20 One-Line Emails That Get High Response Rates from Sales Leads

Emails are still effective for marketing, but you really have to nail them. Short and sweet goes a long way, and while you can definitely say more than just one thing, the one-liner is sometimes a great way to get people’s attention. You’re generating leads, after all, and you must engage them in the ways that work. With email, less is more. 

You also have to deliver a personalized message, of course, if you’re going to get the results that you expect. People don’t appreciate a generic approach or the feeling that they’re just one of thousands of names on your email list. You have to reach out to them in a way that gets their attention. In some cases, that can be done with a simple, direct, one-line email. 

Templates are great, and longer emails can be effective. However, if you really want to succeed, try out some of the one-line examples below and see what kind of results you can get. Some of the best marketing gurus online today will tell you that their single-sentence emails get a lot more interest than longer messages, but only when done correctly. 

The 20 sales email one-liners that will get engagement 

Some of the lines below are self-explanatory. Others have a little more explanation to help you understand why they’re effective. In any case, however, they are all effective and can deliver impressive results. Or, perhaps they’ll just inspire your own one line email masterpieces. 

1. Is there a reason that you’re putting off coaching for your executive team?

This calls people out and asks for a response. It also gives them a reason to contact you—for more coaching and assistance. It’s quick, simple, and direct. 

2. How much did you spend last year on [insert product or service]?

Again, this elicits a response. It also makes people think and guides them toward the idea that you will be able to save them money in this regard. 

3. Why aren’t you closing more deals by bringing in better leads?

Again, you’re questioning people and making them question if you can help them where they’re missing the mark. The next few questions follow the same type of format, with different angles or topics. 

4. Are you the person I need to speak with regarding [pain point]? 
5. Are your property management leads providing enough retention or do you want more?
6. How many times a year does your company [insert task]?
7. What would you say if I told you that you could increase your contact rates by 70%?
8. Are you ready to take your lead generation efforts to the social media world?
9. Think about how many hours a day you could save by outsourcing your admin tasks. 
10. What would you do with an extra 10% on your bottom line?
11. I thought you might find this article interesting—check it out and give me a call. 

This is helpful and shows that you invested time. You found the article, thought of the intended target, and went out of your way to email them about it. Of course, they’re going to take notice and they might even get back to you. 

12. I left a message for you, but wanted to reach out via email so you don’t miss out on our latest deal—let me know if you want more info. 

This shows people that you’ve got a limited deal and instills that fear of loss. They’ll want to reach out, even if they’re not sure why, because human nature makes us not want to miss things. 

13. What can we do to help your team with [pain point]? *Insert meme*

This is an effective approach because it keeps the email short, and it gets people’s attention with a tool that everyone loves: the meme. Use a comic, a funny picture, or even some industry meme that you’ve uncovered to connect with people and explain what you can do to help them in a unique way. 

14. Just a meme

Rather than a one-line sentence, how about a one-meme email? When you use memes, you have to use them carefully. However, you can generate a lot of interest and have an entire conversation, many times, without having to say a single word. Plus, it shows that you put the effort into personalizing the conversation and doing something unique, which gets big points. 

15. How much do you need to increase your sales this year?
16. Klondike bars are great, but what would you do for a 10% increase on your ROI?

This is fun in addition to being direct and concise. It gives you a chance to show people that you’re not too serious and that you want to help them in a way that benefits their bottom line. 

17. How’s your social media marketing strategy for 2022? 
18. Will you be available tomorrow at noon for a quick call before I’m out of spots?

Again, you’re putting the fear of loss in play here. You’re also just being direct and setting a date—if they’re busy, they can reply and adjust. 

19. How does coffee and a conversation on [pain point] sound?

This gives you another direct approach, rather than suggesting that you call or get together. Just put it out there and don’t give people the option to consider saying no. 

20. I loved what you did with [campaign, problem, etc.] – can we collaborate?

This does two things—it commends them, and it asks for a relationship. It also encourages a reply. When people feel appreciated, they are more interested in working with you. Plus, it shows that you took the time to learn about them. 

Speaking of collaboration, find out how a partnership with Smith.ai can improve response times and more

If they work as they should, you will see an increase in your email replies and conversions. When you do, and you want some help with lead intake, scheduling, and other tasks, contact the virtual receptionists at Smith.ai. Our team is available 24/7 to handle your admin, sales outreach, and other needs. Schedule a consultation to learn more or reach out to us at hello@smith.ai or (650) 727-6484.