Let’s be honest. Cold emails get a bad rap. Many dismiss them as outdated. Some even confuse it with cold calling. But the truth is that cold email campaigns can still work wonders for your eCommerce business.
Think about it—email remains the No. 1 marketing channel. It gives 36 to 40 times the return on investment, and 50 percent of consumers have made purchases from emails, outshining social media ads and SMS messages.
Long story short: Ignoring cold emails for eCommerce is a missed opportunity.
Yet cold eCommerce emails have challenges, like getting recipients to respond. Getting past that first click is a real hurdle. That’s why you need powerful cold email templates for eCommerce.
This guide will equip you with battle-tested cold eCommerce email templates. Plus, our best practices for cold email outreach will save you time and get the email responses your online business needs.
What are cold email templates for eCommerce?
Cold email templates for eCommerce are pre-written email drafts designed to kickstart your email outreach to potential customers. These are essentially blueprints for crafting personalized emails that introduce your eCommerce business to people who haven’t heard of you before (Hence, “cold”).
Using these templates, you can efficiently create compelling messages highlighting your products or services, resonating with your target audience, and encouraging engagement. Essentially, they provide a structured approach to building relationships from scratch, a fundamental aspect of cold email marketing. With cold email marketing, you aim to bring new leads into your sales funnel.
Cold email templates allow you to quickly connect with many prospects, making cold emailing an ideal tool for bringing new leads into your sales funnel. By sending targeted and personalized emails, you increase the chances of the recipient connecting with your message, driving them towards action and ultimately leading to sales.
Unlike cold calling or social media messages, cold emailing is less intrusive and easier to scale. Prospects are generally more receptive to a series of cold emails than repeated cold calls.
That said, crafting effective cold email campaigns can be tricky because there is no prior relationship with the recipients. Your messages need to be tailored, compelling, and clear to stand out in crowded inboxes.
But with the right eCommerce cold email templates and strategies, you can turn these initial, cold interactions into warm, lasting customer relationships.
Before we break down these templates and strategies, first, we want to cover what your cold email response rate actually is.
What is an average cold email response rate?
The average cold email response rate varies across industries, but typically, it falls between 1 percent and 5 percent. This means that for every 100 cold emails sent, you can expect 1 to 5 responses. Although it might seem low, remember that even a single cold email response can lead to a valuable business opportunity.
To improve your cold email response rate, focus on personalization, compelling subject lines, and clear CTAs. Also, remember to keep testing and tweaking your emails to garner big improvements over time.
6 powerful cold email outreach templates for your eCommerce store
Crafting the perfect cold email can feel like an intimidating task. But fear not! Here are six effective templates to guide you. Remember, personalization is key. Tailor these to your specific audience and product.
Introduction eCommerce Cold Email Template
Subject: Discover Your New Favorite [Product]
Hi [Recipient’s Name],
Ready to elevate your [lifestyle/routine]? Let me introduce you to [Your Company Name], your go-to destination for [product].
We’re excited to offer you [X]% off your first order as a welcome gift. Use code [coupon code] at checkout.
Explore our collection at [website link].
We can’t wait to be part of your [lifestyle/routine]!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Company Name]
[Contact information]
[Social media links]
Set Yourself Apart From Competitors Cold Email Template
Subject: Upgrade Your [Product Category] Experience
We know you’re passionate about [product category]. That’s why we’re reaching out.
While [competitor’s Name] offers solid options, we believe there’s a better way to experience [product category]. Our [product/service] is designed with [key benefit] in mind, providing [unique selling point].
Ready to discover the difference? Check out our range at [website link].
We’re confident you’ll see why [your company name] is the preferred choice.
Are you available for a quick chat this week?
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Company Name]
[Contact information]
[Social media links]
‘Engage and Persuade’ Cold Email Template
Hi [Recipient’s Name],
Tired of dealing with [problem]? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with [problem]. But there’s a better way.
Introducing [Your Company Name]. We specialize in providing innovative solutions for [problem]. Our [product/service] is designed to [benefit]. It has helped clients increase their [Metric] by an average of [Percentage].
Imagine [positive outcome]. That’s what you can expect from us. I’d love to show you how we can do the same for you.
Ready to experience the difference? Visit [website link] or reply to this email to learn more.
Your success is our priority.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Company Name]
[Contact information]
[Social media links]
Quick Sales Pitch Cold Email Template
Hello [Recipient],
I understand you’re busy, so I’ll keep this brief.
As a fellow e-commerce store owner, I understand the importance of finding high-quality products at the right prices. That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to [Your Store Name].
We specialize in [Your Niche] and offer high-quality products at competitive prices. Our inventory is sourced from trusted suppliers and regularly updated with new items. With fast shipping and hassle-free returns, shopping with us is easy and confident.
