19 Proven Email Marketing Templates We Use to Sell, Nurture, Onboard, and Reach Out

Many businesses rely on automated email campaigns for every stage of the sales funnel.

After all, it’s impossible to manually email each and every one of your prospective or trialling users.

Plus, triggered and segmented emails have consistently proven to outperform standard emails.

But reliable email templates are hard to come by. Until now.

This resource gives you proven email templates Wishpond has used thousands of times.

You’ll get (click on each to navigate down to the relevant section):

• 6 lead nurturing emails to turn a new lead into a prospective user
• 4 proven sales email templates to turn a nurtured lead into a sale
• 4 outreach email templates to start and develop relationships with influencers and encourage a desired action
• 5 onboarding email templates guaranteed to increase free trial conversion and reduce churn

The email templates in this article are centered around 9 primary elements which we’ve seen improve reply and conversion rates:

1. Lower case subject line (test this, of course, but it’s definitely proven true for us)
2. Personalized subject & body
3. Short and succinct
4. Simplified signature which reads “Cheers, {first name}” (rather than “Cheers, {first name}, Content Marketer at Wishpond)
5. Solution/Benefit oriented rather than product/technology oriented
6. Social proof/case study
7. Clarity and specificity in that social proof (X company got 1,348 leads over 24 hours by incentivizing and making it simple to share)
8. Industry-based language (some industries, for instance, don’t refer to prospective users as “leads.” Doing so will immediately result in lost trust).
9. Clear CTA of “Reply.”

Many of these lessons (learned and implemented firstly and primarily in the Sales emails) were applied to the other templates in this article.

Since implementing these email templates (or ones like them) as well as a [complete segmentation strategy] Wishpond has seen about a 300% reply rate increase for sales emails to between 10 and 15% (depending on industry targeted).

These email templates require you to have the following lead information:

• Lead’s first name
• Lead’s company name
• Lead’s industry (can be data-mined from company name)

Those are the only merge tags we’ll use. Everything else will be customized by your business based on your email-gated content, target industries, the service you provide, etc. But ultimately, proven templates like these can save you so much time and energy hopefully you won’t mind spending a day adding the specifics.

Click here to get the HTML for these templates so you can simply drag and drop them into your email tool.

Sales Email Templates:

Sales Email #1

Hey {{first_name | capitalize}},

I’m doing some research about how businesses in {lead’s industry}} are acquiring customers, and their primary concern is the difficulty (and expense) of ranking in Google and {more specific industry pain point}.

Is this something that you’re also challenged with at {{company_name}}?

Some {lead’s industry} businesses have told me they focus on inbound marketing – things like blogging, ebooks, and webinars – and others have told me they rely strictly on PPC and paid traffic.

If you have a couple of minutes, would you be open to hopping on quick call? I’d be interested to see where {{company_name}} fits within this spectrum. It shouldn’t take more than 10 or so minutes and I can share with you some of the tactics that other businesses like yours have been using to great success

Let me know what works for you!

Cheers, {Name}

The Strength of this Email Marketing Template:

This is a super soft sale. The message is “I’m doing some research and wondering where your business fits into my findings.” As a result, it works really well for your first sales touchpoint.

Sales Email #2

Hi {first_name},

I’ve heard from many other companies that they struggle to determine if they’re getting the most out of the traffic they drive to their website.

Is this an issue at {lead’s company name}?

Recently, {your business} used our own set of tools to {positive outcome brought about}}. It resulted in {specific result}.

I have a few similar ideas on how you can use our software on your own website to achieve {positive outcome}.

Do you have time this week for a quick call so I can share them with you?

Thanks, {Name}

The Strength of this Email Marketing Template:

“I have a few ideas […] Do you have time this week for a quick call so I can share them with you?” has proven to be a really effective sales call pitch. It’s specific about when you’d like to speak and hints at a valuable reveal.

Sales Email #3

Hi {{first_name | capitalize}},

We’ve just received an awesome case study which applies to {lead’s industry} specifically:

{Case Study Brand Name] had {negative pre-existing experience}. By introducing {Your company tool}, however, they were able to {positive case study outcome}.

I have a few tips on how you find the same results.

