Resource · Frameworks
Cold DM Framework Library
Frameworks are reusable structures you can drop a specific audience and offer into without reinventing the message each time. This library collects the messaging, targeting, and qualification frameworks referenced across the other guides, each with a table you can copy. Use it as a toolkit: pick the framework that matches the problem in front of you, fill the blanks, and ship. Reuse beats originality when the goal is consistent reply rates at volume.
How to use this library
Each framework below has a purpose, a structure, and a table of inputs. Choose by the problem: if replies are low, use a messaging framework; if lists are weak, use targeting; if meetings are low, use qualification. Frameworks are not gospel, they are starting structures you adapt with your own data.
A framework you never measure is just a template. Track the rate each one produces and keep the winners.
Messaging frameworks
These structures organize the first message so the reader gets relevance, offer, and proof in the right order. The message frameworks guide expands each with examples; here is the quick reference.
| Framework | Order | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Hook-Offer-Proof | Observation, outcome, evidence | Most cold audiences |
| Problem-Agitate-Solve | Pain, cost, fix | Pain-led offers |
| AIDA | Attention, interest, desire, action | Longer DMs |
| Before-After-Bridge | Past, future, how | Transformation offers |
Targeting frameworks
Targeting frameworks turn 'people who might want this' into a list with inclusion and exclusion rules. The targeting framework guide details the steps; the table summarizes the inputs.
| Input | Write it here | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Where they are | |
| Role or niche | Who exactly | Ops leaders in SaaS |
| Inclusion signal | Must have | Posted hiring |
| Exclusion signal | Must not | Already a customer |
Qualification frameworks
Qualification frameworks score a reply before you spend a meeting. The qualification framework guide has the full scoring table; the summary shows the dimensions.
| Dimension | Question | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Matches target role? | High |
| Need | Names the problem? | High |
| Timing | Acting soon? | Medium |
| Authority | Can decide? | Medium |
Personalization frameworks
Personalization frameworks tier the effort so you spend depth where it pays and stay light where it does not. The personalization framework guide gives the full tiers; the table is the shortcut.
| Tier | Effort | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Merge field | High-volume top of funnel |
| Medium | One observation | Warm-ish prospects |
| Deep | Research note | High-value accounts |
Decision framework (bonus)
When choosing tool, agency, or DIY, use a scoring table across cost, control, and speed. The decision framework guide walks the full scoring method you can reuse for any build-versus-buy choice.
Reuse one decision table across channels so comparisons stay consistent.
Combining frameworks without scrambling data
You will eventually run a messaging framework, a targeting framework, and a qualification framework at once, and that is fine as long as each is a controlled variable. The rule is one change per test: if you swap from Hook-Offer-Proof to PAS at the same time you narrow the target, you will not know which move moved the rate. Keep a simple log of which framework is active in each batch.
| Layer | Framework in use | Change rule |
|---|---|---|
| Message | Hook-Offer-Proof | One swap per batch |
| Target | Inclusion or exclusion table | Re-validate after change |
| Qualify | Four-dimension score | Keep thresholds fixed |
| Personalize | Tier assignment | Set at segmentation |
A framework you change mid-flight is two experiments tangled together. Isolate the variable.
A reusable campaign build sheet
Turn the library into a single sheet you fill before every launch. The campaign planning template and capacity worksheet are the formal versions; the quick version below is enough to keep a solo sender honest. Fill every cell before the first send, because an empty cell is a decision you postponed.
Pick the messaging framework
Name it and the variant you are testing.
Fill the targeting table
Platform, role, inclusion, exclusion, source.
Set qualification thresholds
Write the score bands you will honor.
Assign personalization tiers
Note which segment gets which depth.
When to retire a framework
Frameworks are not permanent. Retire one when its measured rate falls below your baseline for two consecutive batches, or when the audience shifts enough that the structure no longer fits. The point of the library is to keep what works and discard what does not, not to hoard structures. The campaign scorecard is where you record the retire decision so you do not quietly reintroduce a loser later.
- Retire on two bad batches, not one unlucky week.
- Document the replacement framework and why.
- Keep a note of retired frameworks in the scorecard.
How frameworks map to metrics
Each framework you choose shows up in a specific metric, so the framework and the number are two views of the same decision. A messaging framework moves reply rate; a targeting framework moves reply rate and cost per meeting; a qualification framework moves meeting and close rate. Knowing the mapping tells you which metric to watch after you deploy a framework.
| Framework | Metric it moves | Watch it in |
|---|---|---|
| Messaging | Reply rate | Days 1 to 7 |
| Targeting | Reply rate, cost per meeting | First batch |
| Qualification | Meeting, close rate | After replies land |
| Personalization | Reply rate by segment | Per segment |
| Decision | Cost, risk | Monthly review |
A framework selection cheat sheet
When you are not sure which framework to reach for, use this cheat sheet. It maps the problem in front of you to the framework that solves it, so you stop deliberating and start testing. Keep it beside the library; the campaign scorecard is where you record which one you chose.
Low replies
Use a messaging framework, rewrite the hook.
Wrong-fit replies
Use the targeting framework, tighten exclusions.
Replies not booking
Use the qualification framework, raise the bar.
Volume too slow
Use the decision framework, add capacity.
One problem, one framework. Solving two at once hides which one worked.
Documenting frameworks in your workspace
Frameworks only pay off if the team can find and use them. Keep a living doc of the active framework per layer, the last result, and the next test, so knowledge does not live in one person's head. The campaign planning template is the formal home; a simple shared note works for solos.
List the active framework per layer
Message, target, qualify, personalize.
Note the last measured rate
So you can see movement.
Write the next test
Name the one variable you will change.
Review and update weekly
Retire losers, promote winners.
A framework no one can find is a framework no one uses. Make it locatable.
Frameworks for different team sizes
The framework you lean on changes with team size. A solo sender needs one messaging and one targeting framework kept simple; a team needs the full library plus the scorecard so everyone stays consistent. The campaign scorecard is the team's shared reference for which framework is active.
| Team size | Frameworks to use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Solo | Hook-Offer-Proof plus targeting table | One each, executed well |
| Small team | Add qualification and personalization tiers | Consistency across senders |
| Agency scale | Full library plus scorecard | Audit and handoff discipline |
Suggested image brief
| Placement | Purpose | Filename and alt text |
|---|---|---|
| After the direct answer | Create an original AI-generated workflow graphic that summarizes the decision, metric, and next action for this topic without third-party logos. | cold-dm-framework-library-workflow.webp - Cold DM Framework Library workflow diagram |
Quick checklist
- One messaging framework chosen for the test.
- Targeting table filled with inclusion and exclusion rules.
- Qualification dimensions weighted before replies arrive.
- Personalization tier assigned per segment.
- Decision table used for any tool or agency choice.
- Rate recorded per framework for comparison.
Related: Message Frameworks · Qualification Scorecard · Campaign Scorecard · Qualify Leads Before DMing · Best Templates Tool
Frequently asked questions
Which framework should I start with?
Start with Hook-Offer-Proof for messaging and a simple inclusion or exclusion targeting table; add the rest once you have rate data.
Can I mix frameworks?
Yes, but change one variable at a time so you can tell which framework moved the rate.
Do frameworks hurt authenticity?
Only if used rigidly; treat them as scaffolds you fill with real, specific details about the person.
How many should I run at once?
One messaging and one targeting framework per test; more scatters your data.
Where do I get message examples?
The first-message templates and personalized examples pages show filled-in versions of these frameworks.
Are these the only frameworks?
They are the core set; adapt them as you learn what your audience responds to.
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