Cold Email Frameworks That Will Get You More Conversions (+Templates And Examples)

One way you can supercharge your email outreach campaigns and get results above your set benchmarks is by using some of the popular cold email frameworks.

They guide you in capturing your prospects’ attention, engaging with them, and driving the necessary actions.

We analyzed hundreds of thousands of cold emails and compiled the top 10 effective cold email frameworks that bring results for our users.

Now they are yours!

Cold Email Frameworks: Table of Contents

• How Does an Ideal Cold Email Look Like?
• 10 Cold Email Frameworks And Templates That Can Help You Generate More Leads
• Cold Email Frameworks: Key Takeaways to Improve Your Cold Email Outreach
• FAQs

How Does an Ideal Cold Email Look Like?

Before we talk about frameworks and templates, it is important to understand how to write the perfect cold email.

A good cold email is one that:

• Grabs your prospects’ attention.
• Provides them with value.
• Instigates their curiosity and
• Prompts them to take an action that’s favorable to you.

To do all this, your cold email should have the following:

• Compelling subject line: This is the first part of your email that your prospects will see. It should be short, intriguing, and relevant to their needs.
• Personalized email copy: Tailoring your email and making it relevant to the prospect helps you form a connection with them. This can increase the chances of getting a response from your prospects.
• Triggering Call-to-Action (CTA): Your CTA should be simple and straightforward. Make it as easy as possible for the prospect to take the next step.
• Memorable email sign-off: Your closing is as important as how you start your emails. Be creative, professional, and respectful. Your closing should ignite their curiosity again and make them want to reach out to you.

Here’s a format of how an ideal cold email looks like

10 Cold Email Frameworks And Templates That Can Help You Generate More Leads

Here, we’ll show you 10 effective cold email frameworks that has give astounding results.

We’ll also provide you with the templates so that you can directly copy and use them in your cold outreach emails.

1. Attention – Interest – Desire – Action (AIDA) Cold Email Framework
2. Problem – Agitate – Solve (PAS) Cold Email Framework
3. Before – After – Bridge (BAB) Cold Email Framework
4. Praise – Picture – Push (3Ps) Cold Email Framework
5. The ‘Goated One-Liner’ Cold Email Framework
6. The ‘Intent-Based’ Cold Email Framework
7. The ‘Sharing Sales Asset’ Cold Email Framework
8. The ‘Straight to Business’ Cold Email Framework
9. The ‘Customized Images’ Cold Email Framework
10. The ‘Persona-Based’ Cold Email Framework

1. Attention – Interest – Desire – Action (AIDA) Cold Email Framework

This is a very commonly used framework for cold email copywriting. It can be used to send 

Here’s the breakdown of the AIDA framework:

• Attention: You first grab the prospect’s attention with something relevant and engaging.
• Interest: Next, you generate their interest by addressing a pain point they want to solve.
• Desire: You motivate their desire by solving their challenges and showing the benefits.
• Action: You should end your cold email with a clear and compelling CTA that guides them to the next action.

Here an example to help you understand

AIDA Cold Email Framework Template

Subject:Let's {Goal to achieve}, {First_Name}!

Hello {First_Name},

{Personalized introduction by referencing a social media post, or achievement-anything relevant to the pain point}

Just wanted to ask if you are looking to {Achieve Goal} next year.

You might think this is crazy, but that's exactly what we helped {Competitor or Client} achieve this year. We helped them {Goals achieved}.

Let me know if you want to see similar results at {Company_Name}. We can schedule a quick 15-minute call to discuss further.

Looking forward to talking more,
{Your Name}
{Your Position}
{Your Company}

2. Problem – Agitate – Solve (PAS) Cold Email Framework

The next most used framework to create compelling cold email copy is the PAS framework. This is a straightforward framework where you emphasize the urgency of solving your prospect’s challenges.

Here’s how it works:

• Problem: You first find and talk about the pain your prospects face.
• Agitate: You highlight the frustrations it brings and press the need for a solution.
• Solve: Now that you have created the urgency, you present your solution and show how it can solve the problem and benefit the organization.

