🎯 Key Takeaways
- ✓ 7 frameworks tested on thousands of sends: PVP, PQS, Video CTA, Audit Offer, Trojan Horse, Direct, and Competitor Analysis
- ✓ Each framework targets a different buying psychology: data, social proof, urgency, or curiosity
- ✓ Minimum 100-200 emails per variant to statistically validate a template
- ✓ No universal framework exists: test 2-3 frameworks adapted to your ICP and let data decide
- ✓ Follow-ups are as critical as the first email: 2-3 follow-ups spaced 3-5 days apart change everything
Hey everyone! Today I'm sharing 7 cold email frameworks that perform best in my outbound campaigns. No theory, just concrete tactics tested on thousands of sends.
The truth? You never know which format will crush it on a new market, segment, or target. So here's my process: I build the core message, then I adapt it into multiple frameworks and test. Same message, different formats. That's the whole copywriting game in outbound.
What's a Cold Email "Framework"?
A framework is a proven structure that organizes your message to maximize impact. It's not just a plug-and-play template—it's a construction logic that adapts to your offer, ICP, and value proposition.
Each framework responds to a different buying psychology. Some prospects respond better to data, others to social proof, and others to urgency or curiosity. Your job? Test to discover what resonates with your audience.
The 7 Frameworks That Explode My Response Rates
1. Permissionless Value Prop (PVP)
The principle: You show up with a "non-obvious" insight found via public data (permits, hiring, relocations) and propose a solution.
When to use it? Regulated industries where you can find relevant public data: finance, healthcare, construction, manufacturing.
Template example:
``text
Hi [first name],
I looked at [company] and saw your [location/facility] just filed a new permit for [type]. That usually means [expected change] will increase faster than [bottleneck].
That's exactly the type of risk we solve by [solution action] and eliminating [process problem].
If that interests you, I can send you the complete use case of how we do it (adapted to your setup).
Best,
`
Why it works: You show you've done your homework. You're not sending a generic email—you're bringing an insight they may not have seen coming. It's an email someone would "pay to receive."
2. Pain Qualified Segment (PQS)
The principle: You show them "we've already solved this exact problem for someone like you" and offer to share how.
When to use it? When you identify a prospect in the same situation as one of your current clients. Same trigger, same pain pattern.
Template:
`text
Hi [first name],
I saw that [company] is going through [trigger event]. Teams in this situation usually run into [pain point] and end up losing [estimated cost/impact].
We just helped [similar client] solve this by [solution summary] with a result of [measurable outcome].
If it can help, I can share what they did and how it worked.
Thanks,
`
Why it works: You're not pitching, you're sharing a relevant experience. The prospect recognizes themselves in the case study and naturally wants to know how you solved the problem.
3. Video CTA
The principle: The CTA is super simple to accept. The prospect has nothing to lose by watching a 1-2 minute video.
When to use it? When you want to create low-friction engagement before proposing a call.
Template:
`text
Hey [first name], would you mind if I share a 2-minute video on how [company] can achieve [opportunity] with [insight]?
We've helped a few other [niche] teams do this, so I thought it might interest you.
Thanks,
`
Why it works: It's the softest possible request. No call, no commitment. Just "can I show you something?" The key? Your insight must be truly relevant.
4. Audit Offer
The principle: You remove all friction and test if your offer resonates at scale. No fancy personalization, just the offer.
When to use it? When you have a killer free offer to test (audit, trial, exclusive resource).
Template:
`text
Hey [first name],
We offer a free [process] audit where we analyze how you manage [process details], then share 3 concrete actions to improve [relevant KPIs].
Reply "yes" and I'll send you the link to get your free audit.
P.S. No, I'm not kidding. We'll actually analyze your setup and send you back 3 actionable improvements you can implement immediately.
Thanks,
If it's not relevant, just reply "No."
`
Why it works: The offer is so clear and generous it cuts through objections. The P.S. reinforces credibility by anticipating skepticism.
5. Trojan Horse Email
The principle: The first email looks like a customer question, not sales. The second email reveals the offer.
When to use it? With caution. It generates lots of responses but can frustrate if poorly managed.
Email 1:
`text
[Name], do you still do [core service/product they offer]?
`
Email 2:
`text
[Name], I'm asking because we help [industry] companies like yours with [specific problem solved].
Example: [company] improved [metric] by [result] in [timeframe] thanks to [solution type].
Want me to do a quick analysis of your [process/system]? It takes 15 minutes and you get a custom report with [specific outcome]. Even if we never work together.
Thanks,
`
Why it works: The first email generates curiosity without triggering "cold email" alerts. The second brings immediate value. Warning: be transparent that it's outbound in the follow-up.
6. Direct Email
The principle: You cut all the fluff and test if your value proposition resonates. Period.
When to use it? When you want a clean signal on your value prop, without parasitic variables.
Template:
`text
Hi [name],
If I could help you achieve [result] in [timeframe], like we did for [company], would you be open to discussing it?
`
Why it works: It forces the prospect to respond on substance. If it doesn't work, you know your core message has a problem, not your opening line or personalization.
7. Competitor Analysis Email
The principle: You play on what interests ALL decision-makers: what their competitors are doing that they're not.
When to use it? When you have real relevant intel on their competitors.
Template:
`text
Hi [first name],
Out of curiosity, how often do you run into [competitor]?
I analyzed their approach on [initiative/process] and found [number] strategies they use to [achieve outcome] that [company] could implement.
Worth me sharing that with you?
Thanks,
``
Why it works: Nobody ignores this type of intel. The hard part? Finding real relevant insights, not generalities.
How to Test These Templates in Your Campaigns
Here's my exact process:
1. Build your core message: Before choosing a framework, define your main message: what problem you solve, for whom, and with what result.
2. Select 2-3 frameworks: Choose those that best match your ICP and value proposition. No need to test them all at once.
3. Create A/B variants: Same framework, small variations in wording or approach angle.
4. Measure what matters:
- Response rate (message)
- Quality of responses (positive vs. others)
- Type of call conversation (positive vs. neutral vs. negative)
5. Iterate quickly: Once you have 100-200 sends per variant, you have enough data to decide. Cut what doesn't work, scale what does.
Mistakes to Avoid with These Templates
❌ Copy-pasting without adapting: These frameworks are structures, not plug-and-play emails. Adapt them to your market.
❌ Testing too many variables at once: One test = one variable. Otherwise you'll never know what really works.
❌ Lack of volume: 50 emails isn't enough to validate a framework. Aim for minimum 100-200 per variant.
❌ Neglecting follow-ups: The first email almost never converts alone. Your follow-ups are as critical as email 1.
❌ Using Trojan Horse without transparency: If you use this technique, be clear that it's outbound in your follow-up. Otherwise you lose credibility.
Final Word
These 7 frameworks aren't magic formulas. They're tested structures that work because they respond to different buying psychologies.
Here's how I use them based on context:
- Regulated industries with public data = PVP
- Client in similar situation to existing case = PQS
- Need to create low-friction engagement = Video CTA
- Testing a killer free offer at scale = Audit Offer
- Pure value prop test = Direct Email
- Relevant competitor intel = Competitor Analysis
The secret? Test, measure, iterate. There's no universal framework. The one that works best for you depends on your ICP, your offer, and your market.
Start with 2-3 frameworks, send 100-200 emails per variant, and let the data guide you.