Interested in learning more? Let’s chat. We’d love to hear from you!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
[Social media links]
Problem-Solution Cold Email Template
Subject: Tired of [Pain Point]?
Hi [Name],
I understand how challenging [specific problem] can be. Many businesses face similar challenges.
Our solution has helped countless companies like yours overcome this exact hurdle. [Client name] was experiencing [specific pain point] and felt [emotion]. By implementing our [product/service], they were able to [result] and [result].
Interested in exploring how we can help you achieve similar results?
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
[Contact Information]
[Social media links]
Valuable Information Cold Email Template
Subject Line: [Industry Trend] – How to Capitalize
Hi [Name],
Did you know that [Interesting Statistics about Industry]?
This is a golden opportunity for your business. [Your Company] can help you [Solution].
I’d love to share more about how we can help you capitalize on this trend.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Company]
[Your Contact Information]
[Social media links]
Best practices for creating cold eCommerce email templates that get responses
Crafting cold emails that resonate with potential customers is like forging a first impression – you only get one shot. Here are some key practices to keep in mind when building your cold eCommerce email templates:
Avoid coming off as too salesy
Nobody enjoys feeling bombarded with sales pitches. Instead, approach your email like you’re reaching out to a friend facing a common struggle.
Target specific pain points and deliver targeted solutions
Dive deeper and understand the specific problems your ideal customer encounters. Tailor your message to address those pain points and showcase how your product/service tackles them.
Craft a non-pushy yet clear call to action
Use a gentle nudge to further the conversation instead of a forceful “Buy Now” that might scare people off. “Let’s chat about how we can help.” lets the recipient reply with a simple yes or no, removing pressure and encouraging engagement.
Captivate with a compelling subject line
Craft a subject line that piques the reader’s curiosity and highlights the key benefit you offer.
Example:
- Say goodbye to [pain point] – here’s how
- Alert: [A recent but relevant finding from industry report]
- X things you didn’t know about [topic]
Personalize your cold emails
Add a personal touch by using the recipient’s name or mentioning something relevant about their business. This shows you’ve done your research and aren’t sending a mass email.
Lori McKnight from CSI STARS tells Forbes that approaching potential clients with a helpful mindset rather than a sales-oriented one significantly increases the likelihood of receiving a response. She recommends personalizing cold emails by complimenting the recipient’s work or referencing shared connections. Plus, providing valuable content or insights specific to their industry can be a strong opening.
Keep it short and sweet
Respect your recipient’s time. Aim for concise, easy-to-scan emails that get straight to the point. People are busy, so deliver your message efficiently.
Focus on reader benefits
Flip the script – instead of focusing on what YOU gain from this interaction, highlight what the reader benefits from learning about your product/service. How will your solution make their life easier or their business more successful?
Don’t forget follow-up emails
Many people won’t respond to your first email. A well-crafted follow-up email can remind them of your message and increase your chances of getting noticed.
Build credibility with a professional email signature
A professional email signature humanizes your email and builds trust. It should include:
- Your Name and title
- Company information and logo
- Contact details (phone, email)
- Social media links (optional)
Build a clean, targeted email list
Prospecting efforts often yield a mix of email addresses from various sources. Before initiating outreach, it is crucial to verify these contacts for accuracy and deliverability. Tools designed for email verification can streamline this process. Focus on compiling a targeted list of potential customers who genuinely align with your product or service offering.
Avoid purchasing email lists as they often contain invalid or irrelevant contacts, harming your sender reputation and campaign effectiveness.
Ensure a clean email list
Focus on building targeted email lists with potential customers who genuinely need your product/service. Don’t spam irrelevant parties or buy email lists.
Be yourself (but maintain professionalism)
While injecting your brand’s unique voice or personal style can make your email stand out, remember to maintain a professional tone.
Use a different domain for outreach
Consider using a different domain for cold outreach to protect your primary business email. This helps avoid potential issues with your main business email reputation.
Limit images and HTML
Avoid overcrowding your email with images or complex HTML. A clean, straightforward email is less likely to be flagged as spam and is more likely to be read.
Cold eCommerce email templates: Your gateway to new customers
Cold eCommerce email templates are your springboard for connecting with potential customers who haven’t heard of your brand before. By personalizing your messages, tailoring them to address relevant pain points, and offering genuine value, you increase your chances of sparking meaningful conversations and driving sales.
The templates provided in this guide are a great starting point. Experiment, track results, and refine your approach to create a winning cold email strategy for your eCommerce business. Remember, successful cold emailing is an ongoing process – research, compelling copywriting, and persistence are key.
Every potential customer is unique, so adapt your email templates to meet their needs. Crack the code, and these templates will become your secret weapon for building relationships with new customers and turning conversations into conversions.