Let’s look at in action.

PAS Cold Email Framework Template

Subject:Let's {Goal to achieve} at {Company_Name}

Hello {First_Name},

{Personalized introduction by referencing a social media post, or achievement-anything relevant to the pain point}

{Pain point faced by prospect}

{Agitate the prospect by talking about the impact of the pain point}

{Show your service or product as the ideal solution to solve the prospect's pain points}

If this interests you, we can have a short 15-minute call where I can show you the potential savings {Your_Company_Name} can bring to {Company_Name}.

Eagerly waiting to help you {Goal to achieve},
{Your Name}
{Your Position}
{Your Company}

3. Before – After – Bridge (BAB) Cold Email Framework

The BAB framework uses storytelling to make your cold email copy more relatable and persuasive to your target audience.

Let’s take a look at how you can use this framework to create a personal connection:

• Before: You begin by describing the current problem your prospect is experiencing.
• After: You show an ideal future where all their problems are resolved. 
• Bridge: Finally, you show the prospects how your product or service can bridge the gap between the before and after.

Take a look at how it works.

BAB Cold Email Framework Template

Subject:Ready to Overcome {Painpoint}, {First_Name}

Hello {First_Name},

{Personalized introduction by referencing a social media post, or achievement-anything relevant to the pain point}

{Talk about the situation the prospect is currently facing with the challenges}

{Ask them to visualize an ideal situation where their painpoints are resolved}

{Show your service or product as the ideal solution to solve the prospect's pain points}

If you are interested, let me know, and I can schedule a quick 15-minute call to show you how we can do this for {Company_Name}.

Let’s do this together,
{Your Name}
{Your Position}
{Your Company}

4. Praise – Picture – Push (3Ps) Cold Email Framework

The 3Ps is another simple copywriting framework that will help you illustrate the benefits of your product or service to your prospects.

Let’s break it down to see how it works:

• Praise: You start by praising or complimenting your prospects. This will help you establish a personal connection with them. You can acknowledge their recent achievements, company reputation, or expertise.
• Picture: Next, you paint a picture of your prospects’ desired future outcome. Describe how your solution can benefit them.
• Push: Finally, you push the recipients to take a positive action, such as scheduling a call, signing up for a demo, or making a purchase.

See it in action.

3Ps Cold Email Framework Template

Subject:Congrats on the Milestone, {First_Name}!

Hello {First_Name},

{Personalized introduction by referencing a recent achievement and praising them for it}

{Ask them to visualize an ideal situation where their painpoints are resolved}

{Show your service or product as the ideal solution to solve the prospect's pain points}

Would you like to see how {Your_Company_Name} can help {Company_Name} double its revenue again next year?

If so, reply "yes," we can schedule a 15-minute call to explore this further.

Looking forward to achieving {Goal},
{Your Name}
{Your Position}
{Your Company}

5. The ‘Goated One-Liner’ Cold Email Framework

You can use the ‘Goated One-Liner’ Cold Email Framework to quickly ask your prospects a highly relevant question about something they would definitely like to achieve.

After the initial pull, you would pitch your solution quickly and ask them to follow through if they are interested.

This framework is all about minimal effort and using short sentences and smaller words to achieve powerful results.

Let’s break it down:

• Concise Subject Line: You start with a short, attention-grabbing subject line that hints at the value or question you’re posing.
• Single-Line Message: Next, craft a single, impactful line (or a few very short sentences) that clearly states your value proposition or asks a relevant, intriguing question.
• Call to Action: Include a straightforward call to action that makes it easy for the prospect to respond or take the next step.

Here’s an example of the framework.

Goated One-Liner Cold Email Framework Template

Subject:Quick Question for You, {First_Name}!

Hello {First_Name},

{Personalized one-liner that talks about the prospects pain point}. Would you be interested in a solution to help you {Achieve a resolution to painpoint}?

If so, reply "yes," we can schedule a 15-minute call to explore this further.

