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Email Sequence Builder Framework

Create email sequences that convert subscribers to customers

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Email sequences are the backbone of modern marketing automation. But most AI-written emails sound generic and fail to connect with readers. The difference between a 2% and 20% click rate often comes down to how you prompt the AI.

This framework gives you battle-tested templates for the three most important email sequences: welcome series, nurture campaigns, and sales sequences. Each includes specific prompts you can customize for your business.

Types of Email Sequences

Before diving into prompts, understand which sequence you need:

  • Welcome Series: 3-5 emails over 7-14 days for new subscribers. Goal: build trust and deliver quick wins.
  • Nurture Sequence: Ongoing education emails. Goal: keep you top-of-mind until they are ready to buy.
  • Sales Sequence: 5-7 emails over 7-10 days. Goal: convert warm leads into customers.

Insight

The best email sequences do not sell directly. They solve problems, build trust, and make the sale feel like the natural next step.

The AIDA Framework for Emails

Every email in your sequence should follow AIDA. Include this in your prompts so AI structures emails correctly.

1

Attention

Hook them with a subject line and opening that stops the scroll. Use curiosity, urgency, or relevance.
2

Interest

Build on the hook with a story, statistic, or problem they recognize. Make them nod along.
3

Desire

Show them what life looks like after solving the problem. Paint a vivid picture of the outcome.
4

Action

Give them one clear thing to do next. One CTA, one link, one decision.

Welcome Series Template

Your welcome series sets the tone for the entire relationship. Here is the prompt template:

Welcome Series Prompt
Write a 5-email welcome series for [YOUR BUSINESS TYPE].

CONTEXT:
- Subscribers signed up for: [LEAD MAGNET/OFFER]
- Our audience: [TARGET DEMOGRAPHIC]
- Brand voice: [TONE - e.g., friendly professional, casual, authoritative]
- Main product/service: [WHAT YOU SELL]

SEQUENCE STRUCTURE:
Email 1 (Day 0): Deliver the lead magnet + set expectations
Email 2 (Day 2): Share your origin story or mission
Email 3 (Day 4): Provide a quick win or valuable tip
Email 4 (Day 6): Address the #1 objection or fear
Email 5 (Day 8): Soft CTA to learn more about your solution

FOR EACH EMAIL INCLUDE:
- Subject line (under 50 chars, curiosity-driven)
- Preview text (under 90 chars)
- Body copy following AIDA structure
- Single clear CTA

CONSTRAINTS:
- Each email under 300 words
- No pushy sales language in emails 1-4
- Use "you" more than "we"
Try this template

Pro Tip

Replace the bracketed placeholders with your specific details. The more context you give, the better the output.

Nurture Sequence Template

Nurture emails educate and build trust over time. They work best as a recurring series.

Nurture Email Prompt
Write a nurture email for [YOUR BUSINESS].

TOPIC: [SPECIFIC TOPIC/TIP TO SHARE]

CONTEXT:
- Reader is already on our list but has not purchased
- They are interested in: [THEIR GOAL/PROBLEM]
- This is part of a weekly educational series

EMAIL STRUCTURE:
1. Hook: Start with a question or surprising fact
2. Story/Example: Illustrate the point with a real scenario
3. Teaching: Share 2-3 actionable takeaways
4. Bridge: Connect this to how you can help further
5. Soft CTA: Invite them to reply or check out a related resource

VOICE: Helpful mentor, not salesperson
LENGTH: 250-400 words
INCLUDE: One specific, actionable tip they can use today

Sales Sequence Template

Sales sequences are for warm leads ready to make a decision. Each email should build on the previous.

Before
Write sales emails for my course.
After
Write a 5-email sales sequence for my [PRODUCT TYPE] launching [DATE].

PRODUCT: [NAME] - [ONE-LINE DESCRIPTION]
PRICE: [AMOUNT]
AUDIENCE: [WHO IT'S FOR]
MAIN BENEFIT: [PRIMARY TRANSFORMATION]

SEQUENCE STRUCTURE:
Email 1: Problem agitation + solution introduction
Email 2: Case study/social proof
Email 3: Objection handling (address top 3 concerns)
Email 4: Urgency (deadline/bonus expiring)
Email 5: Final call + recap of what they get

FOR EACH EMAIL:
- Subject line (test 2 versions)
- Opening hook that creates curiosity
- Body following AIDA
- Clear CTA with specific button text
- P.S. line with additional hook

CONSTRAINTS:
- Match our brand voice: [TONE]
- Include specific numbers/results where possible
- No hype words like "revolutionary" or "game-changing"

Warning

Sales sequences work best for warm leads. Sending them to cold subscribers will hurt deliverability and trust.

AI Prompting Tips for Email

Get better emails by including these elements in every prompt:

  • Specific numbers: “Subscribers who read all 5 emails are 3x more likely to buy”
  • Voice examples: Include a paragraph showing your writing style
  • What NOT to do: “Avoid cliches like 'in today's fast-paced world'”
  • Subject line formulas: Curiosity gap, number-based, question-based
  • Curiosity gap: “The one thing most marketers get wrong about...”
  • Number-based: “3 emails that generated $47K in sales”
  • Question: “Are you making this common email mistake?”
  • How-to: “How to double your open rates this week”
  • Personal: “[Name], quick question about your emails”

Next Steps

You now have the frameworks. AskSmarter.ai can help you fill in the details with guided questions about your specific business, audience, and goals.

Build your email sequence now

Answer a few questions about your business and audience. AskSmarter creates a custom email sequence prompt tailored to your situation.

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