Introduction

Cold email is one of the most effective sales channels. But most sales emails get ignored or deleted. The difference between a 2% reply rate and a 20% reply rate is how you write your emails.

AI can help you write sales emails that get opened, read, and replied to. But only if you use prompts that force the AI to write like a human, not a marketing robot.

You can use all the prompts on this page for free. A small reading window applies, but you still get full access to the content. Lucy+ simply unlocks unlimited reading time and more than 30,000 pro prompts.

This guide gives you 25 prompts to create sales email sequences that actually convert.

Why Most Sales Emails Fail

Most sales emails fail because they sound like spam. They use phrases like "I hope this email finds you well" or "I wanted to reach out." They talk about features instead of problems. They ask for too much too soon.

Recipients can spot template emails instantly. They delete them without reading past the first line.

The best sales emails are short, specific, and focused on the recipient. They offer value before asking for anything.

What Makes a High-Performing Sales Email

A high-performing sales email has four elements. A relevant subject line. A personalized first sentence. A clear value proposition. A simple call to action.

Keep emails under 100 words. Get to the point fast. Show you understand the recipient's problem. Make it easy to reply.

Your goal is not to close a deal in the first email. Your goal is to start a conversation.

How to Use These Prompts Correctly

These prompts help you create complete email sequences, not just single emails. Most successful sequences include 3-5 emails sent over 7-14 days.

Before you use any prompt, gather this information:

• Your ideal customer profile

• The specific problem you solve

• Your unique value proposition

• Proof points like case studies or testimonials

• Your call to action for each email

Every prompt below includes instructions that help AI write natural, human-sounding emails.

Top 25 Prompts for Sales Email Sequences

Prompt 1: Initial Cold Email (Problem-Focused)

Here is who I am emailing: [job title and industry].
Here is the problem they face: [specific pain point].
Here is how I can help: [brief value proposition].
Here is my call to action: [what I want them to do]

When to use this: For your first outreach email.

Prompt 2: Follow-Up Email 1 (Value Add)

Here is my previous email: [paste first email].
Here is additional value I can offer: [resource, insight, or case study].
Here is my call to action: [simple ask]

When to use this: 3-4 days after the first email with no response.

Prompt 3: Follow-Up Email 2 (Different Angle)

Here is who I am emailing: [recipient details].
Here is a different pain point: [alternative problem they might care about].
Here is my solution: [how you help with this specific problem]

When to use this: 3-4 days after the second email.

Prompt 4: Breakup Email

Here is the situation: [I have sent 3-4 emails with no response].
Here is my final attempt: [one last value offer or question]

When to use this: As your final email in the sequence.

Prompt 5: Subject Line Generator

Here is my email content: [paste email body].
Here is who I am emailing: [recipient details]

When to use this: To create subject lines for any email.

Prompt 6: Warm Introduction Email

Here is who referred me: [mutual connection name].
Here is why I am reaching out: [specific reason].
Here is what I am offering: [value proposition]

When to use this: When you have a mutual connection.

Prompt 7: Event Follow-Up Email

Here is where we met: [conference, webinar, event name].
Here is what we discussed: [brief recap if applicable].
Here is my value proposition: [how I can help]

When to use this: After meeting someone at an event.

Prompt 8: Case Study Email

Here is a similar customer: [company like the recipient].
Here is their problem: [challenge they faced].
Here is our result: [specific outcome with numbers]

When to use this: To provide social proof.

Prompt 9: Pain Point Amplification Email

Here is the pain point: [specific problem].
Here is what happens if they do nothing: [consequences].
Here is how we solve it: [brief solution]

When to use this: To create urgency around a problem.

Prompt 10: Curiosity-Based Email

Here is an interesting insight: [industry trend or data point].
Here is why it matters to them: [relevance to their business].
Here is my call to action: [simple ask]

When to use this: To stand out with interesting information.

Prompt 11: Question-Based Email

Here is who I am emailing: [recipient details].
Here is a thought-provoking question: [question about their business challenge]

When to use this: To engage through curiosity.

Prompt 12: Before-After Email

Here is the before state: [how things are now for prospects].
Here is the after state: [how things could be with your solution].
Here is the bridge: [your offer]

When to use this: To show transformation clearly.

Prompt 13: Quick Win Email

Here is a quick win I can deliver: [small immediate value].
Here is how long it takes: [timeframe].
Here is my call to action: [low-commitment ask]

When to use this: To offer low-risk value.

Prompt 14: Competitor Comparison Email

Here is who they likely use: [current solution or competitor].
Here is what we do differently: [key differentiators].
Here is why it matters: [specific benefits]

When to use this: When you know their current solution.

Prompt 15: ROI-Focused Email

Here is what we typically deliver: [specific ROI or outcome].
Here is how long it takes: [timeframe to results].
Here is a relevant example: [brief case]

When to use this: For financially-focused prospects.

Prompt 16: Personal Touch Email

Here is something specific about the recipient: [LinkedIn post, company news, achievement].
Here is how it relates to what I do: [natural connection].
Here is my value proposition: [brief offer]

When to use this: When you have specific personalization intel.

Prompt 17: Industry Insight Email

Here is a trend in their industry: [recent development or change].
Here is what this means for them: [implications].
Here is how I can help: [relevant solution]

When to use this: To demonstrate industry expertise.

Prompt 18: Problem-Solution-Proof Email

Here is the problem: [specific challenge].
Here is the solution: [how you fix it].
Here is the proof: [metric or testimonial]

When to use this: For a comprehensive but brief pitch.