Best regards,
{Your Name}
{Your Position}
{Your Company}

6. The ‘Intent-Based’ Cold Email Framework

In this cold email framework, you will use your prospects’ intent as the reason for cold emailing them.

This will show that you have reached out to them because you have something relevant to them.

Let’s break it down to see how it works:

• Identify Intent: Start by identifying a specific action or interest your prospect has shown. This could be a social media post, a comment in an industry forum, a recent article, or any other indication of their intent.
• Connect Relevance: Connect your product or service to their expressed intent. Explain why you’re reaching out and how your solution aligns with their current needs or goals.
• Call to Action: End with a clear and compelling call to action that makes it easy for them to take the next step.

Here is an example to help you understand this framework easily.

Intent-Based Cold Email Framework Template

Subject:Your Interest in Achieveing {Goal}, {First_Name}!

Hello {First_Name},

{Personalized introduction by referencing a social media post, or anything relevant to the pain point the prospect is looking to solve}

Given your interest, I thought you might like to know how {Your_Company_Name} can help you achieve that. {Explain in short the benefits}

Would you be interested in a quick 15-minute call to see how {Your_Company_Name} can align with your goals?

Best regards,
{Your Name}
{Your Position}
{Your Company}

7. The ‘Sharing Sales Asset’ Cold Email Framework

This is one of the best frameworks you can leverage when you have a sales asset that is highly relevant to your prospects.

You can combine this with other frameworks, such as the Goated One-Liner, to make it more effective.

Here is how you can use this framework:

• Create a Relevant Sales Asset: First, carefully choose a sales asset like a case study, white paper, or eBook that is relevant to your prospect and can provide in-depth insights into how your product or service can solve their challenges.
• Personalize Your Message: Tailor your email by acknowledging your prospect’s specific need or challenge and introduce your sales asset as a potential solution.
• Pitch the Asset: Tell your prospects how you helped solve similar challenges for other customers. Highlight the success stories and key benefits your product or service provided.
• Call to Action: After pitching your sales asset, ask if your prospect would be interested in looking at it. This is crucial, as sharing such a resource in your first cold email may seem spammy. Instead, invite them to engage further by requesting a call or offering to send the resource upon their interest.

Here’s how it looks in action.

Sharing Sales Asset Cold Email Framework Template

Subject:Let's Take {Company_Name} to The Next Level!

Hello {First_Name},

Quick question! I wanted to ask if you’re spending {Cost of process that you can optimize}

Would like to save at least {A credible number with other benefits}

{Your_Company_Name did that for {Competitor/Client}.

I have a case study ready for you, John. It details how {Competitor/Client} were able to achieve {Goals}.

Reply “Yes” and I will send you the case study and you can see how we can help you do the same.

Best regards,
{Your Name}
{Your Position}
{Your Company}

8. The ‘Straight to Business’ Cold Email Framework

This is the one for you if you want a business get-to-the-point framework that is not funny. It focuses on delivering a clear and direct message, making it perfect for busy professionals who appreciate efficiency.

This is how the framework works:

• Direct Subject Line: Use a clear and concise subject line that immediately conveys the purpose of your email.
• Brief Introduction: Introduce yourself and your company briefly.
• Value Proposition: Clearly state the main benefit or solution you offer.
• Call to Action: End with a straightforward call to action that makes it easy for the prospect to respond or take the next step.

Here’s an example

Straight to Business Cold Email Framework Template

Subject:Achieve {Goal}, {First_Name}!

Hello {First_Name},

{Introduce yourself and directly ask if they want help in achieveing goals and solving painpoints}

Can we schedule a 15-minute call to discuss how {Your_Company_Name} can help you achieve your goals?

Best regards,
{Your Name}
{Your Position}
{Your Company}

9. The ‘Customized Images’ Cold Email Framework

This is an experimental framework, and you should be careful when using it as there is a higher chance of getting marked as spam.

When using customized images, GIFs, or videos, you must ensure your prospect list is very short.

