In the ever-competitive world of search engine optimization (SEO), backlinks are still one of the most important ranking factors. High-quality backlinks from reputable sites can significantly boost your website’s visibility and authority in search results. But those links rarely come to you by accident — they’re earned through intentional relationship-building.
That’s where SEO outreach emails come in. A well-crafted outreach email is your foot in the door with bloggers, journalists, and website owners. It’s not just about asking for a backlink — it’s about offering value in exchange for their time and attention.
Poor outreach emails can be ignored within seconds, but great ones can spark long-term collaborations. Below are 10 proven SEO outreach email body examples you can adapt to your own campaigns.
1. The Guest Post Pitch
When to use: When offering to write a valuable, original article for another site in exchange for a link back to yours.
Subject: Guest Post Idea for [Website Name]
Hi [Name],
I’ve been following [Website Name] for a while and love how you [mention something specific, e.g., “cover SEO trends with actionable tips”]. I recently read your article on [related topic] and found it incredibly insightful.
I’d love to contribute a guest post for your readers on “[Proposed Title].” It would cover:
- [Brief point 1]
- [Brief point 2]
- [Brief point 3]
I’ll make sure the article is:
✔ 100% original and tailored to your audience
✔ Packed with actionable advice
✔ Free of promotional fluff
Would you like me to send over a draft outline?
Thanks for considering,
[Your Name]
[Your Website]
Pro Tip: Keep your pitch short, specific, and show you’ve done your homework.
2. The Broken Link Outreach
When to use: When you find a broken link on someone’s site and suggest replacing it with a link to your content.
Subject: Broken Link on Your [Page/Article Title]
Hi [Name],
While reading your article “[Page Title],” I noticed that one of your links to [describe broken resource] isn’t working anymore.
I recently published a similar resource that might be a good replacement:
[Your URL]
It covers [brief benefit of your resource] and would keep your article fully functional for your readers.
Hope this helps keep your content up to date!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Website]
Pro Tip: Lead with helpfulness, not with your own promotion.
3. The Resource Page SuggestionWhen to use: When your content would be a valuable addition to someone’s curated list of resources.
Subject: Helpful Resource for Your [Topic] Page
Hi [Name],
I came across your [Topic] resources page and found it incredibly useful — thanks for putting it together! I noticed you link to some great [topic] guides, and I think my recent post might fit well alongside them.
Here’s the link: [Your URL]
It covers [briefly describe your content’s unique angle or value].
If you think it would be useful for your readers, I’d be honored if you considered adding it to your list.
Thanks for your time,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Don’t overwhelm with too much detail; keep it about their audience.
4. The Skyscraper Technique Outreach
When to use: When your content is a more in-depth, updated version of an existing popular piece.
Subject: Updated Resource on [Topic]
Hi [Name],
I noticed you’ve linked to [Old Resource Name] in your article “[Their Article Title].” It’s a great piece, but I thought you might like to know that I’ve recently created a more updated, comprehensive guide on [topic].
Here it is: [Your URL]
It includes:
- Updated statistics (2025)
- New case studies
- Practical templates your readers can use right away
If you find it valuable, you might consider replacing the outdated link in your article.
Either way, I hope you find it useful!
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Always prove why your content is worth swapping in.
5. The Link Reclamation Email
When to use: When someone mentioned your brand but didn’t link to you.
Subject: Quick Request Regarding Your Article
Hi [Name],
Thanks for mentioning [Your Brand] in your recent post “[Article Title]” — I really appreciate the shoutout! I noticed, however, that there isn’t a link to our site.
Would you mind adding one? It would help your readers easily find the resource you referenced: [Your URL]
Thanks again for including us in your content.
Best,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Keep it polite — they’ve already done you a favor by mentioning you.
6. The Expert Roundup Invitation
When to use: When inviting someone to contribute a quote or insight to a collaborative post.
Subject: Invitation to Share Your Expertise
Hi [Name],
I’m putting together an expert roundup on “[Topic]” for [Your Website] and would love to feature your insights.
