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5 Proven Email Templates That Get Your Product Featured in Listicles

August 24, 2025
12 min read

Why this works

Editors keep and update listicles because readers want fast comparisons. Your job is to make inclusion the easiest decision in their inbox: clear value, paste-ready assets, and credible proof.

Template 1: Value-First (you give before you ask)

When to use: Cold outreach to an editor you haven't met.

Subject line ideas

  • Quick enhancement for your "[Best Category]" guide
  • Two data points your readers will value in Guide Title
  • Small contribution for your Site Name roundup

Email Template

Hi [Name],

I loved your section on [specific use case] in "[Guide Title]." One thing your readers might find helpful is [1 short insight with evidence]. Here's a concise nugget you can add if useful:

  • Insight: [Specific finding or tip]
  • Source: [Where this comes from]
  • Why it matters: [Reader benefit]

If you're updating the guide and think [Product Name] might fit, I'd be happy to provide a ready-to-use product card. No pressure either way—just wanted to share something useful.

Best,
[Your name]

Template 2: Update Request (for existing relationships)

When to use: Following up on a listicle that already includes you, or when you have product updates.

Email Template

Hi [Name],

Hope you're well! I noticed you're refreshing "[Guide Title]" (saw the update on [date]). We've made some significant improvements to [Product Name] that your readers would find valuable:

  • [New feature/improvement 1]
  • [New feature/improvement 2]
  • [Updated pricing/availability]

Here's an updated product card if you'd like to refresh our section:

[Insert ready-to-use product description]

Thanks for including us previously—it's been a great source of qualified leads.

Best,
[Your name]

Template 3: Data-Driven (lead with research)

When to use: You have unique data, survey results, or industry insights.

Email Template

Hi [Name],

I just finished reading your "[Guide Title]" and thought you might find our latest research interesting. We surveyed [X number] of [target audience] about [relevant topic] and found:

  • [Key finding 1 with percentage]
  • [Key finding 2 with percentage]
  • [Surprising insight]

I can share the full methodology and additional data points if you're interested in citing this research. We'd also be happy to provide a product overview for [Product Name] if it fits your criteria.

Full study attached. Let me know if you'd like any additional details.

Best,
[Your name]

Template 4: Editor-Assist (help them improve)

When to use: You notice gaps or outdated information in their listicle.

Email Template

Hi [Name],

Your "[Guide Title]" is incredibly thorough—I've bookmarked it for reference. I noticed a couple of small updates that might be helpful:

  • [Product X] recently changed their pricing from $Y to $Z
  • [Product Y] added [new feature] that addresses [use case you mentioned]
  • [Industry trend or regulation change]

I work with [Product Name] and would be happy to provide updated information for any of the tools you're tracking. We also have some unique capabilities in [specific area] that might fit your "[category]" section.

Happy to help keep the guide current—just let me know what would be most useful.

Best,
[Your name]

Template 5: Expert Quote (position as thought leader)

When to use: You want to be quoted as an expert, not just featured as a product.

Email Template

Hi [Name],

I really appreciated your take on [specific point] in "[Guide Title]." As someone who's been working in [industry/field] for [X years], I'd love to contribute a perspective on [relevant topic].

Here are a few insights that might add value for your readers:

"[Quotable insight about industry trend, best practice, or prediction]"

I'm [Your title] at [Company] where we've helped [impressive metric or client base]. Happy to provide additional quotes, data, or insights if you're looking for expert perspectives.

Best,
[Your name]
[Title], [Company]

Best Practices for All Templates

✅ Do This

  • • Keep emails under 150 words
  • • Include specific details about their content
  • • Provide ready-to-use assets
  • • Follow up once after 1 week
  • • Track which templates work best

❌ Avoid This

  • • Generic "please include us" requests
  • • Attachments in first email
  • • Multiple follow-ups
  • • Pitching competitors' content
  • • Forgetting to personalize

Asset Checklist

Have these ready before you start outreach:

  • □ Product description (50 words max)
  • □ Key features list (3-5 bullets)
  • □ Pricing information
  • □ High-resolution logo and screenshots
  • □ Customer testimonials or case studies
  • □ Technical specifications
  • □ Comparison data vs. competitors
  • □ Free trial or demo links

Ready to start your outreach campaign?

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