Prompt 19: Time-Sensitive Email

Here is the time-sensitive element: [deadline, promotion, or timely opportunity].
Here is why it matters: [benefit of acting now].
Here is my call to action: [what to do next]

When to use this: When there is genuine urgency.

Prompt 20: Testimonial Email

Here is a customer testimonial: [quote from happy customer].
Here is the context: [who they are and what you did].
Here is my call to action: [simple ask]

When to use this: To build trust through social proof.

Prompt 21: Video Prospecting Email

Here is what the video covers: [personalized message or demo].
Here is the length: [30-60 seconds].
Here is the call to action: [what I want them to do]

When to use this: When including a personalized video.

Prompt 22: Resource Offer Email

Here is the resource: [guide, template, checklist].
Here is why it is valuable: [specific benefit].
Here is how to get it: [simple access method]

When to use this: To provide value and build trust.

Prompt 23: Referral Request Email

Here is my relationship with them: [existing customer or successful engagement].
Here is who I want to meet: [specific role or person].
Here is why I am asking: [what I can offer their contact]

When to use this: To ask happy customers for introductions.

Prompt 24: Re-Engagement Email

Here is our past interaction: [when we last connected].
Here is what has changed: [new offering, achievement, or reason to reconnect].
Here is my call to action: [simple ask]

When to use this: To reconnect with old leads.

Prompt 25: Meeting Confirmation Email

Here is what we will cover: [meeting agenda].
Here is when we meet: [date and time].
Here is what they should prepare: [anything they need]

When to use this: After someone agrees to meet.

Common Sales Email Mistakes to Avoid

Writing too much. Keep emails under 100 words.

Talking about yourself first. Lead with their problem or value.

Using formal language. Write like you talk.

Making multiple asks. One call to action per email.

Not personalizing. Generic emails get deleted.

Sending too many follow-ups. 3-5 emails maximum per sequence.

Poor subject lines. First hurdle is getting opened.

No clear next step. Always include a simple call to action.

Being too pushy. Helpful beats aggressive.

Ignoring timing. Send when recipients are likely to check email.

How to Make These Prompts Work Even Better

Add specific personalization. Include details about the recipient's company or role.

Test subject lines. Try different approaches and track open rates.

Use real customer names. When sharing case studies, use actual companies.

Include one link maximum. Too many links look spammy.

Time your sequence. Space emails 3-4 days apart.

Track everything. Monitor open rates, reply rates, and conversions.

A/B test variations. Try different angles and see what works.

Keep updating. Refresh templates based on what gets responses.

Email Sequence Best Practices

Start strong. Your first email is the most important.

Add value each time. Every email should offer something new.

Vary your approach. Do not repeat the same message.

Keep it short. Shorter emails get higher response rates.

Write like a human. Avoid corporate speak and formality.

Use simple CTAs. Make it easy to reply or take action.

Know when to stop. Do not send more than 5 emails.

Respect unsubscribes. Make it easy to opt out.

Personalize at scale. Use merge tags and custom fields.

Test send times. Find when your audience is most responsive.

What High-Performing Sales Emails Have in Common

They are short and scannable. They focus on the recipient, not the sender. They offer value before asking for anything. They sound like they were written by a human, not a template.

They have specific subject lines that create curiosity or promise value. They start with a relevant hook. They end with a simple, low-friction call to action.

They respect the recipient's time and intelligence.

How to Edit AI Output for Better Results

AI gives you structure and content. But you must personalize it.

Add specific details. Replace generic language with details about the recipient.

Shorten aggressively. Cut everything that does not add value.

Read out loud. Make sure it sounds natural.

Remove AI tells. Delete phrases like "I hope this email finds you well."

Add personality. Make it sound like you, not a robot.

Check your CTA. Make sure the ask is crystal clear.

Verify all facts. Ensure case studies and numbers are accurate.

Test before sending. Send to yourself first to check formatting.

Final Tips for Sales Email Success

Build your list carefully. Target quality over quantity.

Warm up your domain. Start slow to build sender reputation.

Use a professional email address. Avoid free email providers for business outreach.

Follow up consistently. Most deals happen after multiple touches.

Track your metrics. Know your open, reply, and conversion rates.

Optimize continuously. Test and improve based on data.

Respect regulations. Follow CAN-SPAM and GDPR rules.

Make unsubscribing easy. Include clear opt-out options.

Respond quickly. Reply to responses within hours, not days.

Move to phone fast. Once someone engages, suggest a call.

FAQ

1. Can I use these prompts for free?

Yes. You can use every prompt on this page for free. The reading window applies, but the content is fully accessible.

2. Do these prompts work with ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini?

Yes. These prompts work with all major AI tools.

3. How many emails should be in a sequence?

3-5 emails spaced over 7-14 days is standard.

4. Should I edit the AI's output?

Always. Add personalization, verify facts, and make it sound natural.

5. What is a good reply rate for cold email?

Anything above 5% is decent. 10-20% is excellent.

6. How long should sales emails be?

Keep them under 100 words. Shorter often performs better.

7. What is the difference between free prompts and Lucy+ prompts?

Lucy+ unlocks unlimited reading time and access to more than 30,000 professional prompts. The free library already includes powerful, usable prompts.

8. When should I send sales emails?

Tuesday through Thursday, between 8-10am or 2-4pm in recipient's timezone.

9. Should I include attachments?

No. Attachments hurt deliverability. Use links instead.

10. How do I avoid the spam folder?

Warm up your domain, avoid spam trigger words, keep images minimal, and maintain good sender reputation.

If you want to explore more, Lucy+ gives access to more than 30,000 professional prompts for 10 USD per month. No pressure. Most of the powerful prompts are already free in the library.