The Ridiculously Successful Way to Introduce Yourself Over Email

Writing an introductory email to a stranger is easy, but writing an introductory email to a stranger that gets a response? Not so easy.

The typical professional gets countless messages daily. It's a feat if they even open yours — let alone reply. Only 21.5% of emails get opened in the first place. Getting their attention is even tougher if you're trying to break into a competitive industry.

Luckily, at HubSpot, we know a lot about writing effective emails. Here are our best tips for introducing yourself over email.

Table of Contents

• How to Introduce Yourself in an Email in a Professional Way
• Email Introduction Examples
• Introduction Email Template

1. Write a compelling subject line.

47% of email recipients open an email based on the subject line alone. Pique their curiosity so they can’t help but click to learn more. Use numbers, for example, which increase the average open rate by 57%.

If you know their name, personalize it too, increasing the open rate by at least 50%.

Here are some examples of compelling subject lines.

Networking Subject Lines

• “Coffee on me?”
• “Can I buy you lunch?”
• “No such thing as a free lunch (until now?)”
• “Long-time [listener, reader, fan], first-time emailer”

Sales Subject Lines

• “Do you have an online course for [book]?”
• “40% growth in 3 months — wow”
• “Have you considered Pinterest ads?”
• “Hello from [company]”

Job Search Subject Lines

• “Curious what working at [company] is like”
• “Are you looking for a [job title]?”
• “Saw [company's] hiring a [job title]”

Creating an interesting subject line is the most important aspect of getting a prospect to engage. If it’s something you wouldn’t want to read, chances are, the prospect won’t open it either.

2. Tailor your greeting to the industry and situation.

It might be one word, but the greeting you opt for makes a difference. For example, if you're emailing someone in a conservative industry, like finance or government, go with the traditional "Dear.“ On the other hand, if you're emailing someone in a more relaxed industry, such as tech, media, travel, or fashion, use ”Hi,“ ”Hello,“ or even ”Hey."

Picking a greeting they‘re familiar with shows you’ve done your research.

As for the second part of the salutation: Their name. I recommend referring to them by their first names. It shows you‘ve made an effort not to copy-paste from one message to the next and that you’re taking the time to get to know them.

"Good morning/afternoon/evening“ are all safe and appropriate options if you're unsure what to do. Also, if you're addressing multiple people in the same email, consider ”Hello, team“ or ”Hey everyone" if you're emailing three or more people.

Steer clear of “[First name] [Last name],” which sounds stilted and robotic, and "Mr./Mrs./Ms. [Last name]", which makes you seem young.

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25 Free Sales Email Templates

Save time, find new ways to reach out to prospects, and send emails that actually convert.

• First-Touch Emails
• Follow-Up Emails
• Break-Up Emails
• Full Email Sequence

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3. Make your first line about them.

The opening line is one of the most important parts of an introduction email. Here's where you try to establish relevance. If you succeed, you give your recipient a reason to keep reading.

Even though your first instinct is probably saying something about you — such as “My name is X, and I'm reaching out because …” — this will quickly cause their eyes to glaze over.

Here are some equally bad first sentences:

• “We've never met, but …”
• “You don't know me, but …”
• “I'm a complete stranger, but …”

Never highlight the fact you‘re a stranger — it’s like telling your recipient your email will probably be irrelevant.

Start off by mentioning something they’ve accomplished or their credentials — maybe they’re a guest speaker at an event you recently attended, or they’re a top-ranking expert in their field. Personalization boosts reply rates by up to 142% — acknowledging recipients' work up front shows them you did your research and puts them at ease that you’re not a stranger.

HubSpotters loved these openers:

• “I noticed you manage one of the software teams at HubSpot.”
• “Just saw your post at the HubSpot blog about organizing a content calendar in terms of topic clusters.”
• “Have you ever thought about turning your book into an online course? Or creating an online course based on the same topic as your book?”
• “I'm inspired by the work you've done, not to mention your unique career.”
• “I've never learned so much from a single piece of content.”

LinkedIn is an excellent resource for researching your prospects. There you can view their accomplishments, any articles they’ve published, and often a link to their website if they have one. Additionally, you can view any connections you have in common and use that as an entry point.

Want more inspiration for your salutation? Check out these email opening lines and greetings that put "Hi, my name is" to shame.

4. Explain why you're reaching out.

Now that you‘ve stimulated their interest and genuinely complimented them, it’s time to connect the dots.