The question I’m asking is: “[Your Question]”
Your answer can be as short or as detailed as you like. In return, I’ll include your bio, headshot, and a link to your site.
The post will be promoted to our audience of [number] subscribers and shared across our social media channels.
Would you like to participate? If so, could you send your response by [date]?
Looking forward to your thoughts,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Offering exposure makes participation more enticing.
7. The Collaboration Proposal
When to use: When suggesting a content or promotional partnership.
Subject: Collaboration Idea for [Website Name]
Hi [Name],
I’ve been following [Website Name] for some time and love your content on [topic]. I think our audiences overlap in a way that could make for a great collaboration.
Some ideas:
- Co-create a guide or resource
- Share each other’s content
- Host a joint webinar
If you’re open to discussing this, I’d be happy to hop on a quick call to explore possibilities.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Keep ideas flexible so the other person can contribute.
8. The HARO-Style Pitch
When to use: When pitching yourself as a source for journalists or bloggers.
Subject: Source for Your [Topic] Article
Hi [Name],
I saw you’re working on a piece about [topic], and I thought my experience might be useful. I’ve been [briefly describe your expertise] for [X years] and can offer:
- Data-driven insights
- Practical examples
- Original commentary
If you’d like, I can send over a few quick quotes or be available for a short interview.
Thanks for your time,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Keep it factual and credibility-focused.
9. The Podcast Guest Pitch
When to use: When offering to appear on someone’s podcast to share value.
Subject: Potential Podcast Guest
Hi [Name],
I’m a big fan of your podcast “[Podcast Name]” — especially your recent episode on [topic]. I’d love the opportunity to join you as a guest to share insights on [your area of expertise].
Some potential talking points:
- [Point 1]
- [Point 2]
- [Point 3]
I believe your audience would find these topics both practical and engaging.
Would you be open to discussing this further?
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Tie your expertise directly to their audience’s interests.
10. The “Value First” Outreach
When to use: When you want to warm up a relationship by giving before asking.
Subject: Resource for Your Audience
Hi [Name],
I just wanted to share a free resource I created that your readers might enjoy: [Your URL].
It covers [brief description of the resource] and could complement your article on [related topic]. No strings attached — I just thought it might be helpful.
If you find it useful, I’d be happy to collaborate on similar content in the future.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Genuine generosity builds stronger connections.
11. The Content Promotion Outreach
When to use: When you’ve just published a new piece of high-value content and want relevant websites to share or link to it.
Subject: New [Topic] Guide You Might Love
Hi [Name],
I just published a detailed guide on [topic] that I thought you and your readers might enjoy: [Your URL].
It covers:
- [Key benefit 1]
- [Key benefit 2]
- [Key benefit 3]
If you think it’s a fit for your audience, I’d be thrilled if you considered sharing or referencing it.
Thanks for your time,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Make sure your content is genuinely worth sharing before asking.
12. The Infographic Outreach
When to use: When you have created a visually appealing infographic on a relevant topic.
Subject: Infographic on [Topic] for Your Readers
Hi [Name],
I recently created an infographic on [topic] that breaks down [brief description]. I think it would be a great visual addition to your post “[Related Post Title].”
Here’s the link: [Infographic URL]
You’re welcome to embed it on your site with proper credit.
Would you like me to send you the embed code?
Best,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Make the embed process as easy as possible for them.
13. The Event Collaboration Email
When to use: When inviting someone to collaborate on an event or webinar.
Subject: Joint Webinar Opportunity
Hi [Name],
I’m organizing a webinar on [topic] for [date], and I think your expertise in [related field] would be a perfect fit.
We could:
- Co-present the session
- Share the audience list afterward
- Promote each other’s brands
Would you like to discuss this opportunity further?
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Offer mutual benefits beyond just exposure.
14. The Link Roundup Contribution
When to use: When pitching your content to websites that regularly publish link roundups.
Subject: Contribution for Your Next Link Roundup
Hi [Name],
I noticed you publish regular link roundups for [topic]. I have a new resource on [topic] that might be perfect for your next edition: [Your URL].
