7ea840dbb2
- Added multiple new skills to skills-lock.json from the repository `aaron-he-zhu/seo-geo-claude-skills`. - Introduced `fuzzy-search` dependency in package.json for improved search functionality. - Updated pnpm-lock.yaml to include the new `fuzzy-search` package. - Enhanced SEO metadata across various pages, including canonical links and descriptions for better search visibility. - Improved layout and structure of several components, including the homepage and changelog, to enhance user experience.
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Outreach Templates
Copy-ready outreach email templates for each link building strategy. Includes subject line variations, follow-up sequences, personalization tips, and response handling scripts.
General Outreach Principles
Before using any template, follow these rules:
| Principle | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Personalize every email | Generic emails get deleted. Reference specific content. |
| Lead with value | Explain what is in it for them before making your ask. |
| Keep it short | 100-150 words maximum for initial outreach. |
| One clear ask | Do not combine multiple requests in one email. |
| Professional sender address | Use name@yourdomain.com, not a free email provider. |
| No attachments on first email | Attachments trigger spam filters and reduce trust. |
| Follow up (once or twice) | Most responses come from follow-ups, not initial emails. |
| Track everything | Log outreach in a spreadsheet or CRM for accountability. |
1. Broken Link Building Templates
Template 1A: Broken Link — Direct Approach
Subject: Found a broken link on your [topic] page
Body:
Hi [Name],
I was reading your article on [specific article title] — great resource on [brief compliment about content].
I noticed the link to [description of broken link resource] in the [section name] section seems to be broken (returns a 404).
I recently published a guide on [your topic] that covers similar ground: [Your URL]
It might work as a replacement if you are updating the page. Either way, wanted to give you a heads-up about the broken link.
Best, [Your Name]
Template 1B: Broken Link — Roundup Page
Subject: Quick heads-up about [their page title]
Body:
Hi [Name],
Your [topic] resource page is one of my go-to references — really well curated.
I noticed [X] links on the page are no longer working:
- [Broken URL 1] — returns 404
- [Broken URL 2] — domain expired
If you are updating the page, I have a [content type] that covers [topic]: [Your URL]
Happy to suggest other replacement resources too if that would help.
Thanks for maintaining such a useful list, [Your Name]
Follow-Up (5-7 days after initial email)
Subject: Re: [original subject]
Body:
Hi [Name],
Just bumping this up in case it got buried. I spotted a broken link on your [page title] and thought you would want to know.
No worries if the page is staying as-is — just wanted to make sure you saw it.
[Your Name]
2. Guest Post Pitching Templates
Template 2A: Guest Post — Topic Pitch
Subject: Guest post idea: [proposed title]
Body:
Hi [Name],
I have been following [their site name] for a while — your recent piece on [specific article] was especially [specific compliment].
I would love to contribute a guest post on [proposed topic]. Here is what I have in mind:
Title: [Proposed title] Angle: [1-2 sentences describing the unique angle] Why your readers would care: [1 sentence on value to their audience]
I have written for [1-2 relevant publications] previously. Here are a couple of samples:
- [Sample URL 1]
- [Sample URL 2]
Would this be a fit for [their site name]?
Best, [Your Name] [Your title / credentials]
Template 2B: Guest Post — Expertise Pitch
Subject: [Your expertise area] contributor for [their site]
Body:
Hi [Name],
I am [Your Name], a [your role/expertise] with [X years] experience in [field]. I noticed [their site] covers [topic area] extensively and thought I could contribute something useful.
Three topic ideas that might work for your audience:
- [Title idea 1] — [one-line description]
- [Title idea 2] — [one-line description]
- [Title idea 3] — [one-line description]
Happy to adjust angles or pitch different ideas. I can also share writing samples if helpful.
Thanks, [Your Name]
Follow-Up (7-10 days after initial email)
Subject: Re: [original subject]
Body:
Hi [Name],
Checking back on my guest post pitch. I know editorial calendars fill up fast, so no worries if the timing does not work.
If any of the topics I suggested could work down the road, happy to keep in touch for a future slot.
[Your Name]
3. Resource Page Outreach Templates
Template 3A: Resource Page — Direct Suggestion
Subject: Resource for your [topic] page
Body:
Hi [Name],
I found your [topic] resource page while researching [related topic] — it is a really well-organized collection.
I thought [your resource title] might be a good addition to the [specific section] section. It covers [brief description of what it covers and why it is useful].
Here is the link: [Your URL]
No pressure at all — just thought it might be useful for your readers.
Best, [Your Name]
Template 3B: Resource Page — Value-Add Approach
Subject: A few resources for your [topic] page
Body:
Hi [Name],
I have been using your [topic] resource page as a reference and really appreciate the curation work.