Are you available tomorrow afternoon for a call to go over the specifics of how {case study brand name}’s strategy can work for you?

Thanks, {Name}

The Strength of this Email Marketing Template:

This call prompt is even more specific than the template above: “Are you available tomorrow afternoon,” has proven in online dating to trigger a positive response (as opposed to a vague “seeya soon!” And if you’re surprised that sales lead nurturing is like flirting you shouldn’t be.

Sales Email #4

Hi {{first_name | capitalize}},

Do you use educational pieces of content as a way of finding new clients?

{Case study business} worked with us to give away {educational content example}. Those interested in downloading the {educational content type} would share their name and email address. {Case study business} was able to get {positive result} in the first month of launching this campaign.

Do you have 15 minutes this week to discuss a few ideas on how to get more email leads for {lead’s company name}?

Thanks, {Name}

The Strength of this Email Marketing Template:

You might think that the hyper-specificity of these email case studies would alienate people who don’t relate 100%. However tests have shown that with case studies, all specificity does is improve a prospective user’s trust – even if they’re not directly related.

You’ll notice that the final three of these templates follow the same pattern: Pain point-related question, Case study example, Call prompt relating to case study. This works because each case study relates to the lead’s industry and at least one will resonate with a pain point they need addressed.

Lead Nurturing Email Templates:

Lead Nurturing Email #1 (Auto-Response):

Hey there,

Thanks for downloading {resource they converted on}!

You can access your ebook {resource they converted on link}.

And don’t hesitate to let us know if you need any guidance on getting your {resource subject} up and running. Just email {marketing email address} (or drop by our office in {city} if you’re in the area), and we’d be happy to help.

Cheers, {Name}

The Strength of this Email Marketing Template:

The first email in your drip campaign should introduce yourself as well as give something simple. In the example above it’s a glossary for landing page terms, delivered with personality and individuality.

Lead Nurturing Email #2 (Educational):

Hey {Lead Name},

Just thought I’d reach out and introduce myself formally. I’m {your name}, the author of the {resource they converted on}. How’d you enjoy the {type of resource}?

{Resource subject} are an essential, and complicated, part of {lead’s industry}. Did you have any specific questions or concerns with getting started?

If it helps, here’s a {introductory piece of content link} which I didn’t include in the {resource they converted on}. {Unique value of introductory content}.

Anyway, just wanted to say hi! Let me know if you do have any questions!

Best wishes,

{Name}

The Strength of this Email Marketing Template:

The first email in your drip campaign (after the auto-response) should introduce yourself as well as give something simple. In the example above it might be a glossary of terms, or introductory guide.

Lead Nurturing Email #3 (Educational):

Hi there {Lead Name},

We just did something awesome and I have to share it with you.

So we’ve been {brief history of case study}, right? Well, yesterday the results became statistically significant and I can share them with you…

We {result of case study}. Such a cool result!

I broke it down in this article, so you can try it for yourself: (second piece of content link}.

Once you’re done reading, feel free to email me with any questions you have!

Cheers, {Name}

The Strength of this Email Marketing Template:

Sharing your personal experience (either through strategies you’ve implemented or mistakes you’ve made) develops your relationship and a feeling of honesty/transparency.

This second email does just that, starting a conversation of “we found success doing this thing and, because you’re my friend, I need to share it with you.”

Click here to get the HTML for these templates so you can simply drag and drop them into your email tool.

Lead Nurturing Email #4 (Educational):

Hey {Lead Name},

If your business is anything like ours, one of the most expensive and frustrating parts of marketing can be {generic business pain point).

It’s super frustrating.

We were tired of having to {pay too much/spend so much time/research a difficult subject}, so for the past few months we’ve been compiling {third piece of content link}.

We’d be happy for you to take advantage of our work. It’s been such a weight off our marketer’s chests!

Hope it helps,

{Name}

The Strength of this Email Marketing Template:

Your third piece of content should be a resource – a list of free tools, a downloadable library of free images, etc. No matter your lead or their interests, this kind of content is inarguably useful.

Lead Nurturing Email #5 (Educational):

Hi there {Lead Name},

Hope this email finds you well. I’ve just wrapped up something I can’t help but share (took me a while to put together, but it’s finally done!).

