Cold Email Templates - Proven Templates for Sales, Networking & Jobs
Free cold email templates that actually work. Copy-paste templates for sales outreach, networking, job applications, and more. Includes the Tim Ferriss template.
cold email template
tim ferriss cold email template
cold email examples
Quick question (simple + direct)
cold email template
quick question
Subject ideas
Quick question
Question about {topic}
{topic} — quick question
Template
Hi {first_name},
Quick question — are you the right person for {topic} at {company}?
If yes, I’m curious: how are you handling {problem} today?
If not, who should I reach out to?
Thanks,
{sender_name}Replace placeholders like {first_name} and {company}.
Value-first (give before you ask)
cold email template
value first
Subject ideas
Idea for {company}
A quick suggestion
Saw this and thought of you
Template
Hi {first_name},
I noticed {trigger}.
If you're exploring {goal}, one thing that often helps is {insight}.
If it’s useful, I can share a short breakdown tailored to {company}.
Worth a quick chat?
{sender_name}Replace placeholders like {first_name} and {company}.
Permission-based (low pressure)
cold email template
permission
Subject ideas
Worth sending?
Should I send this over?
Ok if I share?
Template
Hi {first_name},
Would it be unreasonable for me to send over a 3‑bullet summary of how teams like {peer_company} are solving {problem}?
If yes, I’ll send it.
If not, no worries—I'll close the loop.
{sender_name}Replace placeholders like {first_name} and {company}.
Tim Ferriss-style (short + specific)
tim ferriss cold email template
cold email template
Subject ideas
Question
{company} + {topic}?
Intro?
Template
Hi {first_name} —
I’m reaching out because {specific_reason}.
If you’re open to it, I’d love to ask one question:
{single_question}
Either way, thanks for your time.
{sender_name}Replace placeholders like {first_name} and {company}.
Social proof / credibility (short)
cold email template
social proof
Subject ideas
{peer_company} → {result}
Idea for {company}
Quick note
Template
Hi {first_name},
We recently helped {peer_company} {outcome} (in ~{timeframe}).
If {problem} is on your radar at {company}, I can share what worked.
Want me to send the details?
{sender_name}Replace placeholders like {first_name} and {company}.
Why most cold email templates fail
The internet is full of cold email templates. The problem? Everyone uses them. When a prospect has seen the same opener 50 times, it stops working.
The templates below are designed to be:
Customizable (not copy-paste spam)
Pattern-interrupting (different from what they usually see)
Short (under 100 words)
Focused on them (not you)
Sales outreach templates
Template 1: The direct approach
Subject: Quick question about [specific challenge]
Hi {{firstName}},
I help [type of company] with [specific problem].
Curious if this is on your radar at {{company}}, or if you've got it handled?
Either way, happy to share what's working for others in [their industry].
[Your name]Template 2: The pattern interrupt
Subject: this is a cold email You're probably going to delete this. Fair. I'm reaching out because [one sentence about why them specifically]. If [problem you solve] is something you're dealing with, I'd love to share how we've helped [similar company] with it. If not, no worries—I'll stop here. [Your name]
Template 3: The trigger event
Subject: Congrats on [recent news/milestone]
Hi {{firstName}},
Saw that {{company}} just [specific recent event]. That's a big deal.
Usually when [event] happens, [related challenge] becomes a priority. We help [type of companies] with exactly that.
Worth a quick chat, or is timing bad?
[Your name]The Tim Ferriss cold email template
Tim Ferriss popularized this approach in “The 4-Hour Workweek.” It’s designed for reaching busy, high-profile people.
Subject: Quick question Dear [Name], I know you're incredibly busy, so I'll keep this short. I'm a [your role/background - 1 sentence]. I'm reaching out because [specific reason related to them - 1 sentence]. I have one quick question: [single, specific, easy-to-answer question]? I completely understand if you don't have time to respond. Either way, thank you for [their work you admire]. Best, [Your name]
Why it works:
Acknowledges they're busy (shows respect)
Extremely short and easy to scan
Asks one specific question (low commitment)
Gives them an easy out (removes pressure)
Shows genuine appreciation
Networking template: the advice request
Subject: Your [talk/article/post] on [topic]
Hi {{firstName}},
I came across your [content] on [topic] and it stuck with me—especially [specific point].
I'm currently working on [relevant thing] and would love to hear your take on [specific question].
No pressure if you're swamped. Either way, thanks for putting out [their content].
[Your name]Job application template: the warm outreach
Subject: [Role] at {{company}} - quick question
Hi {{firstName}},
I'm applying for the [role] at {{company}} and wanted to reach out directly.
Quick background: [2-3 sentences on relevant experience].
I have a quick question about the role: [specific question about the job/team/challenges].
Appreciate any insight, even if it's just "apply through the portal."
Thanks,
[Your name]Template best practices
1. Personalize the bracket sections. Generic templates get generic results.
2. Keep it under 100 words. Respect their time.
3. One CTA only. Don't ask them to read, watch, click, and reply.
4. Follow up. One email isn't enough.
5. Test and iterate. What works for one audience may flop for another.
Related tools
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