It provides [brief unique selling point] and is designed to be highly practical for [audience type].
Thanks for considering,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Send your pitch right before their next roundup is published.
15. The Unlinked Brand Mention Follow-Up
When to use: When a site has mentioned your brand multiple times without linking back.
Subject: Small Request Regarding Your Articles
Hi [Name],
Thanks for mentioning [Your Brand] in several of your posts — we appreciate the recognition! I noticed some of those mentions don’t include a link.
Would you consider adding links to help your readers find our resources more easily? Here’s our main URL: [Your URL]
Thanks in advance,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Reference multiple articles at once to make it worth their time.
16. The Follow-Up After a Social Media Interaction
When to use: When someone has engaged with you on social media and you want to transition to email.
Subject: Great Chat on [Platform Name]
Hi [Name],
It was great connecting with you on [social platform] about [topic]. I wanted to follow up and share a resource I think you’ll enjoy: [Your URL].
If you’d like, we could collaborate on a future article or exchange content ideas.
Looking forward to staying in touch,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Use the existing rapport from social media to make the email warmer.
17. The Local Partnership Outreach
When to use: When targeting local businesses or organizations for mutual promotion.
Subject: Local Collaboration Opportunity
Hi [Name],
As a fellow [city/region] business, I thought it might be valuable for us to collaborate on [shared interest or event].
We could:
- Share each other’s content
- Link to each other’s resources
- Promote local initiatives
If this sounds interesting, I’d love to set up a quick call.
Best,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Highlight community benefits to appeal to local pride.
18. The Influencer Outreach
When to use: When reaching out to industry influencers for potential partnerships or content features.
Subject: Collaboration Idea for [Influencer Name]
Hi [Name],
I admire your work on [platform or blog], especially your recent post on [topic]. I believe our audiences would benefit from a collaboration.
Some ideas:
- Co-author a blog post
- Share expert interviews
- Cross-promote each other’s content
Would you be open to discussing this further?
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Lead with genuine admiration and clear mutual benefits.
19. The Scholarship Link Outreach
When to use: When promoting a scholarship to relevant educational sites for links and visibility.
Subject: Scholarship Opportunity for Your Students
Hi [Name],
I wanted to let you know about a scholarship we’re offering for students interested in [field of study]. The award amount is [amount], and applications are open until [deadline].
Here’s the link with details: [Scholarship URL]
If you think it’s relevant, we’d appreciate it if you could add it to your student resources page.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Focus on the benefit for their audience, not your backlink.
20. The “You Featured My Competitor” Pitch
When to use: When a site has featured your competitor and you have similar or better content.
Subject: Additional Resource for Your [Topic] Article
Hi [Name],
I noticed you featured [Competitor Name] in your article “[Article Title].” We’ve created a similar resource with additional features your readers might find useful: [Your URL].
It includes:
- [Unique feature 1]
- [Unique feature 2]
- [Unique feature 3]
If you think it adds value, we’d be honored if you considered including it.
Best,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Don’t attack the competitor — focus on your unique strengths.
21. The Link Building Through Testimonials
When to use: When offering a testimonial to a product or service you genuinely use, in exchange for a link.
Subject: Testimonial for [Product/Service Name]
Hi [Name],
I’ve been using [Product/Service] for [time period] and it has helped me [brief benefit]. I’d be happy to provide a short testimonial you could feature on your site.
You’re welcome to include a link back to my site as part of the attribution.
Would you like me to send it over?
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: This works best when you are a real customer with genuine feedback.
22. The Seasonal Content Outreach
When to use: When pitching content tied to a seasonal event or holiday.
Subject: Seasonal [Topic] Guide for Your Readers
Hi [Name],
With [upcoming season/holiday] around the corner, I thought you might be interested in my new resource: [Your URL].
It covers:
- [Tip 1]
- [Tip 2]
- [Tip 3]
It could be a timely addition to your seasonal content.
Thanks for considering,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Outreach works best 4–6 weeks before the relevant season or event.
23. The Follow-Up After a Conference
When to use: When following up with someone you met at an industry event.