This article is a comprehensive guide to {advanced element of subject lead’s interested in}: {fourth piece of content link}.

It breaks down:

• {3-5 Steps of Comprehensive Walkthrough}
• {3-5 Steps of Comprehensive Walkthrough}
• {3-5 Steps of Comprehensive Walkthrough}

Basically, it’s a step-by-step guide to everything you can do with {subject lead’s interested in addressed by your business} (and it’s all done within the {brand name} platform!). Check it out!

{Fourth piece of content link}

Let me know your thoughts or if there’s anything you need cleared up!

Cheers,

{Name}

The Strength of this Email Marketing Template:

This is an in-depth, long-form piece of content which gives a comprehensive guide to a strategy related to your lead’s pain point and your platform. Like the article in Email #4, it features your platform clearly, but it also might mention a few unique selling points in the process.

Lead Nurturing Email #6 (Transition to Sales):

Hey {Lead Name},

I wanted to reach out and see if there was anything I could to help you with your {subject lead’s interested in}?

I’m sure you’ve seen that {your brand name} has a {tool related to the subject they’re interested in}. Did you have any questions about what we do or how it works?

We’re currently offering {value proposition}, so you can get started quickly and easily.

If you want to have a conversation before jumping in, I’d be happy to set it up. Just reply to this email and we can get started.

Or, feel free to head to our {VIP Demo/Contact Us Page Link}.

I look forward to talking to you!

Cheers,

{Your Name}

The Strengths of this Email Marketing Template:

It’s from the same sender. Changing it now ruins all the trust built up with the previous five emails.

It’s low pressure. Conversion here is a conversation or a free trial, not an annual commitment.

It’s super personal. This person knows and trusts you more than they know or trust your business. Get them to convert with you

Outreach Email Templates:

Outreach Email #1: Share and Comment

Hey {influencer name},

I’m a big fan of {popular piece of work or business name} and {insert compliment and unique observation}.

My name is {insert name} and I’m a {position} at {company name}.

I noticed that you recently shared an article about {topic} and I wanted to reach out and let you know that I’ve created something similar (dare I say better?) that I think your audience would find very helpful.

I’ve linked my article {here} for you and I’d love your feedback.

If you find it helpful at all I’d really appreciate a share and a comment on the piece.

Thank you so much for your time.

Take care, {Name}

The Strength of this Email Marketing Template:

The quickest and most efficient way to get traction on your new piece of content is by having it shared by a popular influencer in your industry. Use this email template to get their attention but make sure to add your own unique spin on it. Offer up value to the influencer first before you ask for a share or comment.

Outreach Email #2: Link Building

Hey {influencer name},

I loved your recent article on {article name} and I noticed that you mentioned {similar article}. {Insert unique observation about the article}.

My name is {insert name} and I’m a {position} at {company name}.

I recently produced a similar piece of content and was hoping that, if you find it useful, you could link to it as a resource for your audience.

I’ve linked to it {here} for you. If you find it helpful at all I’d really appreciate a share and a comment on the piece.

Thank you for your time.

Take care, {Name}

The Strength of this Email Marketing Template:

Looking to improve your SEO? Having high quality links pointing to your website will improve your search rankings. Reach out and offer up your content to an influencer to link to if it will help their audience with this email template.

Outreach Email #3: Influencer Mention

Hey {influencer name},

I’m a big fan of your work, especially {specific reference}, it has changed the way I produce my own content.

My name is {insert name} and I’m a {position} at {company name}.

I’ve recently produced a piece entitled {content title} and have used your {specific citation} as an example.

I have the article linked {here} for you and would love your opinion on it. If you find it useful for your audience I’d appreciate a share and a quick comment from you.

Thank you for your time!

Take care, {Name}

The Strength of this Email Marketing Template:

Featuring influencers is a simple and powerful way to get more readers to see your fresh piece of content. If you’ve mentioned an influencer in your content let them know that you’ve given them a spotlight with this email template.

Outreach Email #4: Guest Contribution

Hey {influencer name},

I’m a huge fan of {business name} and love the content you put out, {insert specific compliment}.

My name is {insert name} and I’m a {position} at {company name}.

I wanted to reach out and inquire about a guest posting opportunity on your blog. I’m well versed on topics such as, {list of expertise} and I think I could provide a lot of helpful tips for your audience.