You can send images or videos from the 1st follow-up to improve your deliverability.

Here’s how you can use this framework:

• Select the Right Visuals: Choose images, GIFs, or videos relevant to your message. They can be customized to include the recipient’s name, company logo, or other personalized details.
• Create Personalized Visuals: Use tools like Canva, Vidyard, or Hyperise to create personalized visuals. These tools allow you to add personalization elements to your images or videos easily.
• Embed Visuals in Your Email: Make sure the visuals are embedded properly in your email to ensure they display correctly across different email clients. Test your email to check how it looks on various devices.
• Keep the Message Short: Since the visual will do most of the talking, keep the text brief and to the point. Use the visual to complement your message and highlight the key points.
• Include a Clear CTA: Ensure your call to action is clear and easy to follow. The CTA can be embedded within the visual or included as a button or link below the visual.

10. The ‘ Persona-Based’ Cold Email Framework

This framework has shown great potential to help form personal bonds with the prospects.

You reach out to prospects with the same characteristics as you or your team members. This way, you both can empathize with each other better.

Here’s how it works:

• Identify Common Characteristics: You need to find prospects who share similar roles, challenges, or industry experience as you or your team members.
• Personalize Your Message: Craft your email by acknowledging these commonalities and explaining how your shared experiences can help address their challenges.
• Highlight Your Solution: Clearly present how your product or service can solve their specific pain points, using your own experiences as a reference.
• Call to Action: End with a clear call to action, inviting your prospect to discuss how your shared experiences and solutions can benefit them.

Here is the ‘Persona-Based’ Cold Email Framework in action.

Persona-Based Cold Email Framework Template

Subject: From One {Your_Designation} to Another, {First_Name}

Hello {First_Name},

{Introduce yourself with a personalized icebreaker referencing any social media post or recent achievement}

As someone who has dealt with {Job_Role_Responsibilities},  I understand the difficulties of {Process}

I believe our solution could also be a game-changer for {Company_Name}. {Benefits you bring}

Would you be interested in a quick 15-minute call to discuss how we can help?

Looking forward to connecting,
{Your Name}
{Your Position}
{Your Company}

Cold Email Frameworks: Key Takeaways to Improve Your Cold Email Outreach

• You need to understand your prospects’ needs, pain points, and goals thoroughly. Then, personalize your emails based on this knowledge to boost engagement significantly.

• Select the framework that best fits your situation. Whether it’s AIDA for a structured approach or the ‘Goated One-Liner’ for brevity, match the framework to your goals and audience.

• Keep your emails short, to the point, and jargon-free. Busy professionals appreciate clear and concise messages.

• You must continuously test different frameworks and elements of your emails to optimize and find which approach works best for what.

• You should send follow-up emails to improve your chances of getting a positive response. Make sure to space them strategically from each other.

• You can use cold email software(s) like Saleshandy to automate your outreach, personalize your messages, schedule your emails, test different frameworks, and track your campaign’s success.

FAQs

1. How can I personalize my cold emails?

An important point is that personalization in 2024 and onwards is completely different. It is more than just include the prospect’s first name, last name, or company name. You have to do your research and find relevant information like recent achievements or social media posts on challenges they face to form a personal connection through your cold emails. To help you personalize at scale, you can use cold email software like Salehandy.

2. How long should a cold email be?

Your cold emails should be short and concise, ideally between 50 and 125 words. You should be able to create curiosity and compel your prospects to respond positively to them.

3. How many follow-ups should I send?

Our study found that sending at least three follow-up emails can increase the response rate by 28%. So, ideally, you can have 3 to 4 follow-up emails.

4. What’s the best time to send a cold email?

If you want your emails to be opened and your prospects to respond to them, you should send your cold emails and follow-ups during the weekdays. You can also experiment and find which time of the day works best for your prospect demographic.

5. How can I find the best framework for my unique needs?

The right framework depends on what information you have of your prospects and how you can position your product or service. You can A/B test different frameworks to find which one you are good at.