1# Outreach Templates
2 
3Copy-start templates for link building. Personalize every email, lead with the recipient's value, keep the first note to 100-150 words, make one clear ask, use a real domain email, and never attach files in the first email.
4 
5## Operating Rules
6 
7| Rule | Do | Avoid |
8|------|----|-------|
9| Personalization | Mention a specific article, section, quote, or page | Generic "love your site" openers |
10| Ask | One request per email | Combining guest post, link swap, and product pitch |
11| Sequence | Initial, follow-up after 5-7 days, final after day 14 | More follow-ups after a decline |
12| Sender | Real person at `[email protected]` | Free-mail aliases for cold outreach |
13| Compliance | Honest reason, clear identity, easy opt-out | Fake "Re:", misleading claims, link-exchange language |
14 
15## Template Matrix
16 
17| Use Case | Subject | Opening Proof | Core Ask |
18|----------|---------|---------------|----------|
19| Broken link | `Found a broken link on your [topic] page` | `I noticed [broken URL/anchor] in [section] returns 404.` | `Would [your URL] work as a replacement?` |
20| Guest post | `Guest post idea: [title]` | `Your recent [article] covered [specific angle].` | `Would this outline fit your readers?` |
21| Resource page | `Resource for your [topic] page` | `Your [topic] resource page is organized around [section].` | `Consider adding [resource] to [specific section].` |
22| Unlinked mention | `Thanks for mentioning [brand]` | `You mentioned [brand] in [article/context].` | `Could you link that mention to [URL]?` |
23| Digital PR | `New data: [headline stat]` | `[Study] found [surprising finding].` | `This may fit your coverage of [beat].` |
24| Source request | `[Source request] Re: [query]` | `[Name], [title], can speak to [topic].` | `Use the quote/data below if helpful.` |
25| Skyscraper | `Updated resource on [topic]` | `You link to [older competitor resource].` | `If useful, swap to this updated version.` |
26| Relationship-only | `Loved your piece on [topic]` | `The section on [specific point] helped us [outcome].` | No ask; start relationship. |
27 
28## Base Email Shape
29 
30```text
31Hi [Name],
32 
33I was reading [specific page/article] and noticed [specific observation].
34 
35[One sentence of value: broken link, useful resource, original data, quote, or relevant angle.]
36 
37[One clear ask tied to their reader benefit.]
38 
39No pressure either way. Thanks for the useful work on [topic].
40 
41[Name]
42```
43 
44## Scenario Starters
45 
46### Broken Link
47 
48```text
49I noticed the link to [description] in [section] returns a 404.
50We recently published [resource] covering [overlap]. It may work as a replacement: [URL].
51Either way, wanted to flag the broken link.
52```
53 
54### Guest Post
55 
56```text
57I'd like to contribute:
58Title: [proposed title]
59Angle: [unique POV]
60Reader value: [why their audience cares]
61Samples: [URL 1], [URL 2]
62Would this be a fit?
63```
64 
65### Digital PR / Research
66 
67```text
68We just published [study] and found [headline stat].
69Key findings: [finding 1]; [finding 2]; [finding 3].
70Full report: [URL]. Happy to provide quotes or raw cuts.
71```
72 
73### HARO / Source Request
74 
75```text
76Source: [name], [title], [company]
77Credentials: [why credible]
78Response: [2-3 concise paragraphs]
79Key quote: "[one standalone quote]"
80Available at [email/phone].
81```
82 
83## Follow-Up Sequence
84 
85| Email | Timing | Message |
86|-------|--------|---------|
87| Initial | Day 0 | Make the ask |
88| Follow-up 1 | Day 5-7 | `Just bumping this in case it got buried. [one-sentence reminder].` |
89| Follow-up 2 | Day 14 | `Last follow-up. Feel free to bookmark [URL] if useful later.` |
90| Stop | After FU2 | Move to a 3-6 month re-engagement list with a new angle |
91 
92## Response Handling
93 
94| Response | Reply Pattern |
95|----------|---------------|
96| They'll add link | Thank them; provide exact URL and preferred anchor if requested |
97| They want guest post | Send title, outline, target length, delivery date, and ask for guidelines |
98| Noncommittal | Acknowledge; offer to help as a future source |
99| Decline | Thank them once; do not argue or follow up again |
100| No response | Do not mention the non-response next time; use a new angle |
101 
102## Subject Line Guardrails
103 
104Use: specific topic, article title, stat, or resource. Keep under 60 characters.
105 
106Avoid: `Link exchange opportunity`, `SEO partnership`, `I'd love a backlink`, fake `Re:`, all caps, vague "quick question" subjects.
107