How many follow-ups should I send to an editor?

Keep it respectful: one concise nudge per week, up to three total, then pause for a quarter or until the guide refreshes.

What assets increase my chances of inclusion?

A paste-ready card, a comparison table row in their exact columns, high-res images, verifiable data, and honest pros/cons.

Should I pitch even if my product is new?

Yes—lead with a clear use case and early proof (pilot results, certifications, or reviewer access) and offer to be a neutral source.

How do I personalize at scale?

Reference two specifics: a section you liked and a concrete improvement you can add. Keep the ask to one action and include paste-ready assets.

What subject lines perform best?

Ones that promise usefulness: 'drop-in card,' 'comparison row,' 'quick update,' or 'data for your roundup'—short, specific, and helpful.

Outreach

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:

Benchmark: metric or stat
Why it matters: reader-benefit explanation
Source: credible source or methodology link

Separately, if you're refreshing the list, here's a paste-ready card for Your Product:

What it is: 1-line explanation
Best for: audience/use case
Standout: 2–3 differentiators with proof
Key specs: 3–5 specs
Price: range
Assets: Drive/Box link to images + logo
Docs: manual / test / security / certification

Happy to tailor this to your style guide.

Thanks,
Your Name — Role at Company | site

Follow-up (3–5 business days)

Hi Name, quick bump… if the insight isn't a fit, no worries. Would a comparison table row be more useful?

Template 2: Update Request (swap outdated picks)

When to use: A listicle mentions discontinued or outdated tools.

Subject line ideas

Quick update for your Month Year Category guide
Heads up: Old Tool is EOL—drop-in replacement card
"Best Category" refresh suggestion

Email Template

Hi Name,

In "[Guide Title]" you include Old Tool, which appears discontinued / no longer maintained / missing key compliance. If you're updating that section, here's a drop-in replacement:

Replace: Old Tool → Your Product
Why: 2 concise reasons with evidence or links
Impact on readers: how it improves accuracy/UX/cost/safety

Paste-ready card

Overview: 1 line
Key advantages vs Old Tool: bulleted A/B list
Migration notes: how long it takes, importer, support
Proof: case study, certification, 3rd-party test

Happy to provide quotes, screenshots, or reviewer access.

Best,
Your Name

Template 3: Data-Driven Pitch (lead with proof)

When to use: You have credible stats, tests, or testimonials.

Email Template

Hi Name,

If you're refreshing "[Guide Title]," you might want this evidence on Your Product:

Outcome: metric improvement in use case
Method: testing protocol in one line
Sample: N, audience, timeframe
Independent: 3rd-party validation if any

Here's a quote you can use:

"11–18 word testimonial with a specific result" — Name, Role, Company

Paste-ready card + table row attached. Let me know if you prefer raw CSV or screenshots.

Thanks for your work on Site Name—it's widely cited.

Your Name

Template 4: Editor-Assist (do the formatting for them)

When to use: The guide has strict structure or comparison tables.

Email Template

Hi Name,

I matched your format in "[Guide Title]" so it's paste-ready:

H3: Your Product — Best for X
Summary (35–45 words): concise blurb
Pros: 3 bullets
Cons: 1 honest trade-off
Specs table row: CSV or markdown matching their headers
Pricing: transparent range + plan notes
Links: official, docs, security, changelog
Media: link to 1200×630, 800×800, SVG logo; all under 500 KB

If you'd like, I can draft a "What changed in Month Year" note for your update stamp.

Best,
Your Name

Template 5: Expert Quote / Co-Create (become a source)

When to use: Build relationships and earn recurring inclusion.

Email Template

Hi Name,

If you're adding context to "[Guide Title]," I can provide a neutral 60–80 word quote on topic—no brand pitch, just clarity for readers. Example angles:

When to choose Option A vs Option B
What actually matters in spec (and what's marketing fluff)
Budget vs pro picks—how to decide

If useful, I can also share an anonymized dataset (N records) showing insight.

Either way, thank you for maintaining a high-quality guide.

Your Name

Best practices (quick)

Personalize with two specifics from their article.
Keep the ask simple: one action per email.
Offer a paste-ready card, table row, and assets every time.
Be honest about trade-offs… editors keep trustworthy contributors around.
Follow-ups: one short nudge per week, max 3 total, then let it rest for a quarter.

Your "paste-ready" asset pack (link in every email)

1-line value prop + 45-word blurb
Pros/cons (3/1)
Specs in the publisher's exact columns
Price range + plan notes
Hi-res images (1200×630, 800×800), lightweight WebP + SVG logo
PDF one-pager with testing data, certifications, and changelog
1–2 short quotes with full attribution and permission

Tracking & goals

Replies per 100 sends (aim: 15–30%)
Additions per 100 sends (aim: 5–10%)
Retention on refresh (stay in after updates)
AI citation lift on target queries (log monthly)

Ready to scale this?

Use GetListicled to discover, score, and prioritize live listicles… then plug these templates into your outreach rhythm.