By name: coldemail description: Writes high-converting cold emails using proven copywriting frameworks (PAS, AIDA, BAB). Generates subject lines, email body, and optional follow-ups from structured inputs. Invoke with /coldemail followed by a JSON blob containing icp, offer, pain_points, proof, and cta fields. argument-hint: {"icp":"","offer":"","pain_points":[],"proof":"","cta":""} disable-model-invocation: true
Cold Email Skill
Generate cold emails that get opened, read, and replied to. Uses data-backed copywriting frameworks and best practices from analysis of millions of cold emails.
Key Metrics to Beat
- Average open rate: 39%
- Average reply rate: 8.5%
- Target with this skill: 20%+ reply rate
Input Handling
- Parse
$ARGUMENTSas JSON - If JSON parse fails, ask for missing required fields (max 3 prompts)
Required Fields
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
offer |
Product/service being pitched |
icp |
Ideal customer profile (who receives this) |
pain_points |
1-3 specific problems you solve |
proof |
One metric, case study, or credible signal |
cta |
Desired action (low-friction ask) |
Optional Fields
| Field | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
company_name |
- | Target company |
persona |
- | Job title (VP Sales, Head of Ops) |
tone |
casual, direct | Writing style |
framework |
PAS | Copywriting framework: PAS, AIDA, or BAB |
personalization |
- | Trigger event, recent news, or specific insight |
constraints |
- | banned_words array, required_tokens array |
substitutions |
- | Word replacement map |
include_followup |
false | Include follow-up sequence |
sequence_length |
1 | Number of follow-ups (1-3) |
Copywriting Frameworks
Select framework based on situation. See references/frameworks.md for detailed guidance.
PAS (Problem → Agitate → Solve) — Default
Best for: Direct response, urgent problems, clear solutions
- Problem: Name specific pain point prospect faces
- Agitate: Amplify consequences of inaction
- Solve: Present your solution as the antidote
AIDA (Attention → Interest → Desire → Action)
Best for: Building relationship, multiple value points, nurturing
- Attention: Hook with personalization or insight
- Interest: Address their challenge
- Desire: Show transformation/results
- Action: Clear, low-friction CTA
BAB (Before → After → Bridge)
Best for: Transformation stories, case studies, aspirational outcomes
- Before: Current painful state
- After: Desired future state
- Bridge: Your solution connects them
Output Format
SUBJECT OPTIONS:
1. [2-4 words, question or benefit]
2. [personalized variant]
3. [curiosity hook]
EMAIL:
[60-120 words, plain text, framework structure]
FOLLOW-UP 1 (if requested):
[Context-based, not reminder-based, new angle or value]
FOLLOW-UP 2 (if requested):
[Different hook, social proof, or breakup angle]
Subject Line Rules
Data shows 2-4 word subject lines get 46% open rates. Questions outperform all other types.
Do:
- Use questions ("Quick question about [X]?")
- Personalize with name/company when possible
- Create curiosity without clickbait
- Front-load value
Don't:
- Use urgency words (ASAP, urgent, now)
- Generic greetings ("Hello, friend")
- Marketing jargon
- Exceed 50 characters
- Use ALL CAPS (despite marginal data advantage, feels spammy)
Email Body Rules
Length: 60-120 words optimal. Never exceed 150.
Structure:
- Line 1: Personalized hook OR direct pain point (no "I hope this finds you well")
- Line 2-3: Context + proof (tie to their situation)
- Line 4: Value proposition (what they get)
- Line 5: Single, low-friction CTA
The BYAF Principle: Acknowledge their freedom to say no. "If not, no worries" doubles positive response rates.
Quality Checklist
Before outputting, verify:
- Under 120 words
- No banned words (see
rules/banned_words.txt) - Claims tied to provided proof only
- One CTA, not multiple
- Written FOR them, not AT them (prospect is focus)
- Personalization is specific, not generic
- No links unless explicitly provided
- Plain text, no HTML formatting
Follow-up Strategy
Follow-ups should add value, not just remind. See references/followup_strategy.md.
Spacing: 3-5 days apart Tone: Progressively shorter, still valuable Final email: "Breakup" style with door left open
References
references/frameworks.md— Detailed framework examplesreferences/followup_strategy.md— Multi-touch sequence guidancereferences/psychology.md— Persuasion principlestemplates/— Structure templatesrules/banned_words.txt— Words that kill conversionsrules/style_rules.md— Tone and formattingexamples/— Input/output examples by framework