| name | nurture-sequence |
| description | Creates email nurture sequences, drip campaigns, and automated email flows.
Designs welcome sequences, lead nurturing, onboarding flows, and re-engagement
campaigns. Use this skill when you need multi-email sequences with strategic
timing and progressive engagement.
|
| allowed-tools | ["Bash","Read","Write","Glob","Grep","AskUserQuestion"] |
Nurture Sequence Skill
QUICK REFERENCE
- Output folder:
output/content/sequences/
- File naming:
YYYY-MM-DD_topic_nurture_sequence.md
- Sample script:
scripts/samples/sample_nurture_sequence.py
- Run with:
.venv\Scripts\python.exe scripts/samples/sample_nurture_sequence.py
- Sequence types: Welcome, Lead Nurture, Onboarding, Re-engagement, Launch, Webinar
- Frameworks: PAS, AIDA, BAB (see
content-frameworks skill)
- Python: ALWAYS use
.venv\Scripts\python.exe (never bare python)
Creates strategic email sequences that build relationships and drive conversions over time.
Scope of This Skill
This skill handles:
- Welcome/onboarding sequences
- Lead nurture sequences
- Sales sequences
- Educational drip campaigns
- Re-engagement sequences
- Cart abandonment sequences
- Post-purchase sequences
- Event/launch sequences
NOT handled by this skill:
- Single standalone emails → Use
email-copywriter
- Cold outreach emails → Use
email-copywriter
- Newsletter content → Use
email-copywriter
Sequence Types & Structures
1. Welcome Sequence
Purpose: Introduce brand, deliver value, build trust, prime for purchase
Duration: 5-7 emails over 14-21 days
Email 1 (Immediate): Welcome + Quick Win
- Confirm subscription
- Deliver promised lead magnet
- Set expectations for what's coming
- One quick actionable tip
Email 2 (Day 2): Your Story
- Who you are and why you do this
- Relatable origin story
- Build connection and credibility
- Soft CTA to engage
Email 3 (Day 4): Core Value
- Your best content piece
- Educational, pure value
- Establish expertise
- No selling
Email 4 (Day 7): Social Proof
- Customer stories/testimonials
- Case study or results
- Build desire through proof
- Subtle product mention
Email 5 (Day 10): Common Problem
- Address biggest objection/pain
- Show you understand their struggle
- Introduce your solution
- Soft pitch
Email 6 (Day 14): The Offer
- Full pitch for product/service
- Benefits, features, proof
- Clear CTA
- Urgency if appropriate
Email 7 (Day 21): Final Nudge
- Last chance messaging
- Address remaining objections
- Testimonial + strong CTA
- Transition to regular newsletter
2. Lead Nurture Sequence
Purpose: Educate leads, build trust, guide to purchase decision
Duration: 6-10 emails over 3-6 weeks
Email 1: Problem Acknowledgment
- "I know you're struggling with [X]"
- Validate their situation
- Promise to help
Email 2: Quick Win
- Actionable tip they can implement today
- Easy victory to build trust
- Position you as helpful
Email 3: Education Part 1
- Foundational concept
- "Most people get this wrong"
- Challenge assumptions
Email 4: Education Part 2
- Build on previous email
- More depth
- Establish expertise
Email 5: Case Study
- Real results from real person
- Their situation → transformation
- Proof your approach works
Email 6: Common Objection
- "You might be thinking [objection]"
- Address it directly
- Overcome with logic + emotion
Email 7: Soft Pitch
- Introduce your solution
- Benefits focused
- Low-pressure CTA
Email 8: Hard Pitch
- Full offer details
- Urgency element
- Strong CTA
Email 9: FAQ
- Answer common questions
- Remove friction
- Build confidence
Email 10: Final Opportunity
- Last chance
- Summary of value
- Final CTA
3. Onboarding Sequence
Purpose: Activate new users, drive adoption, prevent churn
Duration: 5-7 emails over first 14 days
Email 1 (Immediate): Welcome + First Step
- Congratulations!
