Writing

How to Write a Pitch Email

Spencer LanoueSpencer Lanoue
Writing

Writing a pitch email can feel a bit like trying to catch a catfish with your bare hands. Slippery and elusive. But fear not! In this post, I'll guide you through crafting a pitch email that gets noticed, even if previous attempts have fallen flat. We'll cover everything from nailing your subject line to closing with confidence, ensuring your email stands out in a crowded inbox. So, let's roll up our sleeves and get into it.

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Getting the Subject Line Just Right

Your subject line is like the red carpet of your pitch email; it sets the stage for everything that follows. If it doesn't grab attention, your email might end up lost in a sea of unread messages. Here’s how to make it pop:

  • Be Direct: Tell the recipient exactly what they can expect. This isn’t the time for riddles or vague hints. For example, “Proposal for Collaboration on Your Upcoming Project” is far clearer than “Exciting Opportunity Awaiting.”
  • Keep It Short: Aim for six to ten words. People often scan subject lines quickly, so brevity is your friend.
  • Personalize When Possible: Mention the recipient’s name or company. “John, a Quick Proposal for XYZ Corp” is more engaging than a generic version.

Here’s a practical example:

Subject: Partnership Proposal for Your Next Campaign, [Recipient's Name]

Remember, the goal is to entice the recipient to open your email, setting the stage for the main event: your pitch.

Crafting a Compelling Opening Line

The opening line of your pitch email is like the first line of a novel. It needs to draw the reader in. Here are some tips to make your introduction engaging:

  • Be Relevant: Start with something that relates directly to the recipient. Mentioning a recent achievement or news about their company can make them feel valued.
  • Establish Credibility: Briefly introduce yourself and your connection to the recipient. If you’ve been referred by someone they know, mention it upfront.
  • Avoid Clichés: Phrases like “I hope this email finds you well” are overused and can make your email blend in with the rest.

Here’s an example to illustrate the point:

Hi [Recipient's Name],

I recently came across your work on [Project or Achievement] and was truly inspired by your innovative approach. I’m [Your Name], and I specialize in [Your Field]. I believe there’s a fantastic opportunity for us to collaborate.

Starting strong will help ensure the rest of your email gets the attention it deserves.

Making Your Pitch Crystal Clear

Once you’ve captured their attention, it’s time to make your pitch. Clarity is crucial here. You want the recipient to understand exactly what you’re proposing without having to read between the lines.

Here’s how to structure your pitch:

  • State Your Proposal Clearly: Get straight to the point. What are you offering, and why should they care?
  • Highlight the Benefits: Explain how your proposal will benefit them specifically. Tailor this to the recipient’s needs and goals.
  • Keep It Concise: While details are important, your main pitch should be no more than a few sentences.

Consider this example:

Given your recent expansion into new markets, I propose a partnership where my expertise in digital marketing can amplify your reach and engage new audiences. This collaboration could lead to a 20% increase in online engagement within the first quarter.

Clear, concise, and focused on their needs. That’s the recipe for a compelling pitch.

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Supporting Your Pitch with Evidence

Backing up your pitch with evidence makes it more convincing. Think of this as the “proof” section of your email. Here’s how to do it:

  • Use Data or Success Stories: If you have statistics or case studies that support your claim, include them. Numbers can be very persuasive.
  • Include Testimonials: If others have praised your work, mention it. Testimonials can add credibility.
  • Be Specific: Generic claims won’t cut it. Provide concrete examples that relate to your pitch.

For example:

In a similar project with another client, our strategies led to a 30% increase in website traffic and a 15% boost in sales within just three months. I can share more details if you’re interested.

By backing your pitch with evidence, you show that your proposal is not just based on promises but on proven results.

Addressing Potential Concerns

Anticipating and addressing potential concerns can demonstrate foresight and professionalism. Here’s how to handle it:

  • Identify Possible Objections: Think about what might hold them back from saying yes, and address these issues directly in your email.
  • Provide Solutions: Offer clear solutions or alternatives to any concerns they might have.
  • Keep It Positive: Frame your solutions positively, focusing on the benefits rather than the negatives.