For example, let‘s say you’re hoping to set up a networking meeting so you can learn more about their role (and potentially get a job referral).

If your first line is "You've done an impressive job at [company] building [X strategy] and revamping [Y program],“ your second line might be, ”I‘m considering a career in [person’s field] and would love to buy you coffee so I can learn more about it from an expert."

Or perhaps your goal is to book a sales call. Your first line might be, “I see you host several campus events per year,” and your second could be, “I work with companies like Facebook and Google to help promote their college recruitment events.”

The key is making your explanation as relevant to your recipient as possible. You want them to feel special — not like one person on a list of 100 you're emailing. Use this five-step process to ensure you write sales emails that prospects want to read.

5. Provide value for them.

Before you ask for anything, you need to provide value. Thanks to the principle of reciprocity, receiving value makes people want to return the favor.

In Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, Dr. Robert B. Cialdini describes a study in which an unknowing test subject received a can of soda from the researcher. The soda cost $0.50.

Later, the same researcher asked the participant to buy $5 worth of raffle tickets. Agreement rates were much higher than for participants who got no soda.

A thoughtful, authentic compliment can provide value, so if you‘ve already said something nice in your first few lines, you don’t need to do more. However, it doesn't hurt to go a little further. Here are some ideas:

• Review their book on Amazon, Goodreads, etc., and share the link.
• Recommend an article they might find helpful.
• Suggest a useful app or tool.
• Offer to introduce them to someone who they'd benefit from knowing.
• Use data to demonstrate how your product could benefit them.

If you’re selling a product or service, using data to make a case for why the prospect should consider your services doesn't hurt.

What successful outcome do you provide? More traffic? More conversions? Increased engagement? Whatever the benefit, provide proof by including a case study or other data backing up your claims.

We're committed to your privacy. HubSpot uses the information you provide to us to contact you about our relevant content, products, and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information, check out our Privacy Policy.

25 Free Sales Email Templates

Save time, find new ways to reach out to prospects, and send emails that actually convert.

• First-Touch Emails
• Follow-Up Emails
• Break-Up Emails
• Full Email Sequence

Download for free

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6. Include a call-to-action.

The final piece of the puzzle? Your call-to-action (CTA). Remove as much friction from your task as possible. If you want them to meet with you, for example, provide a link to your meetings tool so they can instantly see when you‘re both available and book a time. Or, if you want them to review a post you’ve written, include the attachment so they can immediately read it.

Take a look at these sample lines:

• “Would you be willing to comment on the LinkedIn post I wrote? It would be great to have your unique perspective (and hopefully get some discussion going).”
• “If you're thinking about how Greener could apply the concepts in the guide, I have some ideas I'd love to share. Here's the link to my calendar: [Link].”
• “Are you open to answering a few questions about your experience working at HubSpot? Happy to chat over the phone or email, whatever's more convenient.”

Try to strike a balance between politeness and confidence. Phrases like, “I know you're busy, but …”, “I'd normally never ask, however …”, “You probably don't have time, so …”, “It would mean the world to me …” and “I'll be forever in your debt if …” make you seem desperate — and suggest your recipient would be massively inconveniencing themselves by saying yes.

Because you‘re reaching out to a stranger, your request shouldn’t be excessive or unreasonable. If it is, that‘s an entirely separate issue. Don’t hurt your chances of a “yes” by sounding insecure.

7. Say “thanks” and sign off.

No need to write anything more. The best emails are short, sweet, and concise. After all, extra information or unnecessary details lessen the probability your recipient will read the email — its length will put them off too. You also run the risk of distracting them from what matters.

With that in mind, say “thanks,” “thank you,” or “thanks so much” (depending on the size of your request), and add your name. Looking for more sign-off ideas? Try one of these powerful email closing lines that'll intrigue your recipients and prompt responses.

8. Follow up with them.

If you send this incredible introduction email and the unthinkable happens (i.e., they don‘t respond), send a follow-up email they won’t be able to ignore. Here are a few things to try:

1. Send them actionable advice.
2. Send a how-to guide and offer to follow up in person.
3. Share weaknesses in their business and solutions you've identified.
4. Share relevant industry articles/news.
5. Respond to a social media message, then follow up with more.
6. Reference a blog they wrote and ask a question about it.
7. Invite them to an upcoming event.
8. Bring up a pain point your buyers face and present a solution.