I wanted to suggest a few resources you might consider adding (not all mine):
- [External resource title] — [URL] — Great for [reason]
- [Your resource title] — [Your URL] — Covers [topic]
- [Another external resource] — [URL] — Useful for [reason]
I included a couple of third-party resources alongside mine since they genuinely complement your page.
Thanks for maintaining such a useful list, [Your Name]
4. Unlinked Mention Outreach Templates
Template 4A: Unlinked Brand Mention
Subject: Thanks for mentioning [brand name]
Body:
Hi [Name],
Just came across your article [article title] — thanks for mentioning [your brand/product]. Really appreciate the kind words about [specific thing they said].
Quick request: would you be able to add a link to [Your URL] where you mention us? It would help your readers find us directly and help us out with attribution.
Totally understand if it is not possible. Either way, glad you found [product/service] useful.
Best, [Your Name]
Template 4B: Unlinked Data/Research Mention
Subject: Thanks for citing our [research/data]
Body:
Hi [Name],
I noticed you referenced our [study/statistic/data point] in your article [article title]. Thanks for citing our research.
If you are able to add a link to the original source, it would help your readers verify the data and access the full [study/report]: [Your URL]
We actually just updated it with [new data point] that might be relevant to your piece as well.
Thanks, [Your Name]
Follow-Up (5-7 days)
Subject: Re: [original subject]
Body:
Hi [Name],
Just a quick follow-up on adding a link for the mention of [brand/research] in your article. I know updating published content can be low priority, so no rush.
If it helps, the exact URL is: [Your URL]
Thanks again for the mention, [Your Name]
5. Digital PR / Data-Driven Outreach Templates
Template 5A: Original Research Pitch
Subject: New data: [key finding headline]
Body:
Hi [Name],
We just published [study/survey/analysis] that found [most surprising or newsworthy finding].
Key findings:
- [Finding 1 — the headline stat]
- [Finding 2 — supporting data]
- [Finding 3 — counterintuitive insight]
Full report: [Your URL]
Given your coverage of [their beat/topic], I thought this might be worth a mention. Happy to provide additional data, quotes, or custom analysis for your audience.
[Your Name] [Your title]
Template 5B: Expert Commentary Pitch
Subject: Expert source for your [topic] coverage
Body:
Hi [Name],
I saw you are covering [topic/trend] and thought I could be a useful source.
I am [Your Name], [your credentials — brief]. I have [specific experience relevant to their coverage].
A couple of angles I could provide commentary on:
- [Angle 1]
- [Angle 2]
Happy to jump on a quick call or provide written quotes. Available on short notice.
[Your Name] [Your title, company] [Phone number for urgent requests]
6. HARO / Source Request Templates
Template 6A: HARO Response — Expert Source
Subject: [HARO] Re: [original query title]
Body:
Hi [Journalist Name],
Re: your query on [topic].
Source: [Your Name], [Title] at [Company] Credentials: [1-2 sentences on relevant expertise]
Response:
[2-3 paragraphs directly answering their query. Be specific, quotable, and concise. Lead with the most valuable insight.]
Key quote: "[One highly quotable sentence they can use directly]"
Happy to elaborate or provide additional data. Available at [email] or [phone].
[Your Name]
Template 6B: HARO Response — Data Source
Subject: [HARO] Re: [original query title] — with data
Body:
Hi [Journalist Name],
For your piece on [topic], here is data from our [study/platform/analysis]:
- [Statistic 1]: [data point with context]
- [Statistic 2]: [data point with context]
- [Statistic 3]: [data point with context]
Source: [Your URL for attribution]
Expert quote from [Your Name], [Title]: "[Quotable insight interpreting the data]"
Full dataset available if needed for additional analysis.
[Your Name] [Contact info]
7. Skyscraper Technique Templates
Template 7A: Skyscraper — Better Resource
Subject: Updated resource on [topic]
Body:
Hi [Name],
I noticed you linked to [competitor's article title] in your post on [their article title].
We just published an updated version of that topic: [Your URL]
It includes [specific improvements over the original]:
- [Improvement 1 — e.g., "2025 data instead of 2022"]
- [Improvement 2 — e.g., "interactive calculator included"]
- [Improvement 3 — e.g., "covers 3 additional sub-topics"]
If you think it would be a better resource for your readers, I would appreciate you considering swapping the link. No worries either way.
Best, [Your Name]
8. Relationship Building Templates
Template 8A: Initial Relationship — No Ask
Subject: Loved your piece on [topic]
Body:
Hi [Name],
Just read your article on [specific article title] and wanted to say it was genuinely one of the best pieces I have read on [topic].
The section on [specific section] was especially useful — I actually shared it with my team and we are implementing [specific takeaway].
No ask here, just wanted to let you know your work is making an impact.
[Your Name]
Template 8B: Follow-Up After Relationship Building (2-4 weeks later)
Subject: [New topic] — thought of your readers
Body:
Hi [Name],
Following up on our exchange a few weeks back. I just published something your audience might find useful: [Your URL]
It covers [brief description] with a focus on [specific angle].