Here’s how you might write this section:

While I understand you may have budget constraints, I’m confident we can work within your parameters to deliver measurable results without compromising quality. Additionally, I offer flexible payment plans to accommodate different financial strategies.

Addressing concerns head-on can reassure your recipient and make them more comfortable with your proposal.

Closing with Confidence

Your closing is the final push to encourage a response. Here’s how to end on a strong note:

  • Include a Call to Action: Prompt the recipient to do something, whether it’s scheduling a call or replying to your email for more details.
  • Keep It Open-Ended: Encourage dialogue by inviting questions or feedback.
  • Express Enthusiasm: Show your excitement about the potential collaboration.

A confident closing might look like this:

I’d love to discuss this with you further. Could we schedule a brief call next week to explore this opportunity in more detail? Looking forward to your thoughts!

Leave them with a clear idea of what the next steps are, and remind them of your enthusiasm for the potential partnership.

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Crafting a Polished Signature

Your email signature is more than just your name. It’s a chance to make a final impression. Here’s what to include:

  • Your Full Name: Makes it easier for the recipient to remember you.
  • Your Position and Company: Adds credibility.
  • Contact Information: Include phone number and LinkedIn profile if applicable.
  • A Professional Headshot: Optional, but can add a personal touch.

Here’s a sample email signature:

Best,
Jane Doe
Digital Marketing Specialist
ABC Marketing
jane.doe@abcmarketing.com
(123) 456-7890
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janedoe

A well-crafted signature rounds off your email and provides all the necessary information for follow-up.

Reviewing and Proofreading Your Email

Before hitting send, take the time to review and proofread your email. Here’s a simple checklist:

  • Check for Typos and Grammar Mistakes: These can undermine your professionalism.
  • Ensure Clarity and Conciseness: Make sure your email is easy to read and to the point.
  • Read it Aloud: This can help catch awkward phrasing or unclear sections.
  • Get a Second Opinion: Have a colleague read over your email for feedback.

Interestingly enough, using tools like Spell can streamline this process. With its built-in AI, Spell helps you draft and refine your email, ensuring clarity and polish without the back-and-forth of traditional editing.

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Following Up Without Being Annoying

Following up is an art. You don’t want to be a nuisance, but you also don’t want your email to be forgotten. Here’s a tactful approach:

  • Wait a Few Days: Give the recipient some time to respond before sending a follow-up.
  • Be Polite and Patient: Acknowledge that they’re busy and you appreciate their time.
  • Reiterate Your Interest: Briefly restate your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Here’s a follow-up example:

Hi [Recipient's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my previous email regarding a potential collaboration. I’m still very excited about the opportunity to work together and would love to hear your thoughts when you have a moment.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best,
[Your Name]

Following up shows persistence and professionalism without being pushy.

Leveraging Spell for Effortless Pitch Emails

When it comes to writing pitch emails, Spell can be a game-changer. It’s like having a personal editor right at your fingertips, helping you craft high-quality emails with ease. Here’s how Spell can make the process smoother:

  • Draft Quickly: Spell can help you generate a polished first draft in seconds, so you’re not starting from scratch.
  • Edit with Ease: Use natural language prompts to refine and improve your email, without endless copy-pasting.
  • Collaborate in Real-Time: Share your draft with colleagues and get instant feedback, just like in Google Docs, but with AI built in.

Whether you’re crafting your first pitch email or refining a seasoned pitch, Spell is there to help streamline the process, saving you time and effort.

Final Thoughts

Writing a pitch email doesn’t have to feel daunting. By focusing on clarity, relevance, and professionalism, you can craft emails that catch attention and drive action. And with Spell, you can streamline the process even further, creating high-quality, impactful emails faster than ever. So go ahead, take that blank page and turn it into a winning pitch.

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer has been working in product and growth for the last 10 years. He's currently Head of Growth at Sugardoh. Before that he worked at Bump Boxes, Buffer, UserTesting, and a few other early-stage startups.