A good pitch email is short, specific and sent at the right moment. The templates below are organised by the reason you are getting in touch, because that reason is what makes a brand reply. Replace everything in [square brackets], cut anything that does not sound like you, and never send one unedited.
Four rules before you use them
- Lead with them, not you. The first line should be about their brand.
- Keep it under 120 words. If it needs scrolling on a phone, it is too long.
- Show two or three relevant pieces, linked, not attached.
- Make one small ask. A short call or permission to send ideas.
1. When a brand is launching a product
Subject: [Product name] launch imagery Hi [First name], Congratulations on [product name]. I saw the announcement on [where] and it looks like a great fit for [their audience]. I'm a [photographer / videographer / designer] specialising in [sector], and launches like this are most of my work. Recently I [one-line result for a similar brand]. A couple of examples: [link 1], [link 2] If you're still planning the launch content, would a 15-minute call next week be useful? [Name] [Website]
2. After a funding round
Subject: Congrats on the raise Hi [First name], Congratulations on closing your [round]. Exciting next chapter for [brand]. Brands at this stage often find their content hasn't kept up with where the business is going. I help [sector] brands build [type of work] that scales with growth, for example [one-line example]. Recent work: [link] Happy to share a few ideas for [brand] if helpful. Worth a quick call? [Name]
3. When they hire a new creative lead
Subject: Welcome to [brand] Hi [First name], Congratulations on the new role at [brand]. The first few months must be busy. If you're reviewing who you work with on [type of work], I'd love to be on your list. I work with [sector] brands like [client or type of client], most recently on [project]. A few examples: [link 1], [link 2] No rush at all. Happy to grab a coffee or call whenever suits. [Name]
4. When you spot a rebrand
Subject: [Brand]'s new look Hi [First name], I noticed [brand]'s new [logo / website / packaging]. It's a big step up. A new identity often leaves the existing [imagery / video / assets] feeling out of step. I help brands bring [type of work] in line with a refresh, for example [one-line example]. Work: [link] Would it be useful if I sent over a few ideas? [Name]
5. When ad spend is increasing
Subject: Content for your [platform] ads Hi [First name], I've noticed [brand] running a lot more on [Instagram / TikTok] recently. The [campaign or product] ads look great. At that volume, fresh creative runs out fast. I produce [type of content] for paid social, built for testing, for example [one-line example]. Recent work: [link] Open to a quick chat about keeping the pipeline full? [Name]
6. Getting back in touch with a past client
Subject: Idea for [brand] Hi [First name], Hope all's well since we worked on [project]. I saw [recent news about the brand] and it gave me an idea for [short idea]. Happy to send a quick outline if it's useful. [Name]
Follow-up templates
First follow-up, after four or five working days
Hi [First name], just bumping this in case it got buried. I also put together [a quick idea / a relevant example] for [brand]: [link]. Worth a chat?
Second follow-up, about two weeks later
Hi [First name], I'll leave this here so I'm not clogging your inbox. If [type of work] comes up for [brand] later in the year, I'd love to help. [Name]
Subject lines that get opened
- [Product name] launch imagery
- Congrats on the raise
- Idea for [brand]'s [campaign]
- [Brand] x [your name]
- Welcome to [brand]
Short, specific and about them. Avoid "Collaboration opportunity", "Quick question" and anything that reads like a newsletter.
What not to do
- Open with "My name is…" or a paragraph about your background.
- Attach large files or a full PDF portfolio to a first email.
- Send the same email to 50 brands with only the name changed.
- Ask for a big commitment, like a full brief or a budget, in the first message.
Every template starts with a trigger. BrandBnk finds those triggers across UK brands, including launches, funding, new hires, rebrands and ad spend, and shows you who to contact. You write the email. For the full process, read how to pitch to brands.