# LaunchDeck — First Customer Email Template

Use this as a starting point. Fill in the blanks. Personalize for each person.
The goal is ONE thing: get a reply. Nothing else matters.

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## Cold Outreach (for strangers — people you don't know)

**Subject line options (pick one):**
- Quick question about [their problem]
- [First name], can I ask you something?
- Not sure if this is relevant, but...

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Hi [Name],

I saw that you're [what you noticed about them — e.g., "running a small Etsy shop," "recently launched a podcast," "building in public on Twitter"].

I'm working on [what you're building — 1 sentence max. No jargon.].
It's for people who [who your customer is] and want [what they want].

I found you because [honest reason — e.g., "you've been posting about the challenges of managing inventory," "your store sells handmade candles and I think there's a gap in that market"].

I have a quick question: [ask ONE specific thing — e.g., "is inventory management actually a pain point for you?", "would you ever pay $X for something that did Y?", "do you know anyone else who sells candles online who might want to test something for me?"]

No pressure to reply. If this isn't relevant, I'll disappear.

[Your name]

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## Follow-up (send 3-5 days later if no reply)

**Subject:** Re: [original subject] — one more thing

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Hi [Name],

Just following up briefly. I know these cold messages are annoying — I'll keep this short.

[Repeat your ONE question, reframe it differently. Or give them a new piece of information that makes it more interesting.]

Either way — thanks for your time.

[Your name]

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## Warm Outreach (friends, friends-of-friends, community you''re part of)

**Subject:** Quick idea — want to hear it?

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Hi [Name],

I've been working on [what you're building] for the past [X weeks/months]. Been keeping it quiet until I had something worth sharing.

I'd love to get your honest take — [specific question, e.g., "would you pay for this?", "who do you know that has this problem?", "does this even make sense?"].

No pressure to buy anything or help me. I just need real feedback before I go further.

Are you free for 15 minutes this week? I owe you a coffee or a playlist.

[Your name]

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## After a Sale — Thank You Email

**Subject:** You just became customer #1 — thank you

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Hi [Name],

I want to say something that might sound dramatic, but it's true:

**You just became my first customer.**

That means everything. I'm going to work my butt off to make sure you get [specific outcome they paid for].

Here's what's going to happen next:
1. [What they can expect and when]
2. [How to reach you if they have questions]
3. [Any bonus or extra you're throwing in as a thank you]

One more thing: I'm building this in public. Would you be okay with me mentioning you (anonymously) as a customer? No pressure.

Again — thank you. Seriously.

[Your name]

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## Key Rules

1. **ONE ask per email.** Don't ask them to buy, give feedback, spread the word, and connect you with their boss — all in one message.

2. **Write like a human.** No "I hope this email finds you well." No corporate buzzwords. Talk like you're texting a friend who happens to be busy.

3. **Proofread before sending.** Read it out loud. If you sound like a marketing email, rewrite it.

4. **Follow up once.** One follow-up. That's it. If they don't reply twice, move on.

5. **Track everything.** Put every contact in a spreadsheet: name, how you found them, what you said, when you followed up, and the result.

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*Your first 100 customers will mostly come from direct outreach. This template is your starting point — make it yours.*