Our email template tool can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your email communication. With a library of customizable templates and intuitive drag-and-drop editing features, you can quickly create professional-looking introduction emails tailored to different recipients and scenarios. Whether you're reaching out to prospects, clients, or colleagues, this tool helps to craft compelling emails that capture attention and drive engagement. 

Want more tips on great follow-up? Here‘s a guide to sending a follow-up email after no response. And if you’re looking for more email tips, check out these less pushy alternatives to "As Soon As Possible."

Introduction Email Examples

We‘ve covered what you should include in your introduction communication. Now, let’s see what that looks like in practice. These cold emails hit the mark with their creative intros.

Example 1

Hi Kristie,

Love the branding on your website! It's also admirable that you donate to animal shelters, I love animals myself, and I heavily respect that. 🥂

I build Twitter audiences that turn into clients for SaaS entrepreneurs.

Twitter is currently an untapped goldmine. I recently helped a SaaS consultant double his revenue in 30 days while growing his audience from scratch.

Would you be opposed to chatting about how I can land more clients for you while growing your Twitter audience?

Thanks,

Why we love it: The casual intro and compliment make Kristie Holden feel appreciated and more likely to respond positively. The email also quickly gets to what the sender wants from her, which is great for keeping the reader’s attention. Most importantly, he provides social proof in his email, which is always a great addition.

We're committed to your privacy. HubSpot uses the information you provide to us to contact you about our relevant content, products, and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information, check out our Privacy Policy.

25 Free Sales Email Templates

Save time, find new ways to reach out to prospects, and send emails that actually convert.

• First-Touch Emails
• Follow-Up Emails
• Break-Up Emails
• Full Email Sequence

Download for free

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Example 2

Looking for Direction

Hello Kimberly,

I am writing in hopes of a bit of direction.

MarketBloom helps marketing teams at companies similar to HubSpot optimize their performance on digital channels and quickly understand what does and doesn't resonate with customers.

Using our strategies, customers have increased conversions by as much as 30%.

Feel free to put some time on my calendar here. If there is someone more appropriate at HubSpot I should be speaking with, who could direct me?

All the Best,

Jeff

Why we love it: This note is simple and to the point. It tells the recipient why the rep reached out and the value they can provide right at the beginning. Additionally, adding a calendar link makes it easy for the recipient to take the next steps.

Example 3

"Hi Adam,

Want to know how to get featured on SurferSEO, Zapier, and Wordstream?

So pumped that I almost forgot to introduce myself. Hey, Antonio from Hunter here. 👋

You are building quite impressive backlinks, so I am sure we can work together.

Here's a collab idea:

1. We‘ll share a spreadsheet with all domains (DR70+) where we’ve published guest posts (more than 80 opportunities).
2. You choose the ones you‘re interested in, and we’ll share the editors' contact details with you.
3. You do the same.

What do you get from this?

• No need for prospecting.
• No need to find the right people to reach out.
• Get websites that allow a few external links.

Are you in? 🙌

P.S. Here is an explainer video just in case you have questions.

Thanks,

Antonio

“We didn’t go crazy with personalizing opening lines as we put much effort into targeting the right people. We knew all our prospects were active link builders and guest bloggers. We knew they publish many guest posts, but haven’t published them on the websites we mentioned in the opener.”

Why we love it: While the email copy isn't personalized, Antonio Gabrić at Hunter speaks directly to the recipient’s needs and interests by offering a mutually beneficial collaboration. It also provides an explainer video for clarity. All of these elements work together to create a compelling introduction.

Example 4

Why we love it: I compliment the recipient and show that I’ve read the article, which helps build trust and rapport. From there, I move to my goal — to join their team of writers. I also provide social proof through renowned clients and show how it could benefit the recipient. This is a great way to get the attention of potential employers.

Example 5

Why we love it: Andy Sietsema ties Dock’s value proposition to the prospect’s pain points. He also starts the email with the target company’s tagline and includes that in the subject line to draw a connection. Casual phrases such as “lmk if this type of thing” and “content looks nice + feels like a white glove” create a friendly connection.

Introduction Email Template

Our Email Template tool can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your email communication. With a library of customizable templates and intuitive drag-and-drop editing features, you can quickly create professional-looking introduction emails tailored to different recipients and scenarios. Whether you're reaching out to prospects, clients, or colleagues, this tool helps to craft compelling emails that capture attention and drive engagement. 

Once you have the building blocks, let's see how each section works together as a full introduction email. Let’s look at examples.