Subject: Great Meeting You at [Conference Name]
Hi [Name],
It was great meeting you at [event name] and chatting about [topic]. I wanted to follow up with a resource related to our conversation: [Your URL].
If you’d like, I’d be happy to explore collaboration opportunities as we discussed.
Let’s keep in touch,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Mention a specific detail from your in-person conversation to jog their memory.
24. The “Mutual Connection” Outreach
When to use: When reaching out to someone referred by a mutual contact.
Subject: Referred by [Mutual Contact Name]
Hi [Name],
[Mutual Contact Name] suggested I reach out to you regarding [topic]. They mentioned you might be interested in [brief description of your offer/resource].
Here’s the link: [Your URL]
If it’s relevant, I’d love to hear your thoughts and explore potential collaboration.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Name-dropping works when it’s authentic and the connection is real.
25. The “New Tool” Announcement
When to use: When you’ve launched a new tool or app relevant to their audience.
Subject: New [Tool Name] for [Audience]
Hi [Name],
I’ve just launched a new [tool/app] for [specific audience] that helps with [brief benefit]. Here’s the link: [Your URL]
It might be a great fit for your article on [related topic].
If you’d like a free demo or trial code, just let me know.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Give them early access or exclusive information for extra incentive.
26. The Content Gap Outreach
When to use: When you find a missing angle in their article and can provide supporting content.
Subject: Extra Resource for Your [Topic] Article
Hi [Name],
I enjoyed your article on [topic], but noticed it doesn’t cover [missing angle]. I recently created a guide that fills that gap: [Your URL].
It could be a helpful addition for your readers.
Thanks for considering,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Be constructive, not critical, when pointing out gaps.
27. The PR-Style Story Pitch
When to use: When pitching your business or project as a newsworthy story.
Subject: Story Idea: [Short, Catchy Headline]
Hi [Name],
I thought your readers might be interested in a story about [short description of your news/innovation].
It involves:
- [Key point 1]
- [Key point 2]
- [Key point 3]
Happy to provide interviews, images, or any additional details you need.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Journalists love concise, ready-to-use story pitches.
28. The “Feature My Research” Outreach
When to use: When you’ve published original research, data, or statistics.
Subject: New Research on [Topic]
Hi [Name],
We’ve just released original research on [topic] that might interest your audience. Key findings include:
- [Data point 1]
- [Data point 2]
- [Data point 3]
Full report here: [Your URL]
If relevant, you’re welcome to cite it in your upcoming content.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Present your research as a resource, not a sales pitch.
29. The “Your Followers Will Love This” Pitch
When to use: When reaching out to bloggers or social media influencers for shares.
Subject: Content Idea for Your Followers
Hi [Name],
I created a resource that I believe your followers would find useful: [Your URL]. It’s designed for [target audience] and covers:
- [Point 1]
- [Point 2]
- [Point 3]
If you think it’s a good fit, feel free to share it.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Make sure the content aligns perfectly with their niche.
30. The Industry Survey Invitation
When to use: When inviting industry peers to participate in a survey you’ll later publish.
Subject: Invitation to Participate in [Industry] Survey
Hi [Name],
I’m conducting a short survey on [topic] to gather insights from industry experts like yourself. It will take less than [time] to complete.
Once results are published, I’ll send you a copy and include your website in the list of contributors.
Survey link: [Survey URL]
Thanks in advance,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip: Participation rates improve if you promise to share results and credit.
Conclusion: Making Outreach Emails Work for SEO
While these 30 outreach email examples are proven to work, success depends heavily on personalization. Generic copy-paste templates rarely get replies — people can tell when you didn’t take the time to research them.
Before sending any SEO outreach email:
- Research the recipient – Know their audience, content style, and past collaborations.
- Keep it concise – Respect their time; aim for under 150 words if possible.
- Offer value first – Make your pitch about them, not you.
- Follow up politely – Wait about a week before sending a gentle nudge.
In SEO, relationships are the foundation of high-quality link building. The more you approach outreach as a conversation rather than a transaction, the more successful you’ll be.