nurture-sequence

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

1. 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?
   

2. Map Customer Journey

   Start: [Where they are]
   ↓
   Step 1: [First email goal]
   ↓
   Step 2: [Second email goal]
   ↓
   ...
   ↓
   End: [Desired outcome]
   

3. Check References

   # Check email examples
   ls references/examples/emails/
   
   # Analyze existing sequences
   python scripts/content/analyze_sequences.py \
     --folder references/examples/emails/sequences/ \
     --output output/analysis/sequence_patterns.json
   

4. 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

1. Write Full Sequence

   python scripts/content/generate_sequence.py \
     --type welcome \
     --emails 7 \
     --duration 21 \
     --output output/content/sequences/
   

2. Create Email Components

   • Subject lines (3 variants each)
   • Preview text
   • Body copy
   • CTAs
   • Timing notes

3. 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 plan
• output/content/sequences/[type]/email_[N].md - Individual emails
• output/content/sequences/[type]/subjects.txt - All subject lines
• output/content/sequences/[type]/implementation.md - Tech setup notes

Quality Checklist

Before finalizing sequence:

• Clear entry trigger defined
• Logical progression between emails
• Value before pitch (80/20 rule)
• One CTA per email
• Subject line variants for testing
• Timing makes sense for audience
• Exit point/next step defined
• Behavioral branches considered
• Brand voice consistent throughout