How to Introduce Yourself as a Personal Referral

40% Growth in 3 months — wow

Hello [Name],

I‘m inspired by the work you’ve done in [Area of expertise], not to mention your unique career path.

I was speaking to our mutual colleague [Name] from [Company/Organization] about your recent article on managing surges in support tickets and he recommended I reach out. I've helped companies like yours easily manage accelerated support tickets, which has contributed toward as much as 40% growth in as few as three months — this case study illustrates how.

If you‘re interested in learning how to implement some of these strategies in your team, I’d love to share more. Here's a link to my calendar [Insert link].

Thank you,

[Your Name]

Why This Template Works

The subject line grabs the reader’s attention right away by mentioning a persuasive 40% growth. The writer also explains they were speaking to a mutual colleague and explains the value she can provide with proof illustrated in the case study included.

We're committed to your privacy. HubSpot uses the information you provide to us to contact you about our relevant content, products, and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information, check out our Privacy Policy.

25 Free Sales Email Templates

Save time, find new ways to reach out to prospects, and send emails that actually convert.

• First-Touch Emails
• Follow-Up Emails
• Break-Up Emails
• Full Email Sequence

Download for free

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How to Introduce Yourself to a Group or Business

Maybe you just started a new job or joined a different team, and you need to introduce yourself to a group of people. Use this template to create your email introduction.

Hi all,

I'm the new [Position/Role] for the [Team Name] . I wanted to take a moment to say an official hello.

The work you‘ve done and the numbers you’ve hit have been key factors in our successful year. And I'm thrilled to work with you more closely over the coming months.

In the future weeks, I‘ll be reaching out to everyone so I can meet you all and say hello. Should you have any questions or concerns during this time, don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly — my door's always open.

Looking forward to working with you all.

Thank you,

[Your Name]

Why This Template Works

In the email above, the sender starts things off on the right foot by acknowledging all of the accomplishments and hard work the team has put in. Additionally, she adds how excited she is to work with them and makes it easy for her team to reach out. It’s a simple introduction that sets the tone for the team.

“By way of introduction” is a phrase you can use when introducing a new person. And below, we'll look at the best way to introduce others via email.

How to Introduce Someone via Email

If you have a contact who would benefit from connecting with a friend or colleague of yours, use this template to introduce them via email. Include reasoning for the introduction and make sure the connection will be valuable for both individuals.

Introduction — Kelly Davis and Rob Cortez

Hi [Name],

Please meet [Name], a [Position/Role] for our top-performing, mid-market [Team/Organization]. They previously managed sales operations at a tech startup, [Company name], and have insight into new sales ops technology. They're interested in our sales operations and would love to learn more.

[Name] is a [Position/Role] on the sales [Team name], and she‘s reviewing the tools and software the team’s using for the next year.

I‘ve copied [Name] on this email so you can connect about sales operations and technology — and I’ll let you two take it from here.

Best,

[Name]

Why This Template Works

This template works because it succinctly explains the reasoning for the introduction, giving a bit of background on what each person specializes in. It then makes it easy for the two to connect by copying the contact on the email.

How to Introduce Yourself to a Recruiter/Hiring Manager

Sure, you might spend hours polishing your resume and cover letter for a job — but do you give the submission email any love before hitting send?

When recruiters sort through applications, you want to do everything you can to stand out. The first step is sending a thoughtful introduction email. Don't write a novel, but do write a friendly and professional "Hello" note.

In the example below, I state the reason for my email, share one sentence explaining why I'd be a good fit for the role, and offer to provide more information upon request.

It's concise and gives my application a little extra shine.

[Your Name] — Candidate for [role]

Hello [Name],

I‘m pleased to share my resume and cover letter for the position of [Position/Role] at [Company name]. I’m confident my background as a [Role/Industry] for [Previous company] has equipped me to succeed in this position, and I'm excited to submit my application.

If I can provide you with any further materials to illustrate my fit for this role, please don't hesitate to reach out.

I appreciate your time.

Regards,

[Your Name]

Why This Template Works

This template shows that the candidate is interested in the role and excited about it. They offer a bit of background about why they would be a good fit and keep the relationship open by offering additional materials.

We're committed to your privacy. HubSpot uses the information you provide to us to contact you about our relevant content, products, and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information, check out our Privacy Policy.

25 Free Sales Email Templates

Save time, find new ways to reach out to prospects, and send emails that actually convert.

• First-Touch Emails
• Follow-Up Emails
• Break-Up Emails
• Full Email Sequence

Download for free

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How to Introduce Yourself to an Executive

Getting a response from a CEO or executive is tough. But your introduction can make all the difference. Remember a few things when crafting your email.

First, make your ask gentle and advice-driven. Executives are great with people and usually love helping others. Open your email with a request for information or advice instead of a request to sell.

Another great tip: compose your email to them on your phone. Executives are busy and often check emails while they‘re on the go. Compose your email on the phone to ensure you’re providing them with a good reader experience.

And don't forget to put your email signature to work.

Have time for a rebrand geek?

Hello [Name],

I noticed you recently unveiled a shiny, new rebrand for [Company]. It looks fantastic, congratulations!

My name is [Your name], and I‘m interested in learning more about what drives executive teams to determine when it’s time to rebrand. Would you have time for a 15-minute phone call to walk me through your decision to rebrand?

Regards,

[Your name]

[Company name]

[Company tagline]

[Website link]

Why This Template Works

This short note explains why the executive is being contacted (for their rebrand expertise) and discloses the time commitment. Asking for a short time frame of 10 to 15 minutes makes it more likely that the executive will say yes to the call.

How to Introduce Yourself to a Gatekeeper

Never underestimate the gatekeeper. Set yourself apart by offering to help them before you help yourself. In the example below, the writer provides value to the gatekeeper and explains that they want to “earn” the introduction to the recipient's boss.

Can I make your week easier?

Hi [Name],

I know you likely get a lot of emails from salespeople trying to get through to your boss. I'm no different — except that I want to earn the right to be passed along to [Name].

My name is [Name], and I help companies like yours decrease hiring time by up to 25%. So, that marketing coordinator your team is currently hiring? I can get a top candidate in that role faster.

Have I earned a few minutes with [Name]? If so, feel free to book time on my calendar, here: [Insert calendar link]

If not, I've got more up my sleeve.

Regards,

[Your Name]

Why This Template Works

Rather than simply asking to speak to the recipient‘s boss, the writer opts to provide value first. How? By offering to decrease their hiring time and offering a top candidate for their open marketing role. It puts the ball in the recipient’s court. If he likes the candidate and finds value in the offer, they can make the introduction. If not, they can move along without commitment.

How to Distinguish Between a Professional and Casual Introduction

The email you send to a former colleague making an introduction on a contact’s behalf has a different tone than an email sent to a LinkedIn connection you’re hoping to convert into a customer.

When sending an introductory email to a professional contact (such as a LinkedIn connection), you want to ensure you state how you’re connected and why you’re contacting them. As you approach a new contact, keep your email concise so they can quickly decide if and how to respond. You’ll want to provide just enough information to prompt the next steps.

For example, if you want to reach out to someone you're familiar with from LinkedIn, here’s a seamless introduction.

Love your LinkedIn content

Hi [Name],

My name is [Name], and I’m a sales enablement specialist at [Company]. I have loved following the insightful pieces you share on LinkedIn. Since we connected last summer, I have implemented several of the strategies you’ve shared through your content and have seen excellent results.

Our company has recently conducted ground-breaking sales enablement research that could be an excellent addition to your content. Do you have time to hop on a brief call next week to discuss?

Regards,

[Your Name]

Why This Template Works

The sender quickly explains how they met the recipient and acknowledges they’ve been following their work via LinkedIn. They also explain how they‘ve gotten value from strategies shared. The knowledge of the recipient’s expertise helps to make the pitch to collaborate on content seamless.

When sending a casual email to a previous contact you're getting back in touch with or for an informational meeting, your message can be more relaxed. Here’s an example:

Connecting brilliant minds

Hi [Name],

I hope your new position with [Company] is treating you well! You are surely missed on our team.

I would like to introduce you to [Name], the new account manager who backfilled your role. [They/He/She] are interested in pursuing the sales enablement specialist certification program you completed last year.

I’ve copied [Name] on this email so you can connect and discuss the program. You two can take it from here.

Regards,

[Your Name]

Why This Template Works

Since the sender and recipient already know each other, this introduction takes a more casual tone. It’s concise and explains why the two should meet — so that new contact can get insight into the certification course recipient took. Just like an earlier example, the sender copies the appropriate contact so that they can connect.

Send Introductions Prospects Can't Ignore

Introduction emails don't have to be awkward or unreliable. Follow this formula, and your introduction emails will go over like a charm.