- Single most important first action
- Clear instructions
Email 2 (Day 1): Quick Win
- Easy early success
- Build confidence
- Show value fast
Email 3 (Day 3): Core Feature
- Most important feature
- How to use it
- Why it matters
Email 4 (Day 5): Pro Tips
- "Here's what power users do"
- Advanced but accessible tips
- Show depth of product
Email 5 (Day 7): Check-In
- "How's it going?"
- Offer help
- Ask for feedback
Email 6 (Day 10): Success Story
- Customer who achieved results
- Inspire and motivate
- Show what's possible
Email 7 (Day 14): Next Level
- Upgrade pitch or advanced features
- "Ready for more?"
- Growth path
4. Re-Engagement Sequence
Purpose: Win back inactive subscribers/users
Duration: 3-4 emails over 7-14 days
Email 1: "We Miss You"
- Acknowledge absence
- What they're missing
- Easy re-engagement action
Email 2: Best Content
- Your top performing content
- "In case you missed this"
- Pure value, no pitch
Email 3: Special Offer
- Exclusive comeback offer
- Time-limited
- Clear CTA
Email 4: Final Goodbye
- "Should we part ways?"
- Unsubscribe option
- Last chance to stay
- Clean your list
5. Cart Abandonment Sequence
Purpose: Recover abandoned purchases
Duration: 2-3 emails within 72 hours
Email 1 (1 hour): "Did something go wrong?"
- Remind what's in cart
- Offer help
- Link back to checkout
Email 2 (24 hours): "Still thinking about it?"
- Social proof / review
- Benefits reminder
- Address common objections
Email 3 (72 hours): "Last chance"
- Urgency (stock, price, etc.)
- Small incentive if possible
- Final CTA
Email Timing Best Practices
| Sequence Type | Email Spacing | Total Duration |
|---|
| Welcome | Days 0, 2, 4, 7, 10, 14, 21 | 3 weeks |
| Lead Nurture | Every 3-5 days | 4-8 weeks |
| Onboarding | Days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 | 2 weeks |
| Re-engagement | Days 0, 3, 7, 14 | 2 weeks |
| Cart Abandon | 1hr, 24hr, 72hr | 72 hours |
| Launch | Daily or every other day | 5-10 days |
Sequence Writing Principles
The 80/20 Rule
- 80% value / education
- 20% promotion
- Build trust before asking
Progressive Disclosure
- Start broad, get specific
- Educate before selling
- Build on previous emails
One Email = One Goal
- Single clear CTA per email
- Don't confuse with options
- Guide one next step
Behavioral Triggers
Consider branching based on:
- Email opens (interested vs. cold)
- Link clicks (specific interests)
- Website visits
- Purchase behavior
- Time since signup
3-Mode Workflow
MODE 1: PLAN
-
Understand Sequence Goals
- Purpose: Welcome, nurture, onboard, re-engage?
- Audience: New leads, customers, inactive?
- End goal: Purchase, activation, retention?
- Duration: How long?
- Email count: How many?
-
Map Customer Journey
Start: [Where they are]
↓
Step 1: [First email goal]
↓
Step 2: [Second email goal]
↓
...
↓
End: [Desired outcome]
-
Check References
ls references/examples/emails/
python scripts/content/analyze_sequences.py \
--folder references/examples/emails/sequences/ \
--output output/analysis/sequence_patterns.json
-
Document Plan
## Sequence Plan
### Overview
- Type: [Welcome/Nurture/Onboard/etc.]
- Emails: [Count]
- Duration: [Days/Weeks]
- Goal: [Desired outcome]
### Email Flow
1. [Email 1 purpose] - Day [X]
2. [Email 2 purpose] - Day [X]
...
### Key Messages
- [Message 1]
- [Message 2]
- [Message 3]
MODE 2: CLARIFY
Essential Questions:
- "What type of sequence - welcome, nurture, onboarding?"
- "What's the end goal - purchase, activation, engagement?"
- "How many emails and over what time period?"
- "What product/service are you eventually pitching?"
Context Questions:
- "Who is the audience and where are they in their journey?"
- "What lead magnet or entry point triggers this sequence?"
- "Any specific content or stories to include?"
Brand Questions:
- "Formal or casual tone?"
- "How personal should these be?"
- "Any specific offers or discounts to include?"
MODE 3: IMPLEMENT
-
Write Full Sequence
python scripts/content/generate_sequence.py \
--type welcome \
--emails 7 \
--duration 21 \
--output output/content/sequences/
-
Create Email Components
- Subject lines (3 variants each)
- Preview text
- Body copy
- CTAs
- Timing notes
-
Save Output
output/content/sequences/
├── [date]_[type]_sequence/
│ ├── overview.md
│ ├── email_1.md
│ ├── email_2.md
│ ├── ...
│ └── implementation_notes.md
Output Format
Sequence Overview Document
# [Sequence Name] Email Sequence
## Overview
- **Type**: [Welcome/Nurture/etc.]
- **Emails**: [Count]
- **Duration**: [Days]
- **Goal**: [Outcome]
## Flow Diagram
[Entry Point]
↓
Email 1 (Day 0): [Purpose]
↓
Email 2 (Day X): [Purpose]
↓
...
↓
[Exit to Regular Newsletter/Next Sequence]
## Sequence Summary
| Email | Day | Subject | Goal | CTA |
|-------|-----|---------|------|-----|
| 1 | 0 | [Subject] | [Goal] | [CTA] |
| 2 | 3 | [Subject] | [Goal] | [CTA] |
...
## Trigger/Automation Notes
[How to set this up in email platform]
Individual Email Document
# Email [Number]: [Name]
## Metadata
- **Send Day**: Day [X]
- **Time**: [Recommended time]
- **Goal**: [What this email achieves]
- **CTA**: [Primary action]
## Subject Lines (Test These)
1. [Option 1] ← Recommended
2. [Option 2]
3. [Option 3]
## Preview Text
[Preview text that complements subject]
## Email Body
[Full email copy]
---
## Implementation Notes
- **Trigger**: [What triggers this email]
- **Wait condition**: [Time since previous]
- **Branch options**: [If any behavioral branches]
Example Interactions
"Create a welcome sequence for my course"
[PLAN]
- Welcome sequence type
- 7 emails over 3 weeks
- Goal: Course purchase
[CLARIFY]
- "What's the lead magnet that starts this sequence?"
- "What's the course about and price point?"
- "Any testimonials or case studies to include?"
- "What's the deadline/urgency element?"
[IMPLEMENT]
- Full 7-email sequence
- Subject line variants for each
- Timing recommendations
- Automation setup notes
"I need an onboarding sequence for my SaaS"
[PLAN]
- Onboarding sequence type
- 5-7 emails over 2 weeks
- Goal: User activation
[CLARIFY]
- "What's the #1 action new users should take?"
- "What features should we highlight?"
- "Any upgrade/upsell at the end?"
- "What does 'activated' look like?"
[IMPLEMENT]
- Activation-focused sequence
- Quick wins early
- Feature education
- Check-in emails
- Success story inspiration
"Create a re-engagement campaign"
[PLAN]
- Re-engagement sequence
- 3-4 emails over 2 weeks
- Goal: Win back or clean list
[CLARIFY]
- "How long have they been inactive?"
- "Any special offer for returning?"
- "What's your best content to share?"
- "Are you willing to let them go?"
[IMPLEMENT]
- "We miss you" opener
- Best content / value reminder
- Special comeback offer
- Final goodbye with unsubscribe option
Performance Benchmarks
| Metric | Good | Great | Excellent |
|---|
| Open Rate | 20%+ | 30%+ | 40%+ |
| Click Rate | 2%+ | 4%+ | 6%+ |
| Sequence Completion | 40%+ | 60%+ | 75%+ |
| Conversion Rate | 2%+ | 5%+ | 10%+ |
Output Files
Sequences saved to:
output/content/sequences/[type]/overview.md - Full sequence planoutput/content/sequences/[type]/email_[N].md - Individual emailsoutput/content/sequences/[type]/subjects.txt - All subject linesoutput/content/sequences/[type]/implementation.md - Tech setup notes
Quality Checklist
Before finalizing sequence:
