---
name: sdr-outbound-rules
description: SDR outbound writing rules, 8 allowed messaging frameworks, and tone guidelines by offer type. Use when training SDRs, creating messaging guidelines, or standardizing outbound quality.
---

# SDR Outbound Writing Rules

## Core Writing Rules

```
Emails: 60-90 words maximum
No bullets in cold emails
One CTA only

CTA Rules:
- Clear and direct
- Respectful of their time
- Scheduling-oriented when possible
```

---

## Personalization Inputs to Use

- Name
- Company
- Role
- Industry
- Challenge (if known)
- Goal (if known)
- Source/trigger
- Familiarity level

---

## 8 Allowed Messaging Frameworks

### 1. Before/After
Show transformation from current state to desired state.

### 2. Pattern Interrupt
Break expected email patterns to grab attention.

### 3. Ask Before Pitch
Lead with question, earn right to pitch.

### 4. Upfront Value
Provide value before asking for anything.

### 5. Do the Math
Calculate potential impact with numbers.

### 6. Challenge of Similar Companies
Reference industry-specific patterns.

### 7. Neutral Insight
Share third-party resource, build trust.

### 8. Typical Problems by Role
Address role-specific pain points.

---

## Tone by Offer Type

### Agency Services
- Consultative
- Strategic
- Calm
- Position as trusted advisor

### Accelerator
- Slang professional
- Friendly
- Curious
- Approachable expert

### Outbound Cold
- Pattern interrupt
- Short
- Clear
- Direct but not aggressive

---

## Quality Standards

### Good Email
- 60-90 words
- One clear CTA
- Specific social proof
- Relevant trigger
- Human tone

### Bad Email
- 150+ words
- Multiple CTAs
- Vague claims
- No personalization
- Corporate tone

---

## Review Checklist

Before sending any outreach:

- [ ] Under 90 words?
- [ ] Single CTA?
- [ ] Trigger or personalization included?
- [ ] Social proof specific (numbers)?
- [ ] Tone matches offer type?
- [ ] No buzzwords?
- [ ] No fake enthusiasm?
- [ ] Would you respond to this?

---

## Combines with

| Skill | Why |
|-------|-----|
| `sdr-master-prompts` | AI prompts following these rules |
| `email-writing-frameworks` | Approved framework structures |
| `josh-braun-copywriting` | Quality writing principles |
| `email-metrics-benchmarks` | Track rule impact on metrics |

## Example prompts

```
Review this email against the SDR outbound rules checklist.
```

```
Rewrite this 150-word email to be under 90 words.
```

```
Which of the 8 frameworks should I use for a cold outbound campaign?
```