cold-email-sequence-generator-skill

What this skill does

# Cold Email Sequence Generator

<objective>
Craft personalized, value-driven cold email sequences (5-14 emails) with A/B test subject lines, optimal send timing, social proof integration, and breakup strategy. Produces complete multi-touch campaigns optimized for open and reply rates across any industry or persona.
</objective>

<quick_start>
**Trigger:** "Create a cold email sequence for [audience]" or "Write a 7-email sequence for [use case]"
**Input:** Target audience/ICP, your value proposition, social proof/case studies, sequence length
**Output:** Full email sequence with subject lines (A/B), body copy, timing, personalization variables, and performance benchmarks
</quick_start>

<variant_support>
This skill supports A/B variants via config.json.
1. Read this skill's `config.json` — check if `variants.enabled` is true
2. If enabled, run: `bash scripts/variant-assigner.sh cold-email-sequence-generator-skill $(date +%s)`
3. Apply the `prompt_suffix` from the assigned variant's definition to modify the workflow
4. Record the variant name in the outcome sidecar (see final stage below)

**Current experiment:** `cold-email-subject-style-001`
- `control`: Standard 7-email framework
- `concise`: 5-email framework, 50-word max per email
</variant_support>

<success_criteria>
- [ ] Sequence type selected (Classic 7-email, Fast-Track 5, Long-Play 12-14, Event-Based, Re-Engagement)
- [ ] Each email has A/B subject lines, body copy, and clear single CTA
- [ ] Send timing and day/time recommendations included
- [ ] Personalization variables identified with sourcing guidance
- [ ] Social proof integrated (case studies, stats, testimonials)
- [ ] Breakup email included as final touch
- [ ] Performance benchmarks provided for optimization
</success_criteria>

<workflow>

## Sequence Types

1. **Classic Cold Outreach** (7 emails, 2 weeks)
2. **Fast-Track** (5 emails, 1 week)
3. **Long-Play Nurture** (12-14 emails, 4-6 weeks)
4. **Event/Trigger-Based** (3-5 emails, event-specific)
5. **Re-Engagement** (5 emails, revive old leads)

## Email Sequence Framework

| Email # | Role | Goal | Length | CTA Style |
|---------|------|------|--------|-----------|
| 1 | Introduction | Make them aware you exist | 50-100 words | Soft ask (reply, quick question) |
| 2 | Value Proof | Establish credibility | 75-125 words | Specific meeting time |
| 3 | Different Angle | Address alternative pain | 50-75 words | Yes/no question |
| 4 | Social Proof | Show peer validation | 60-90 words | Simple reply |
| 5 | Resource Share | Give before asking | 40-60 words | Soft (let me know if helpful) |
| 6 | Direct Ask | Be straightforward | 30-50 words | Direct meeting request |
| 7 | Breakup | Last attempt + opt-out | 25-40 words | "Should I close your file?" |

## Timing & Sending

| Email # | Day | Time | Expected Open Rate |
|---------|-----|------|--------------------|
| 1 | Day 0 | 10:00 AM | 40-50% |
| 2 | Day 2 | 11:00 AM | 30-40% |
| 3 | Day 4 | 2:00 PM | 25-35% |
| 4 | Day 6 | 10:30 AM | 20-30% |
| 5 | Day 8 | 3:00 PM | 15-25% |
| 6 | Day 10 | 9:00 AM | 12-20% |
| 7 | Day 14 | 4:00 PM | 10-18% |

**Best Practices**: Tuesdays-Thursdays highest open rates. 10-11 AM and 2-3 PM optimal. Avoid Mondays (inbox overload) and Fridays (weekend mode). Send in recipient's local timezone.

