7 Link Building Outreach Email Templates (With Real Reply Rates)

Seven outreach templates we've tested across thousands of pitches. Reply rates noted are real, not aspirational.

1. Broken link pitch (24% reply)

Subject: "Quick heads up — broken link on [page]". Two-sentence body, link to the 404, offer your resource as a replacement.

2. HARO expert pitch (31% placement)

Soundbite first, credentials second, contact details third. No fluff.

3. Digital PR data pitch (12% reply, 4% placement)

One-line hook, one stat, link to the report, offer commentary.

4. Guest post pitch (8% reply)

Three topic ideas tuned to their recent content, one line on credentials, no template feel.

5. Resource page pitch (18% reply)

Compliment a specific resource on the page, suggest yours as an addition, explain the value-add.

6. Unlinked mention pitch (44% reply)

Thank them for the mention, ask politely for a link, give the exact URL.

7. Partnership pitch (22% reply)

Reference the integration or shared customer, propose mutual listing, suggest exact placements.