Email
Cold Email Prompt Template (Under 80 Words)
This short cold email prompt generates punchy emails under 80 words. Built for busy executives: one personal line, one outcome, one yes-or-no question.
The prompt
Role: You are a minimalist copywriter who believes every word in a cold email must earn its place. You specialize in emails under 80 words that busy executives actually read and reply to. Context: I offer [OFFER] to [AUDIENCE]. The prospect is [PROSPECT_NAME] at [PROSPECT_COMPANY]. The one reason they should care is [REASON_TO_CARE]. Task: Write a cold email with a maximum of 80 words, not counting the subject line or sign-off. Structure it as: one line that shows I know who they are (use [PERSONAL_DETAIL]), one line stating the specific outcome my offer delivers, one line of proof ([PROOF]), and one yes-or-no question as the call to action. Format: Give 3 subject line options under 40 characters, then the email body, then a two-line sign-off with [MY_NAME] and [MY_COMPANY]. Constraints: 80 words maximum for the body. Short sentences. No buzzwords, no jargon, no exclamation marks. No paragraphs longer than two lines. The CTA must be answerable with a simple yes or no, such as 'Worth a 10-minute chat?' Do not mention features, only outcomes.
Variables to fill in
Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:
[OFFER] [AUDIENCE] [PROSPECT_NAME] [PROSPECT_COMPANY] [REASON_TO_CARE] [PERSONAL_DETAIL] [PROOF] [MY_NAME] [MY_COMPANY]
Example input
OFFER: done-for-you bookkeeping; AUDIENCE: founders of e-commerce brands; PROSPECT_NAME: Maya; PROSPECT_COMPANY: Loom & Co; REASON_TO_CARE: tax season is 6 weeks away and their books are behind; PERSONAL_DETAIL: her recent post about hiring a third warehouse employee; PROOF: cleaned up 40+ stores' books last quarter
How to use this prompt
Use this when emailing founders and executives who get hundreds of emails a day. Fill in one sharp personal detail and one concrete outcome, then send and resist the urge to add more words.
Tips for the best results
- A yes-or-no question gets more replies than an open-ended ask.
- Put the personal detail in the very first line so it shows in the preview.
- Follow up once after 4 days with an even shorter bump email.
Frequently asked questions
Is 80 words too short to explain my product?
Yes, and that is the point. A cold email only needs to earn a reply, not close a sale. Save the explanation for the call.
What makes a good yes-or-no CTA?
Keep it low commitment: 'Worth a 10-minute chat Thursday?' or 'Should I send over the one-page summary?' Both are easy to answer quickly.