Here are some writing samples for your review:

• {List of 3-5 writing sample links}
• {List of 3-5 writing sample links}
• {List of 3-5 writing sample links}

I look forward to your response and hope to work with you soon.

Thank you for your time!

Take care, {Name}

The Strength of this Email Marketing Template:

Guest blogging is a high impact way of increasing your brand recognition and securing links back to your website. Pitch to an influential website and let them know what you bring to the table with this email template.

Onboarding Email Templates: Optimized onboarding emails are built around the behavior of your new users. For instance…

Onboarding Email #1: Haven’t Done Anything in
First 3 Days (#1)

Launch your {Result of your Platform}!

I’ve just seen that you haven’t yet launched a {Result of Platform}

Believe me. I know how intimidating {Result of Platform} can be.

We’ve actually put together a step-by-step PDF specifically to address any confusion. If you’d like me to send that over (or a video of the same steps from my colleagues in support) just reply to this email and I’ll send it over!

Let me know!

Cheers, {Name}

The Strength of this Email Marketing Template:

A lot of people have trouble getting off the starting line. They want to, but the big decision (signing up) has taken some of the energy out of them. Onboarding is all about making it as easy as possible for them to get though the initial stages. A video or written walkthrough (made simple) goes a long way to doing this.

Onboarding Email #2: Haven’t Done Anything in
First 3 Days (#2)

Get a T-Shirt!

I’ve just seen that you haven’t yet launched a {Result of Platform}

I thought I’d let you know about a little promotion we’re running over here for new users.

We’re offering free T-shirts to every new user who creates a {Result of Platform} and also {secondary platform use goal}.

All you have to do is head to {platform link} and click {Create/Start/Import} at the top of the dashboard. Then just follow the steps!

These T-shirts are pretty cool!

Cheers, {Name}

The Strength of this Email Marketing Template:

Incentivized onboarding is a big thing, particularly merchandise like this email uses. Many startups in particular find a positive ROI in creating a couple thousand cool T-shirts and encouraging new users to actually start using the platform and see how easy it is. After that, a good portion of those “casual users” are more likely to actually stick with you.

Onboarding Email #3: If 4 of 5 Steps Complete

You’re so close to launching your {Result of Your Platform}! Complete the step below to {positive result}!

---

[Link to “COMPLETE THE FINAL STEP”]

• {Step One}
• {Step Two}
• {Step Three}
• {Step Four}
• {Step Five}

The Strength of this Email Marketing Template:

Guest blogging is a high impact way of increasing your brand recognition and securing links back to your website. Pitch to an influential website and let them know what you bring to the table with this email template.

Onboarding Email #4: 3 Days After Starting

Hi there!

I’m hoping this will help. Some of our most successful customers have told us that they got ideas for their {Result of your Platform} after they checked out these {Result of your Platform} Examples.

They should hopefully give you a few ideas and insight for your own {Result of your Platform}:

{Example Link}

And if you’d like some help, just reply to this email to reach me.

Best wishes, {Name}

The Strength of this Email Marketing Template:

This email doesn’t explicitly say “you haven’t done much yet,” but it implies it with “I’m hoping this will help.” This is the perfect example of an onboarding strategy which anticipates the needs of your new users before they even get around to asking.

Onboarding Email #5: 7 Days After Starting

Hi!

I noticed you haven’t finished creating your {Result of Platform}.

Are you stuck on something?

Please send me a reply and I’ll be happy to help :)

Cheers,

{Name}

The Strength of this Email Marketing Template:

Straightforward and immediately to the point, this template prompts nothing more than a conversation. If you like, you can even trigger this email to be sent only when the sender is actually on chat, and they can be notified when an email comes in. Alternatively, set the email’s CTA as “I’m on chat right now if you’d like a hand!”

Wrapping it Up

Hopefully these email marketing templates will find their way into your business’ sales funnel and improve your conversion rate, lead nurturing, influencer outreach and onboarding rates. They have for us.

Have you used email templates like these before? Do you have any recommendations for other readers or are you looking for any other marketing emails?

Click here to get the HTML for these templates so you can simply drag and drop them into your email tool.