Stop Writing Outreach Messages From Scratch

Good outreach templates are: 1) Personalize-able with clear placeholders ([FIRST_NAME], [COMPANY], [PAIN_POINT]), 2) Flexible not rigid scripts (adapt to context), 3) Value-focused (lead with what's in it for them), 4) Concise (under 150 words for cold outreach), 5) Include clear CTA, 6) Use proven frameworks (PAS: Problem-Agitate-Solution, AIDA: Attention-Interest-Desire-Action). Best templates work for 80% of scenarios with 20% customization.

Send 5-8 touchpoints over 2-3 weeks. Sequence: Day 1 (LinkedIn/Email), Day 4 (Follow-up #1), Day 8 (Follow-up #2 with value-add), Day 15 (Case study/resource), Day 22 (Breakup email). 80% of sales require 5+ touches, but 44% of reps give up after one. Key: Each follow-up must add NEW value (case study, insight, resource) not just 'bumping this up.' Vary channels (LinkedIn → Email → Phone → LinkedIn DM).

Yes, but tier your personalization: TIER 1 (high-value accounts): 10+ minutes deep research, custom message, reference specific company details. TIER 2 (medium value): Use template + 3 personalization points (name, company, recent news - 3-5 minutes). TIER 3 (volume): Template + name + industry (1 minute). Personalized messages get 2.5x better response rates. Minimum personalization: First name, company name, and one relevant detail.

Best times for B2B outreach: EMAIL: Tuesday-Thursday, 10-11am or 2-3pm (local time). Avoid Mondays (inbox overload) and Fridays (mentally checked out). LINKEDIN: Early morning (6-8am) or evening (6-8pm) when people check personally. PHONE: Tuesday-Thursday, 10-11am or 4-5pm. Send sequences in their timezone. Test your audience—some industries differ (e.g., healthcare prefers early mornings, tech often responds late).

Average B2B response rates: Cold email: 1-5% (generic), 8-15% (personalized). Cold LinkedIn: 10-20% (connection request accepted), 15-25% (InMail). Warm intro/referral: 30-50%+ (highest conversion). Phone/voicemail: 2-5% callback. To improve response rates: Personalize beyond first name, Lead with value not pitch, Use pattern interrupts, Keep messages under 150 words, A/B test subject lines, Follow up 5-8 times, Vary channels. Top performers achieve 20-30% with targeted outreach.

Anti-salesy tactics: 1) Lead with value not pitch ('Here's something helpful' vs. 'We help companies...'), 2) Focus on THEM not YOU (their pain, their goals), 3) Use conversational language (write like human, not corporate speak), 4) Ask questions don't pitch ('Is [pain] something you deal with?'), 5) Provide low-friction CTA ('Worth 15 minutes?' vs. 'Book demo now'), 6) Acknowledge unexpected outreach ('I know this is out of the blue...'), 7) Give easy out ('If not relevant, no worries'), 8) Share peer success not features ('Company X achieved Y' vs. 'Our platform does Z').