# Email Template Library

Templates are organized by **sequence step** so you know at a glance which one belongs where in a cold outreach flow. Every template has a matching `.html` version for a more polished look.

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## Step 1 — Initial Outreach (Day 0)

First touch. Goal: get a reply, not a sale. Short, curious, zero pressure.

| Folder | Best for |
|---|---|
| **`default`** | Safe, short fallback. One-liner about what you do + soft ask. Good when you're not sure which one to pick. |
| **`step1-first-touch`** | Curiosity-driven, no pitch. Ends with a genuine question. Highest reply rate across industries. |
| **`step1-short-intro`** | Ultra-short, 3–4 lines. For busy operators who won't read anything longer. |
| **`step1-question-opener`** | Opens with a direct question about their business. Great for discovery-style outreach. |
| **`step1-value-add`** | Gives a free tip/insight before asking for anything. Best for skeptical audiences. |

**Recommended:** `step1-first-touch` for most campaigns.

---

## Step 2 — Friendly Nudge (Day 3)

Short, low-pressure bump. Acknowledges they're busy. Same ask as Step 1.

| Folder | Best for |
|---|---|
| **`step2-bump`** | Standard soft bump. Re-asks the original question. *Default recommendation for Step 2.* |
| **`step2-quick-nudge`** | Even shorter — offers one-word reply options ("later" / "not interested" / "send info"). |

---

## Step 3 — New Angle / Value (Day 10)

New content, not a rehash. Either a proof point, a tip, or a different ask. This is where most replies happen.

| Folder | Best for |
|---|---|
| **`step3-new-angle`** | Adds a specific proof point + "last try" framing. *Default recommendation for Step 3.* |
| **`step3-case-study`** | Social proof with hard numbers + a real quote. Strongest for skeptical leads. |
| **`step3-meeting-request`** | Direct ask for a 15-minute call with a structured agenda. Use if intent signals are present. |
| **`step3-soft-pitch`** | Gentle 30-second pitch + "tell me more" CTA. In between case-study and meeting-request. |

---

## Step 4 — Close the Loop (Day 24)

Last email. Counterintuitively gets the most replies of any follow-up.

| Folder | Best for |
|---|---|
| **`step4-breakup`** | Classic break-up — takes the hint, leaves the door open. *Default recommendation for Step 4.* |
| **`step4-soft-close`** | Warmer, less transactional version. Same outcome, gentler tone. |

---

## Special-Purpose (outside the main sequence)

| Folder | Best for |
|---|---|
| **`special-re-engagement`** | Contacts from 3–12 months ago who went quiet. Highlights what's new on your side. |
| **`special-referral-ask`** | Current/past customers — asks for a one-line intro to anyone who might be a fit. |

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## Recommended 4-Email Sequence

| Day | Template | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | `step1-first-touch` | Open with curiosity, no ask |
| +3 | `step2-bump` | Light nudge, same question |
| +10 | `step3-new-angle` | Fresh content + soft proof |
| +24 | `step4-breakup` | Close the loop, permission to reopen |

Defaults in the **Follow-ups** tab auto-select these for Steps 2/3/4, but you can pick any template from the dropdown.

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## Placeholder Variables

All templates use these — they auto-fill from the lead row and your business profile:

### Lead variables (per lead)
| Variable | What it is |
|---|---|
| `{first_name}` | Lead's first name (falls back to "Team" if unknown) |
| `{greeting}` | Smart greeting (name if known, otherwise polite fallback) |
| `{company}` / `{company_name}` | Business name |
| `{industry}` | Their industry |
| `{extra_context}` | AI-generated pain point specific to their business |
| `{opener}` | AI-generated personalized opening line |

### Your business variables (from `business_profile.json`)
| Variable | What it is |
|---|---|
| `{founder_first_name}` / `{founder_name}` | Your name |
| `{business_name}` / `{product_name}` | Your company / product |
| `{website}` / `{reply_email}` / `{phone}` | Contact info |
| `{postal_address}` | Physical address (required for CAN-SPAM) |
| `{pitch_tagline}` / `{pitch_paragraph}` | Short / long pitch |
| `{price_line}` / `{trial_line}` | Pricing + offer |

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## Writing your own templates

1. Create a new folder: `templates/stepN-mycampaign/` (prefix with `step1-` / `step2-` / `step3-` / `step4-` / `special-` so it groups correctly).
2. Add two files:
   - `email_template_plain.txt`
   - `email_template.html`
3. Use any of the variables above in `{curly braces}`.
4. Always include the physical address + unsubscribe line (CAN-SPAM).

The new template appears automatically in the Review & Send and Follow-ups dropdowns.

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## Best-Practice Reminders

- Subject lines are **auto-generated** at send time unless you override them.
- Keep cold intros **under 100 words**. Long emails get skipped.
- **Ask one question.** Two questions cut reply rates in half.
- "A 'not for us' reply is helpful" outperforms guilt closers.
- Steps 2–4 should each feel **different** — reusing Step 1 copy trains the recipient to ignore you.
- **Send limits matter more than template quality.** Start at 10–20/day, warm up over 2 weeks.
