Cold Email Templates for Selling WordPress Services (+ Follow-Ups)
Cold email still works for web designers, WordPress developers and SEO agencies — when it’s short, specific and sent to the right people. Below are three cold email templates you can adapt, a simple follow-up schedule, and the deliverability and compliance basics that keep your emails out of spam.
What makes cold email templates get replies
- Relevance: you mention something real about their website.
- Brevity: 60–120 words. Busy owners read on their phone.
- One clear ask: a quick reply or a short call — not a list of options.
- Honesty: no fake “Re:” subjects, no invented urgency.
Cold email template 1: Website redesign
Subject: Quick idea for {Business name}’s website
Hi {First name},
I was looking at {website} while searching for {service} in {city}. Your reviews are great, but the site is hard to use on a phone — the menu and contact button are tricky to tap.
I build WordPress sites for local businesses and could put together a free one-page mock-up showing a cleaner, mobile-friendly version. Would that be useful?
{Your name}
{Company} · {Website}
Cold email template 2: Speed, security and maintenance
Subject: {website} is a bit slow on mobile
Hi {First name},
I ran {website} through a speed test and it takes a while to load on mobile, which can cost you enquiries. It also looks like WordPress and some plugins haven’t been updated for a while.
I look after WordPress sites for small businesses — updates, backups, security and speed — for a fixed monthly fee. Happy to send the three quickest fixes for free if you’d like them.
{Your name}
Cold email template 3: Local SEO
Subject: {service} in {city} — {Business name}
Hi {First name},
When I search “{service} {city}”, {Business name} doesn’t appear on the first page, although your site and reviews are strong. A few page and listing changes could help.
I help WordPress businesses rank locally. Would you like a short list of what I’d change first? No cost or obligation.
{Your name}
A simple follow-up schedule
Most replies come after a follow-up, not the first email. Keep each one shorter than the last and reply in the same thread:
- Day 0: first email.
- Day 3: “Just checking this reached you — happy to send the mock-up/fixes if useful.”
- Day 7: share one concrete tip for free.
- Day 14: polite close: “I won’t email again — reply any time if it becomes a priority.”
Stop the sequence as soon as someone replies or asks you not to contact them.
Deliverability basics
- Use your own domain with SPF, DKIM and DMARC set up.
- Start slowly: a new mailbox should send a small number of emails a day and increase gradually.
- Space emails out with a delay between each send instead of blasting them all at once.
- Personalise every email — identical messages to hundreds of people look like spam to filters.
- Keep your list clean: remove bounces and never email people who opted out.
Compliance checklist
- Contact businesses using addresses they publish for enquiries.
- Say clearly who you are and include your business details.
- Add a simple way to opt out, and honour it immediately.
- Check the rules that apply to you and your prospects, such as GDPR, PECR and CAN-SPAM.
Put it on autopilot with WP Finder
WP Finder finds WordPress sites in your niche, collects their public emails, phones and social links, and includes an email sender that works with your own Gmail, Outlook, Zoho or Hostinger mailbox. You can use templates with name and website fields, set daily limits and delays, add automatic follow-ups and include unsubscribe links. Start free with 150 sites.
FAQ
How long should cold email templates be?
Aim for roughly 60 to 120 words. Short cold email templates are easier to read on a phone and easier to reply to.
Should I personalise cold email templates?
Yes. Use the template as a structure, then add one specific detail about the recipient’s website so every email feels written for them.
How many follow-ups should a cold email template sequence have?
Two or three polite follow-ups is a sensible starting point. Stop as soon as someone replies or asks you not to contact them.
