Use These 5 Framing Techniques For Your Next Email

by | Mar 7, 2024 | Copywriting | 0 comments

This post might contain affiliate links meaning we get a small commission if you choose to purchase through those links (without any extra cost to you). Read full disclosure here >>


I get it. You want more sales and conversions from your emails.

But constantly hitting that send button and hoping for the best isn’t working. Crickets in your inbox when you expected $$$ is beyond frustrating.

What stings the most is seeing a competitor smashing it with emails and getting customers that should have been yours.

Where’s the difference?

⇢ It’s less about the offer and more about the framing in your emails.

Getting your email’s framing right is mission critical.

By “critical” I mean a 2X or even a 5X lift in conversions. I’ve seen it happen time and again over my 6+ years in this industry.

One client using all 5 frames in a welcome sequence saw a ~2X revenue bump in 120 days.

So, you MUST get the framing right to survive. When done well, the rewards for your business are immense. We’re talking $$$, rapid growth and real momentum.

Yes, it could take you some time in mastering these frames. (What doesn’t?)

But with some effort, your emails can make you a fortune.

How?

Let’s jump right to it. ✊

Problem-Focused Frames

This frame is entirely about the problems or struggles that your ideal customer has.

The goal is to go hard on the struggles and generate clicks to the sales page or replies.

The selling will happen later on.

In any email based on the problem-focused frame, you ONLY talk about the problems or struggles.

Problem focused frame

Pinpointing your prospect’s struggles is powerful stuff.

This framing taps the “ouch” moment people want to avoid. Make no mistakes though – you have to get the problem right.

Say you sell project management software.

An overwhelmed exec may lose sleep over missed deadlines. They dread explaining delays to the CEO with a shaky voice and sweaty palms.

This is a problem. A genuine struggle.

Use relatable examples like this in emails. Show that you know their reality. The root frustrations, worst case scenarios and anxiety linked to the problem.

With problem-focused frames, you set the stage to position your solution as the antidote to their pain. When done with care and nuance, you get empathy and rapport.

Solution-Oriented Frames

This email frame is all about establishing your offer as the white knight.

In the last email, you only talked about the problems. In this email you’d ALSO introduce the solution.

solution-oriented frame

Precisely nail the fit and simplicity of your solution. Position it as the straightforward way to alleviate their suffering.

Let’s go back to our project management example:

Your software becomes the seamless fix for the exec’s sleepless nights. Stop freak-outs over missed deadlines. Regain sanity without the messy overwhelm.

Share specific examples of clients you’ve saved from calamity.

You’d use clear yet benefit-rich language here: “easy to implement”, “instantly boosts productivity”, “regain nights and weekends”.

With solid solution-oriented framing, you show that your product/service solves their problem like nothing else can.

Benefit-Driven Frames

Last frame about positioning your offer as the solution to their problems…

In this frame, you’d laser focus on the exact benefits and wins tied to your prospect’s goals.

Benefit driven frame

Frame your emails around the concrete outcomes you deliver. More money made, time freed up, peace of mind won.

Say for a finance platform, shift from shouting “easy to use dashboards” or “customisable reports”. That stuff makes your eyes roll.

Rather, spotlight REAL gains like “uncover hidden profits” and “make decisively smarter money moves”. Even better, quantify it. “15 hours saved weekly on reporting” or “2X more insights to drive ROI”.

The kicker is tying this to what your prospects care about most: their aspirations.

Does a restaurant owner want a 3rd profitable location?

Help them get there.

Comparative Frames

Here you contrast your solution with alternatives rather than ignoring the competition.

But we are good people. We avoid trash talk. We take the high road.

comparative frame

Highlight legitimate shortcomings of other options with facts. Show precisely where the competitor drops the ball so your solution shines brighter.

You can easily find what your target customers dislike about your competitors when you’re doing customer research.

Say if you sold accounting software, you can compare it to Quickbooks. Even though it’s widely used, you can still spotlight weaknesses around custom fields, aggregation tools and advanced metrics.

Then showcase your app’s expanded customisation and analytics depth tailored to the prospect’s role. Prove concretely why you deliver more value.

Again, the goal isn’t to bash but educate. Draw fair contrasts between solutions so yours clearly comes out on top.

Emotional Frames

Logic opens the door. Emotion closes the sale. Don’t shy away from tugging the heart strings in your framing when done authentically.

Emotional frame

Put yourself in your prospect’s shoes. Tap into their deepest frustrations and truest motivations tied to the problem you solve.

Really feel what keeps them up at night. The anxiety when cash flow stalls. Missing a daughters dance recital for work fires. Promising employees you can’t pay this month.

You know… the gut punch stuff.

Then craft a compelling story and imagery around overcoming those emotional pains. Appeal to their aspirations of stability, freedom, peace that your offer enables.

This frame is purely emotion-based.

How do you use these frames though?

Two ways:

→ You can combine multiple frames in a single email, like problem + solution or Problem-solution-comparative.

→ You can create a welcome sequence with one email for each frame stacked on top of each other.

Try, test and see which one works the best for your audience.

But remember:

The impact comes from practicing empathy, nailing details and conveying emotional gravitas.

Now, I challenge you. Go send some emails using these frames and watch those conversions.


Join The Email Fundamentals Newsletter for FREE. Learn how to write better emails with unique strategic frameworks and turn more email subscribers into paying customers. With only one power-packed email per week. Every Tuesday. 

(No daily spam or jargon… just pure value!)


Rahul Choudhary

Rahul Choudhary

Founder, Beef Up Media

With almost 6 whole years of experience in the online marketing world & specialising in email marketing + funnels, I’ve seen most – the good, the bad, and the downright ugly.

My goal?

Try to share as much of my knowledge & experience as possible.

Don’t forget to connect with me on social media. ↓

related posts:

DOS Email Copywriting Framework (Don’t Sound Like a Robot)

DOS Email Copywriting Framework (Don’t Sound Like a Robot)

You started a business to be your own boss. To have the freedom to work when and how you want. But here you are, slaving away on emails that barely get opened. Never mind clicked. The problem isn’t you. It’s that the so-called “email marketing experts” have been...

How to Use the A-B Narrative to Write Emails That Convert 30% More

How to Use the A-B Narrative to Write Emails That Convert 30% More

Are you always looking for shortcuts to write money-making emails? Get this straight: No fancy templates, overused power words and overly salesy nonsense are going to help you sell your offers. What we’ve found common in emails that drive sales through the roof? → A...

Your 5-Minute Email Storytelling Masterclass

Your 5-Minute Email Storytelling Masterclass

I know you’re eager to turn your subscribers into loyal customers. You want those sales numbers to fly high. But right now, a big struggle is holding you back. You fill your emails with interesting information, educate your subscribers, and try to build a relationship...

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *