Email methods
Understand each cold email method and when to use it.
An email method is the "angle" or reason you give for reaching out to someone. Each method works differently and suits different situations. Picking the right method is the single biggest factor in your reply rate.
Campaign Wizard Methods (4)
These methods are available when creating a campaign.
Podcast
Invite the prospect to be a guest on your podcast. This works well because people enjoy sharing their expertise and getting exposure.
Best for: Building relationships with high-value prospects who like to share knowledge.
Sample opening line:
Hi {{firstName}}, I came across your work at {{companyName}} and I'd love to
have you as a guest on our podcast. We feature leaders in the {{industry}}
space and I think your perspective would resonate with our audience.Interview
Ask to interview the prospect about their area of expertise. Similar to the podcast method but framed as a written or video interview.
Best for: Reaching experts and thought leaders who want to be featured.
Sample opening line:
Hi {{firstName}}, I'm reaching out because I'd love to feature your insights
on how {{companyName}} is approaching growth in the {{industry}} space. We're
putting together a piece on top leaders and your name kept coming up.AI Business Audit
Offer the prospect a free AI-powered review of their business. The AI analyzes their company and suggests growth ideas.
Best for: Service businesses that want to show value upfront before pitching.
Sample opening line:
Hi {{firstName}}, I noticed {{companyName}} might benefit from an AI-powered
business audit we've been running for other {{industry}} companies. It's a
free 10-minute review that shows exactly where you're leaving revenue on
the table.Direct
A straightforward pitch about your product or service. This method needs more information from you because the AI must understand your offer, your proof, and your target's pain points.
Best for: When you have strong social proof and a clear offer.
Sample opening line:
Hi {{firstName}}, we help companies like {{companyName}} solve [common pain
point] - most recently, we helped Acme Corp achieve +147% qualified demos
in 6 months. Would it make sense to show you how?The Direct method requires extra fields that other methods do not. See Writing Emails for the full list.
Cold Email Writer Methods (5)
The standalone Cold Email Writer has all 4 methods above, plus one more:
Masterclass
Invite the prospect to attend a masterclass you are hosting. The masterclass is an educational event where the prospect can learn something valuable.
Best for: Reaching HR leaders, L&D managers, and anyone who values professional development.
Sample opening line:
Hi {{firstName}}, I'm inviting select leaders in the {{industry}} space to a
masterclass on [topic]. Given your role as {{jobTitle}} at {{companyName}},
I thought this would be right up your alley.Which Method Should I Pick?
Use this decision guide:
Are you new to cold email?
Start with Podcast or Interview. These methods get the highest reply rates because you are offering something to the prospect (exposure, recognition) rather than asking for something. They are the safest way to start.
Do you have strong proof and case studies?
Use Direct. You need at least one solid case study with real numbers (like "+147% demos in 6 months"). Without proof, Direct emails feel empty.
Are you selling a service and want to show value first?
Use AI Business Audit. The free audit offer gives the prospect a reason to engage without committing to anything.
Are you hosting an educational event?
Use Masterclass in the Cold Email Writer. The new campaign wizard does not generate Masterclass campaigns directly.
Still not sure?
Test two methods head-to-head. Write emails with both Podcast and Direct, then run campaigns with enough volume to learn. Use 1,000-1,500 leads for a quick test, or 2,000-2,500 leads when you already know the niche you want to target.
How Methods Affect Your Campaign
The method you pick changes several things:
| What changes | How | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Email script tone | Each method has a different opening angle and call to action. | Podcast emails sound collaborative. Direct emails sound assertive. |
| Required fields | Direct needs more fields (offer details, case studies). Others need fewer. | Podcast only needs target info and sender info. Direct also needs core offer, value prop, pain points, and case studies. |
| AI SDR call type | The AI SDR can route different methods to different call types in AI SDR settings. | Podcast can use Podcast / Pre-Podcast / Intro. Interview can use Interview / Pre-Interview. AI Business Audit uses the AI Business Audit Review call type. |
| Reply rates | Podcast and Interview methods tend to get higher reply rates than Direct. | Typical range: Podcast 1-2%, Interview 0.5-1.5%, AI Business Audit 0.5-1%, Direct 0.3-0.8% (depends heavily on your list and offer). |
Something Not Working?
Used in
- New campaign wizard — Step 4, method selection
- Sequences tab — the generated sequence reflects the chosen method
- AI SDR — booking flow can differ by method and AI SDR call-type settings
- Cold Email Writer — the standalone Writer has all 5 methods