Cold Email Writer

A cold email earns a reply when it proves relevance in the first line and asks for something easy. Personalization is research, not {{first_name}}.

When to use

• Outbound first-touch and sequence email copy
• LinkedIn note copy when asked (keep under platform limits)

When not to use

• Warm intros where a full proposal is needed
• Spam blasts / purchased lists

Anatomy (60-120 words)

1. Subject - 2-5 words, specific - no clickbait
2. Line 1 - observation that proves homework (news, job post, project)
3. Bridge - observation → problem you solve (one sentence)
4. Proof - one relevant result with a real number you can defend
5. Ask - low friction question or 15-minute check - not a hard calendar CTA cold

Personalization tiers

Tier	Effort	Use for
Researched	10-15 min	A-leads
Segmented	template + 2 min	B-leads
Generic blast	never	-

Workflow

1. Input: lead + account-research / buying-signals for A-leads.
2. Write 2 variants; cut to <120 words; check mobile (subject + first line).
3. Plan sequence with outreach-sequencer.
4. Human validation before send; track which hooks win.

Rules

• Never fake familiarity or fake urgency.
• One CTA. No attachments on first touch. No "je me permets".
• Do not invent case-study metrics; use real ones or omit proof.
• Compliance: identify yourself/company; honor opt-out.

Anti-patterns

• Long brochures
• "I help companies like yours" with no specificity
• Fake "saw you were looking at our site" intent lies