at this level significantly increases engagement because it's clear this email can't have been sent in bulk.

2. Creative, Memorable Visual

The humorous, custom-designed Santa image of the recipient immediately catches attention, making the message memorable and creating an emotional connection. Humor and creativity stand out in crowded inboxes.

3. Relevant Callback & Theme

It references an earlier public statement by the recipient ("Align with the GTM team"), showing authentic interest in their insights. Using the recipient’s own words creates rapport and credibility, making the recipient more likely to trust the sender.

4. Pain-Point Content

Specifically addresses real pain points that different roles within the GTM team face. Each bullet clearly articulates a relevant challenge, aligning the product (UserEvidence) as the solution to these exact problems.

5. Conversational CTA

What do you say the three of us find some time to chat the week after Thanksgiving?

This CTA is natural, conversational, and low-pressure, making it easy and comfortable for the recipient to respond positively.

Cold email 10 - Noticed you're a certified yoga teacher... (origin)

Hey Autumn,

Noticed you're a certified yoga teacher – it's clear personal growth matters to you.

Just like in yoga, mindfulness is vital in sales too.

Regie.ai helps your sales team find their zen by personalizing emails effortlessly. Picture a team firing on all cylinders, with every rep achieving their targets.

Ready to nail warrior 3 pose, together?

P.S. I follow you on LinkedIn and always get a ton of value out of your posts! Specifically, your recent LinkedIn post about the power of routine amidst chaos truly resonated, reflecting your resilience and ability to find opportunity in adversity.

- Mariah

Why This Email Works So Well?

This email isn't just good personalization, it's precisely what exceptional, personalized prospecting looks like.

1. Highly Personalized Subject Line

"Yoga + Pipeline" directly ties into the recipient's personal interest (yoga) and professional focus (pipeline). This combination makes it relevant, intriguing, and significantly increases the likelihood of opening.

1. Compelling, Personal Observation

"Noticed you're a certified yoga teacher..." immediately shows genuine research, personalization, and interest. It's unique enough to break through standard inbox clutter and captures immediate attention.

2. Creative Transition

Just like in yoga, mindfulness is vital in sales too.

An effective, natural segue connecting personal interests to professional responsibilities. It clearly and creatively bridges personal relevance to a business context.

3. Benefit-Oriented Value Proposition

Regie.ai helps your sales team find their zen by personalizing emails effortlessly.

This clear value proposition aligns the solution with a direct benefit, improved team performance and stress-free efficiency using language perfectly tailored to the recipient’s interest in yoga and mindfulness.

4. Creative Call-to-Action

Ready to nail warrior 3 pose, together?

Playful and creative. It's not a pushy ask for a demo, but rather an invitation to collaborate, making it conversational, engaging, and hard to ignore.

5. Authentic "P.S."

Specifically, your recent LinkedIn post about the power of routine amidst chaos truly resonated...

The use of "Specifically" here shows genuine engagement with the recipient's content, strengthening trust and credibility. This kind of personalization deepens the emotional connection and significantly improves the chance of a reply.

Cold email 11 - I see that your SDR team is remote... (origin)

Subject: Remote Sales Team

Hey Bob – I see that your SDR team is remote.

Would it be helpful if your reps didn't have to cold call alone?

CallBlitz created a virtual salesfloor to solve this. Dial as a team, listen together, learn from each other, and book more meetings.

Worth a look?

Why This Email is Highly Effective?

This email demonstrates exactly how effective personalization, simplicity, relevance, and low-pressure communication can drive interest and generate responses.

1. Relevant Subject Line

Remote Sales Team

Short, clear, and relevant. Immediately piques curiosity by referencing something directly important to the recipient.

2. Personalized Opening

Hey Bob – I see that your SDR team is remote

Demonstrates immediate relevance and personalization, grabbing attention by showing clear insight into the recipient’s current situation.

3. Problem-Focused Question

Would it be helpful if your reps didn't have to cold call alone?

Instantly highlights a specific pain point associated with remote teams - loneliness, low motivation, difficulty collaborating, creating urgency and resonance.

3. Straightforward Value Proposition

CallBlitz created a virtual salesfloor to solve this. Dial as a team, listen together, learn from each other, and book more meetings.

Clearly explains the product and its benefits in a concise, compelling way. It provides a tangible solution to the pain identified.

4. Low-Friction, Interest-Based CTA

Worth a look?

Extremely low pressure, easy for the recipient to agree to, and invites curiosity rather than demanding commitment.

Cold email 12 - Looks like you’re self-employed... (origin)

Hey Josh, looks like you’re self-employed. If you make over 75k/year, you’re probably overpaying taxes, even if you have an accountant. It involves a few lesser-known tweaks available to solopreneurs in 2023. Open to another option?

Why This Email is Highly Effective?

Applying this psychological framework to your outreach, regardless of your industry or product, can drastically increase your reply rates by making your message feel essential, believable, and effortless.

1. Instant Identification

Immediately identifies the recipient’s situation. Instantly triggers personal relevance and curiosity.

2. Loss Aversion

You’re probably overpaying taxes.

Triggers the psychological phenomenon known as loss aversion, the pain of losing something (money, opportunity) is twice as motivating as the pleasure of gaining.

3. Overcoming Primary Objection

Even if you have an accountant.

Directly addresses and neutralizes the recipient's immediate objection. Acknowledging the prospect’s existing solution makes your alternative credible and lowers defensiveness.

4. Curiosity & Specificity

Lesser-known tweaks available to solopreneurs in 2023.

Specific yet intriguing language ("lesser-known tweaks") creates curiosity. The recipient wants to know more precisely because it sounds exclusive, believable, and casually authoritative.

5. Low-Friction, Casual CTA

Open to another option?

Very casual and non-pushy language ("another option") keeps the recipient in control and significantly reduces resistance.