10 Outreach Templates That Drive Real Submissions
praneetbrar7
Introduction
If you run an online directory, convincing founders to list their products on your platform can be challenging. Manual cold outreach is time-consuming and often yields poor results. That’s where having the right outreach templates — tailored, strategic, and tested — can make all the difference. Especially when paired with tools like Nurturing Mails, which automate personalized outreach to newly launched startups on Product Hunt.
This blog shares 10 proven outreach templates that don’t just sound good — they actually drive real submissions. From personalized cold emails to value-first pitches, these examples help directory owners attract more listings, boost SEO, and grow their platforms, all while saving hours of manual work.
Why Outreach Emails Still Matter
In a world where inboxes are overcrowded with pitches, outreach emails that connect, engage, and offer real value stand out. Reaching out to founders right after they launch their product — like right after a Product Hunt debut — is a golden opportunity for directory owners. With the right words, you’re not just another cold email — you’re offering a growth and visibility boost when they need it the most.
And when automated through platforms like NurturingMail, these emails scale without sacrificing personalization. You can start seamlessly by checking out their get started page or browse the NurturingMail pricing plans to understand the full offering.
10 Outreach Templates That Drive Real Submissions
1. The Congratulatory Approach
This approach works well when you want to start on a positive and personal note. It expresses authentic interest in their launch — perfect for founders fresh off a Product Hunt debut.
Subject: 🚀 Big congrats on launching [Product Name]!
Hi [Founder Name],
Saw [Product Name] just launched — huge kudos! That’s no small feat.
I run [Your Directory Name], a niche directory focused on awesome [industry/niche] tools like yours. We’d love to feature [Product Name], and I think our audience would find it incredibly valuable.
It’s free to submit, and boosts visibility + SEO. Think of it as one more way to build early traction.
Here’s the submission page: [Link]
Again — congrats on launch day 🎉
— [Your Name]This is the core email style that NurturingMail automates, spot-on for timely engagement.
2. The Value-First Pitch
Rather than leading with “submit to my directory,” you show that listing benefits them — visibility, authority, backlinks.
Subject: Feature [Product Name] for free + SEO boost?
Hi [Founder Name],
Ran across your [Product Name] launch (looks great!) and wanted to offer a quick win.
We run [Your Directory Name] — featuring curated tools in the [industry] space. Happy to list [Product Name] to help with backlinks and early discovery.
Here’s the submission link: [Link]
No cost, just value. Thought you might find it helpful during this early traction phase.
Cheers, [Your Name]3. The Community Highlight Template
Use if your directory serves a particular community or category (e.g., AI, SaaS, Chrome extensions).
Subject: Share your tool with fellow [type of users]?
Hi [First Name],
Congrats on launching [Product Name] — love what you’re building!
I run [Directory Name], where we highlight tools built specifically for [target audience]. We’d love to include [Product Name] as a resource for our community of [audience type].
Submission takes 1–2 minutes: [Link]
Happy to amplify your launch and get a few new users your way :)
Best,
[Your Name]4. The “You’re in Good Company” Approach
This template builds trust through social proof by highlighting existing featured startups.
Subject: Join 500+ Product Hunt tools on [Directory Name]
Hey [First Name],
Saw your [Product Name] launch — huge congrats 🎉
We feature tools like yours on [Directory Name] — where startups like [Well-known Startup 1] and [Startup 2] share their launches for long-term visibility and SEO.
Adding [Product Name] takes 30 seconds: [Link]
No cost, just exposure. We'd love to include you!
All the best,
[Your Name]5. The Backlink-Focused Email
SEO-focused founders will appreciate this direct backlink value pitch.
Subject: Earn a free backlink for [Product Name]?
Hey [Name],
Noticed your launch on Product Hunt — congrats!
Quick value-add: submit [Product Name] to [Directory Name] and earn a do-follow backlink. Helps with early SEO ranking and domain authority.
Here’s the link: [Link]
Takes less than a minute — figured I'd share since you’re in early growth mode.
Cheers,
[Your Name]6. The Curated Directory Invite
Great template when you run a curated or invitation-only directory.
Subject: Invite to feature [Product Name] on [Directory Name]
Hi [First Name],
Love what you're building with [Product Name]. We’re inviting a few standout Product Hunt launches to be featured on [Directory Name].
It’s a curated space for top-tier [niche] tools, and you’re a great fit.
Apply here (should take 1–2 mins): [Link]
Would love to showcase [Product Name]!
Best,
[Your Name]7. The Early Adopter Magnet
Appeal to founders’ desire to be ahead of the trend — by joining your new or growing platform early.
Subject: Be one of the first listed on [Directory Name]?
Hi [First Name],
Saw [Product Name] just launched — big congrats 🚀
We’re building up [Directory Name], a fresh collection of [niche] tools for early adopters. Would love for [Product Name] to be one of the first featured!
Here’s the link: [Link]
Helps get visibility, users & backlinks. Let me know if any questions.
Cheers,
[Your Name]8. The SEO & Visibility Double Boost
Works when your directory is optimized for SEO and targets long-tail traffic.
Subject: More visibility + backlinks for [Product Name]?
Hi [First Name],
Big congrats on launching [Product Name]!
Our directory, [DirectoryName], ranks well in Google for [industry/niche] keywords. Adding your product helps boost your visibility long-term via SEO.
Submit here: [Link]
It’s free and takes 2 minutes.
Best,
[Your Name]9. The Cross-Promo Partner Email
Useful if you’re open to collaborations or mutual promotions with the founder’s network.
Subject: Cross-promo idea + directory feature?
Hi [First Name],
Loved seeing [Product Name] launch!
I run [Directory Name], and I think it’d be a great fit. We often do spotlight features — and we also love cross-promoting with our listings on socials.
Submit your tool here if open: [Link]
Let's amplify our efforts!
— [Your Name]10. The Genuinely Curious Approach
Simple, personal, and interest-based outreach can sometimes outperform full pitches.
Subject: Curious about [Product Name]
Hi [First Name],
Saw your launch today — [Product Name] looks super interesting.
We run [Directory Name], where we feature helpful tools weekly. Would love to showcase [Product Name].
Here’s how to get listed: [Link]
Let me know if you're up for it — we'd be excited to share your work :)
— [Your Name]Key Takeaways from High-Converting Outreach
- Timing is everything: Tools like NurturingMail automate outreach the same day a product launches — capitalizing on high-interest windows.
- Be human, not robotic: Keep language relaxed, friendly, and value-focused.
- Backlinks are gold: Many founders are SEO-savvy and appreciate passive link-building opportunities.
- Customize, but scale smartly: Leverage automation to send customized emails at scale using platforms like NurturingMail.
Additional Tools and Resources
All the outreach in the world won’t matter if you don’t execute it at the right moment. That’s where automation comes in. Platforms such as Nurturing Mails take the heavy