How to Create a Design Sequence in PodPitch

A Design Sequence controls the structure and wording of the initial pitch and its follow-up emails. It replaces the older top-right Templates → New Template workflow.

Use Design Sequence when you want direct control over the copy, formatting, links, and message progression. Use Writing Settings for broader guidance such as tone, facts to emphasize, terminology, and wording to avoid.

1. Open the campaign

1. Open Campaigns.
2. Select the OmniCampaign you want to update.
3. Open Settings.
4. Select Design Sequence.

2. Choose the design

Review the design currently assigned to the campaign.

To create your own sequence, select the option for a new or custom design instead of using only the PodPitch-generated design.

Give the design a clear internal name so you can identify it later.

3. Write Email 1

Open Email 1 and write the actual email you want recipients to receive.

The Design Sequence should resemble a finished email. Do not fill it with an “IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS” section or make the entire message a list of AI commands.

Include the greeting, opening, profile or story details, call to action, and closing in the order you want them to appear.

4. Add smart fields

Smart Templates use double-curly fields. PodPitch fills them from the campaign, profile, recipient, and available media context.

Examples:

• {{the host's first name}}
• {{the podcast or publication name}}
• {{a relevant topic from the recipient's recent work}}
• {{the profile's most relevant credential}}

The text inside the braces can be a plain-language request. Keep each request specific and make sure the surrounding email still reads naturally after the value is inserted.

5. Add links and formatting

Use the controls in the Design Sequence editor for links and formatting.

To hyperlink a name or phrase:

1. Highlight the text.
2. Select the link control.
3. Enter the complete destination URL.
4. Confirm the link.
5. Use Preview to test it.

Add the link directly in each email where it should appear. A general Writing Settings instruction may not consistently place a hyperlink in the exact location you want.

Keep formatting simple. Excessive links, images, or complicated styling can reduce readability and affect deliverability.

6. Build the follow-ups

Open Email 2 and Email 3, or use Add Follow-Up when that option is available.

Write each follow-up as part of the same conversation:

• do not repeat the complete first email;
• keep the same story, profile, and call to action;
• add a useful reason to reply;
• avoid guilt, pressure, or false urgency; and
• include any required link directly in that email.

Review the delay shown for each follow-up before saving.

7. Preview the sequence

Preview every email before saving.

Check:

• smart fields resolve naturally;
• names use the intended format;
• links open the correct page;
• claims match the selected profile;
• the first email and follow-ups work as one sequence;
• the signing name and signature are not duplicated; and
• no placeholder or drafting instruction remains visible.

A preview is a test, not a guarantee that every recipient will have identical available context. Review generated examples from the campaign as well.

8. Save and apply the design

Select Save after reviewing the complete sequence.

Saving a Design Sequence does not change emails that have already been sent.

If the campaign already contains Not Yet Sent pitches, use the current option to apply the design to existing pitches or Rewrite Emails when prompted. Keep Smart Mode off while reviewing the updated messages.

Check several rewritten emails before resuming outreach.

Design Sequence versus Writing Settings

Use Design Sequence for:

• exact email structure;
• message order;
• links and formatting;
• the initial email and individual follow-ups; and
• smart fields inside the copy.

Use Writing Settings for:

• tone and style;
• facts to emphasize;
• approved terminology;
• information to include or avoid; and
• general campaign-wide writing guidance.

When exact wording or link placement matters, put it in the Design Sequence rather than relying only on Writing Settings.

If changes do not appear

1. Confirm that the correct design is selected for the campaign.
2. Save the sequence again.
3. Apply it to eligible Not Yet Sent pitches or use Rewrite Emails.
4. Refresh the campaign and review several pending emails.
5. Confirm that you are not looking at an email that was already sent.
6. If the update still does not appear, keep Smart Mode off and contact Support with the campaign name, design name, affected email, and a screenshot of the saved sequence.

Do not recreate the entire campaign as a workaround unless Support confirms that it is necessary.

Updated on: 25/08/2026