Would love to hear your thoughts if you get a chance to read it.
Best, [Your Name]
9. Follow-Up Sequences
Standard Follow-Up Timeline
| Timing | Purpose | Tone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial outreach | Day 0 | Make the ask | Professional, value-forward |
| Follow-up 1 | Day 5-7 | Gentle reminder | Casual, brief |
| Follow-up 2 | Day 14 | Final attempt | Short, no-pressure close |
| Stop | After follow-up 2 | Do not send more | Move on |
Follow-Up 2 Template (Final Attempt)
Subject: Re: [original subject]
Body:
Hi [Name],
Last follow-up on this — I know you are busy.
[One-sentence reminder of what you asked]
If the timing is not right, no worries at all. Feel free to bookmark [Your URL] for whenever it might be useful.
Best, [Your Name]
10. Response Handling Scripts
Positive Response — They Will Add the Link
Reply:
That is great, [Name] — really appreciate it.
The exact URL is: [Your URL] Preferred anchor text (just a suggestion): [anchor text]
Let me know if you need anything else. Happy to return the favor anytime.
Best, [Your Name]
Positive Response — They Want a Guest Post
Reply:
Wonderful, I would love to contribute. Here is what I am thinking:
Title: [Proposed title] Outline:
- [Section 1]
- [Section 2]
- [Section 3]
Estimated length: [word count] Delivery timeline: [date]
Do you have any editorial guidelines or specific requirements I should follow?
Best, [Your Name]
Neutral Response — They Are Interested but Noncommittal
Reply:
Totally understand, [Name]. No rush at all.
I will keep [Your URL] updated with [latest data/content], so it will be here whenever the timing works.
Feel free to reach out if I can ever be a source or contributor for [their site].
Best, [Your Name]
Negative Response — They Decline
Reply:
Completely understand, [Name]. Thanks for letting me know.
If anything changes or if I can ever be helpful as a source, do not hesitate to reach out.
Best, [Your Name]
Note: Never argue, push back, or send additional follow-ups after a decline. Keep the relationship positive for potential future opportunities.
No Response — After Full Sequence
Do not send further emails. Add to a "re-engage in 3-6 months" list. When you re-engage, use a completely new angle or piece of content. Never reference the fact that they did not respond previously.
11. Personalization Tips
Research Checklist Before Sending
| Check | Where to Find | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Their name (correct spelling) | About page, LinkedIn, byline | Use in greeting and body |
| Recent article they wrote | Their blog, Google "[name] + [site]" | Reference in opening line |
| Their social media | Twitter/X, LinkedIn | Mention a recent post or shared interest |
| Their publication's audience | About page, media kit | Tailor your value proposition |
| Content they have linked to before | ~~link database, their recent articles | Match the type of content they prefer |
| How they prefer to be contacted | Website contact page, social bio | Some prefer Twitter DMs over email |
Personalization Levels
| Level | Effort | Response Rate Impact | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero (template only) | Minimal | Baseline (lowest) | Never recommended |
| Basic (name + site name) | Low | +20-30% | Bulk outreach to lower-priority targets |
| Moderate (+ specific article reference) | Medium | +50-80% | Standard outreach to mid-tier targets |
| Deep (+ shared interest, social reference, mutual connection) | High | +100-200% | High-priority targets (DR 60+ sites, key relationships) |
12. Subject Line Variations by Strategy
High-Performing Subject Line Patterns
| Strategy | Subject Lines (pick one) |
|---|---|
| Broken link | "Found a broken link on your [topic] page" / "Quick heads-up about [page title]" / "Broken resource on [their site]" |
| Guest post | "Guest post idea: [title]" / "[Topic] contributor for [their site]" / "Content pitch for [their site]" |
| Resource page | "Resource for your [topic] page" / "Suggestion for your [topic] list" / "Addition for [page title]?" |
| Unlinked mention | "Thanks for mentioning [brand]" / "Re: your mention of [brand/data]" / "Quick favor re: [their article]" |
| Digital PR | "New data: [headline stat]" / "Exclusive: [finding]" / "[Topic] research for your coverage" |
| Skyscraper | "Updated resource on [topic]" / "Better version of [competitor content]" / "Thought you'd want to see this" |
Subject Lines to Avoid
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| "Link exchange opportunity" | Screams spam and violates Google guidelines |
| "SEO partnership" | Immediately signals manipulative intent |
| ALL CAPS or excessive punctuation | Triggers spam filters, looks unprofessional |
| "I'd love a backlink" | Too direct; leads with your need, not their value |
| Misleading subjects ("Re:" when no prior conversation) | Damages trust immediately |
| Long subjects (>60 characters) | Gets truncated in inbox, lower open rates |