Referral introduction email template
Reaching someone through a mutual contact.
A referral email should put the shared name in the subject line and the first sentence, because that is the only reason the message gets opened. Say who connected you, why they thought it was worth it, and what you are asking for.
At a glance
| Use it when | A mutual contact has given you a name or agreed to be mentioned |
|---|---|
| Length | 90 to 130 words |
| Tone | Warm but still brief |
| Ask for | A short call or a specific answer |
The template
Subject lines that work with it
- [Mutual contact] suggested I get in touch
- Introduction via [mutual contact]
- [Mutual contact] mentioned you work on [topic]
How to write this email well
- Check the referrer is happy to be named before you send. Being quoted without warning damages their relationship and yours.
- Say what the referrer told you about them. It proves the connection is real rather than a name dropped for effect.
- Keep the ask smaller than you would with a warm lead. A referral buys you attention, not obligation.
Questions
Should the referrer be copied in?
Only if they offered. Copying someone into a cold ask without asking puts them on the spot.
What if the referral is loose?
Say so plainly. "We both know [name]" is honest and still better than pretending to a closer link.
How soon should I send it?
Within a few days of the referral, while the referrer still remembers the conversation.
More cold outreach templates
Cold outreach
First touch introduction
The opening email to someone who has never heard of you.
Cold outreach
Re-engagement
Restarting a conversation that went quiet months ago.
Use this template in Gmail
Copy the HTML above and paste it into Mailplate, the free Gmail extension that inlines the CSS so the layout survives sending. Or edit the wording directly in the preview and insert it into your message.
See Mailplate