Best Tips For Writing An Email Introduction

With almost everything being done online these days, email correspondence has never been as important. This is why introducing yourself via email is something we should take seriously. 

Your introduction email is your first approach to prospective clients, collaborative partners, or customers. It's where you'd be making a good impression. Remember that professionals get tons of emails daily, so you must ensure that your email is kept from other introductions in their inboxes.

Below are a few tips on how to write an email introduction that will be opened and responded to.

Catch their attention with the subject line

To read your email and respond to it, they have to open it first, which is why a compelling subject line is essential. If it's something that wouldn't catch your attention, your recipient wouldn't, either. Here are a few examples of good cold email subject lines.

Cold email for collaboration and partnerships

• Let's collaborate!
• We have news about [subject matter]
• I would love to write for your excellent blog!

Sales

• Hello from [name of company]!
• I have a question about [subject matter]

Product introduction 

• ICYMI: The [new product] is finally here!
• Have you heard about the hottest product on the market right now?

Make sure your message fits the industry

How you carry an in-person conversation depends significantly on what industry you are currently in. In finance and business, you'd be on the more serious side. Fashion, media, advertising, and tech — a bit more relaxed. It's the same with emails. And how you start your message can make a big difference. When dealing with recipients in industries like finance and business, start your emails with "Dear" followed by the first name. "Hello," "Hi," and "Hey" will do in the more relaxed industries.

Lead with something about them

Let's be honest, we love talking about ourselves, so it's safe to assume that the person receiving your email would love to read about them in your email, too. Avoid using phrases in your emails, such as "you don't know me, but…" They will likely glaze over that, knowing immediately that you are a stranger. Instead, do your research and get to know their accomplishments, background, community work, and the like so that you can say things like

• I learned so much from the article you wrote on [name of website or blog].
• Do you have an online course version of your latest book? I would love to take it!
• The work that you do for the community inspires me…

Get to the point

Now that you have caught their attention, it's time to get to it. First, explain why you've reached out as briefly as you can. For example, if it's a sales email, you can say, "I see that you host and organize job fairs and other hiring events; I work with a company specializing in promoting events like yours. I would love to know more about you, what you do, and how I could serve you." Don't forget to mention how you know them and how you got their contact information, especially if someone referred them to you.

Extend help and provide value

People are likely to return the favor when they receive something of value. So, towards the end of your email, offer something they might find helpful. It doesn’t need to be grand or need too much on your part. It could be as simple as recommending a book or article recommendation, suggesting an app or tool they might find helpful, or writing a review of their work on Goodreads or Amazon. 

Close it with a call to action

Let them know what you're emailing them for. Be as brief as possible and make it easy for them to do what you want them to do. For example, include a link if you want them to publish an article you wrote. If you're going to have a virtual meeting with them, put the link to your meeting tool. Be straightforward and confident, but keep your email polite. Try to veer away from phrases such as "I know you're busy, but…" or "It would mean a lot to me if you…" as these may make you sound desperate. 

Follow up

If they don't respond, follow up with an email to which they can't resist opening and reacting. For example, you can mention an article they wrote and ask about it, or bring up a concern and pain point their customers face and provide a solution. 

Takeaway

The list above contains just some ways you can up your email game. It's about being interesting and communicating clearly, concisely, and respectfully. So take the time to craft your introduction emails and be ready to be ahead.