Outreach is key to the success of any link building campaign—but let’s be real, cold emails can be a pain.

Good news: You don’t have to start from scratch. We’re sharing these 7 link building email templates to help you get more replies, build better links, and skip the awkward “Just following up…” emails.

All you need is to tweak, send, and start building links!

Link Building Email Templates for a Link Swap: Start Strong, Get a Yes

First impressions are everything, especially when it comes to email outreach for backlinks. 

A strong offer with the right cold email subject lines can lead to valuable backlinks, while a weak one could leave you empty-handed. So, crafting the right message with effective templates can improve your cold email deliverability and increase your chances of getting a response.

We’ve got 7 link building email templates that will help you get started. Plus, we also explain why each example works. 

Feel free to customize them to fit your unique needs!

Before you explore the link building email templates, check out this video for tips on starting your outreach strong.

Template #1 

Subject line: {Name}, we’ve got SaaS backlinks for you!

Hey {name},

How about adding your link

And as a return, you add

Should I add yours?

P.S. This offer is free and your link will be live in 24 hours.

Here’s why this template works:

• Clear Purpose: The subject line and body immediately tell the recipient what the email is about—SaaS backlinks.
• Mutual Benefit: It clearly explains that the potential link partner gets a link in exchange for giving one back so both sides benefit.
• Risk-Free: The “P.S.” makes it clear that the offer is free and easy, making it more likely they’ll take action.

Template #2

Subject line: {Name}, up for a SaaS link exchange?

Hey {name},

We offer these SaaS domains for link insertions:

Feel free to send us your request.

In return, simply add {website}’s link to your site.

Once we get your request, we’ll send over our link.

Best regards,
{Your Name}

Why this approach works:

• Specific Offer: We clearly mention the exact SaaS domains available for link insertions, so the recipient knows what’s on the table.
• Clear Request: The template makes it clear that we’re looking for a backlink in return.
• Quick Action: The phrase “Once we get your request, we’ll send over our link” shows that the process is smooth and quick.
• Professional Yet Friendly: The email tone is professional but less formal and respectful at the same time, which makes it easy for the recipient to engage.

Template #3

Subject: {{Name}}, SaaS backlinks here!!

Hey {Name},

I’ve got a link exchange offer you can’t pass by!  

Here are some valuable SaaS domains where we can add your target URLs: 

I can also make some text edits for you if you want. 

In return, please, add this: ⬇️

From this article:

Interested? All you need is to reply back to me! 😄

Best, 

{Your Name} 

Here’s why this email outreach template is effective:

• Clear Offer: We mention valuable SaaS domains where the recipient’s target URLs can be added. This gives them clarity on what they’ll be getting.
• Extra Help: Offering to make text edits shows we’re willing to go the extra mile to help them, making the offer more appealing.
• Value for Both Sides: They’re getting relevant backlinks, and we’re getting one in return, making this a win-win situation.

Template #4

Subject:  {{Name}}, Your backlink is almost live 🥳

Hey {{Name}},

Let’s start your ranking journey together.

Here’s the plan⬇️

We add your link:

In return, I’d appreciate having a link on one of your website’s blog articles.

Feel free to drop me an email if you have any questions 😉

Kindest regards,

{Name}

Why this template works:

• Recipient-Focused: The message focuses on what the recipient will gain from the exchange.
• Clear Plan: We lay out the steps in a simple, easy-to-follow way, letting the recipient know exactly what’s expected from both sides.
• Mutual Benefit: While the focus is on the recipient’s gain, we also make our request clear—just add a link to one of their blog articles for a fair exchange.
• Action-Oriented: By using call to actions like “Let’s start your ranking journey together” and “Feel free to drop me an email,” it encourages the recipient to take action without feeling pressured.

Template #5

Subject:  {{Name}}, SaaS backlinks calling!

Hey {{Name}}, 

Ready to take your rankings to the next level?

A simple A-B-C exchange with SaaS websites can work wonders for both of us.

Here’s the plan⬇️

You add my link:

In return, I can help you to rank your target pages by having links from my SaaS websites. 

Send me an email if interested😉

Thanks in advance,

Best,

{Name}

The reason this backlink request email template works so well:

• Clear Focus on Mutual Benefit: While the main focus is on our gain (getting the link on the recipient’s site), we also clearly highlight the benefit for the recipient—gaining valuable backlinks from our SaaS websites to help improve their rankings.
• Simple & Direct: The message is straightforward, mentioning exactly what is going to happen and how both sides will benefit.
• Easy Next Step: The call to action is simple—just drop an email if interested—making it easy for the potential link partner to respond without feeling overwhelmed.

Follow-Up Email Templates: A Friendly Nudge

Following up is just as important as sending your first cold email. Being clingy is one of the link building mistakes, as no one likes feeling spammed․  

But don’t worry. We are sharing some templates for follow-up emails that can help you make that backlink happen without being pushy.

Follow-Up Template #6

Hey {Name},

I have a few more domains that could work well for your link placements:

How about these websites:

If you’re short on time, we’re happy to manage the placements for you! 

Looking forward to your reply!

Here’s why this follow-up email works:

• Added Value: By offering additional websites for link insertions, we provide more options, increasing the chances of a successful collaboration.
• Time-Saving Offer: Mentioning that we’re happy to manage the text edits makes it easier for the recipient, which is especially appealing if they’re short on time.
• Increased Interest: Suggesting more websites helps keep the conversation going, making it clear that we’re genuinely interested in finding the best fit for their needs.

Follow-Up Template #7

Hey {Name},

I guess you’re not interested in link exchanges. 

How about guest posts? 

Check out some of our publications👇:

Let me know if you would like to get guest post topic suggestions for your blog!

Looking forward to your reply!

Here is why this follow-up email is so effective:

• Alternative Offer: Instead of sticking to link exchanges, we suggest guest posts, which might be more interesting to the recipient.
• Showing What We’ve Done: Sharing links to our previous publications allows potential link partners to evaluate our past work and build trust.
• Extra Help: Offering to come up with guest post titles for their blog makes it easier for them to see how we can add value.

Closing Thoughts

Link building email outreach can be challenging especially when you are just getting started. 

However, with the right templates that clearly state the offer and value, it becomes much easier to grab attention and spark curiosity. 

Keep improving your approach, stay consistent, and soon you’ll start seeing the results.

Happy outreaching!

FAQ about link building email templates