## Email Templates

### Email #1: The Introduction
**Subject Lines (A/B Test)**:
- A (Curiosity): `Quick question about [their company]'s [specific challenge]`
- B (Value): `[Quantifiable outcome] for [their company type]`
- C (Personal): `[Name], saw your post about [specific topic]`

```
Hi [First Name],

I noticed [specific observation about their company/role] and thought you might be facing [specific challenge].

We've helped [similar company 1] and [similar company 2] [achieve specific outcome] without [common objection].

Worth a quick 15-minute conversation to see if we can do the same for [their company]?

Best,
[Your Name]

P.S. - [Personalized one-liner based on research]
```

### Email #2: The Value Proof
**Subject**: "How [Similar Company] achieved [specific result]"

```
[First Name],

Following up—wanted to share how this worked for a company like [theirs].

[Similar Company] was [specific situation]. In just [timeframe], they:
- [Specific result #1 with metric]
- [Specific result #2 with metric]
- [Specific result #3 with metric]

The best part? They got started in under [timeframe] without [common objection].

Would [Day] at [Time] work for 15 minutes?

[Your Name]
```

### Email #3: The Different Angle
**Subject**: "Different thought about [their company]"

```
Hi [First Name],

I realize [original pain point] might not be top of mind right now.

But what about [alternative pain point]?

Most [their role]s say [common complaint], which is why [mini value prop].

If this hits closer to home, happy to share how [quick win].

[Your Name]

P.S. - If neither is relevant, just let me know and I'll stop!
```

### Email #4: The Social Proof
**Subject**: "[Mutual connection] suggested I reach out" OR "How [competitor] handles [challenge]"

```
[First Name],

I was speaking with [name/title] at [similar company] about [challenge].

Here's what they said after implementing [solution]:
"[Direct quote with specific result]"

Open to a quick call to hear more about what's working in [their industry]?

[Your Name]
```

### Email #5: The Resource Share
**Subject**: "Thought you might find this useful"

```
[First Name],

No ask here—just sharing something helpful:

[Brief description of resource]: [Link]

We created this after hearing [their role]s struggle with [pain point]. Actionable tips even if you never use our product.

Hope it helps!

[Your Name]
```

### Email #6: The Direct Ask
**Subject**: "Let's cut to the chase"

```
[First Name],

Let me be direct: I think we could help [their company] [achieve outcome] based on [observation].

I'd like to show you:
1. [Specific thing #1]
2. [Specific thing #2]
3. [How others in their position use it]

15 minutes. No pressure. How's [specific day/time]?

[Your Name]
[Phone number]
```

### Email #7: The Breakup
**Subject**: "Should I close your file?"

```
[First Name],

I'll assume [topic] isn't a priority right now—totally fine.

I'll close your file unless I hear otherwise. For what it's worth, we see best results when [time-sensitive reason], so if you want to revisit, might be worth a quick chat now.

No worries either way—appreciate your time.

[Your Name]

P.S. - If someone else at [their company] should hear about this, happy to redirect.
```

**Breakup Variations**:
- **FOMO**: "Taking you off the list. FYI—[competitor] just started and is seeing [early result]."
- **Permission**: "Assuming this is: 1) Not relevant, 2) Not priority, 3) Bad timing. Which? If #3, when should I check back?"
- **Referral**: "Clearly I'm not reaching the right person. Should I talk to someone else about [topic]?"

## A/B Testing Strategy

**Test Priority** (in order):
1. **Subject Lines**: Question vs. Statement, Generic vs. Personalized, Short vs. Long
2. **Email Body**: Length (50 vs. 100 words), CTA style (Link vs. Question vs. Time slot)
3. **Send Time**: Morning vs. Afternoon, Tue vs. Wed vs. Thu

**Method**: Send to 100 prospects (50/50 split), wait 48 hours, measure open + reply rates, winner goes to remaining list.

## Performance Benchmarks

| Metric | Good | Great | Exceptional |
|--------|------|-------|-------------|
| Email 1 Open Rate | 35-45% | 45-55% | 55%+ |
| Email 1 Reply Rate | 3-8% | 8-15% | 15%+ |
| Sequence Reply Rate | 8-15% | 15-25% | 25%+ |
| Positive Reply % | 40-50% | 50-70% | 70%+ |
| Meeting Booked % | 1-3% | 3-6% | 6%+ |

## Segmentation

Adjust sequences by **Industry** (swap case studies, use industry terminology), **Company Size** (Startup: ROI focus; Mid-Market: scalability; Enterprise: security/compliance), **Role** (Executive: strategic outcomes; Practitioner: time savings; Technical: architecture/specs), and **Intent** (Hot: shorter/