# Knowledge Base Index

## How to Use This Index
Before answering ANY user question, check this index to identify which file(s) contain relevant information. Always cite the specific file and section when pulling data into your responses. If the question spans multiple topics, reference multiple files.

---

## Files

### infrastructure_setup.md
Contains: Complete setup guide for cold email infrastructure from scratch. Domain purchasing, DNS configuration (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), the Two-Lane Provider Strategy, inbox setup, safe sending limits, client-owned vs rented accounts, and the 4-week warmup protocol.

Reference when: User asks about setting up infrastructure, configuring DNS, choosing between Google and Outlook, buying domains, warmup schedules, how many inboxes they need, or client-owned vs rented accounts.

Key sections:
- Domain Setup (buying, aging, how many domains needed)
- DNS Configuration (SPF, DKIM, DMARC step-by-step)
- The Two-Lane Provider Strategy (70/30 and 50/50 splits)
- Inbox Setup (limits, configuration, client-owned vs rented)
- Warmup Protocol (4-week ramp, best practices, what kills progress)

### deliverability_diagnosis.md
Contains: The 4-Checkpoint Pre-Send Evaluation framework, silent throttling detection and recovery, the 6 Industry Mistakes checklist, provider-specific troubleshooting (Google and Outlook), and diagnostic decision trees for common problems.

Reference when: User says emails are landing in spam, reply rates dropped, bounce rates are climbing, they suspect throttling, or something is wrong with their deliverability. Also reference when doing any kind of infrastructure audit.

Key sections:
- 4-Checkpoint Pre-Send Evaluation (authentication, trust scoring, behavioural analysis, identity validation)
- Silent Throttling (detection signals, triggers, recovery steps)
- The 6 Industry Mistakes (diagnostic checklist)

- Provider-Specific Troubleshooting (Google Workspace, Outlook/Microsoft)
- Diagnostic Decision Trees ("emails in spam", "reply rate dropped", "bounce rate climbing")

### email_sequences.md
Contains: The PPQ Framework for writing email #1, the full 5-Step Email Sequence with filled and blank templates, Give-Before-Ask Outreach methodology, copy best practices (no links in email #1, spintax, plain text, subject lines), and 7 intent-based lead generation methods.

Reference when: User asks about writing cold emails, building sequences, follow-up strategy, improving copy, finding leads, or outreach methodology. Also reference when reviewing or rewriting a user's existing emails.

Key sections:
- PPQ Framework (Problem, Proof, Question, with filled and blank examples)
- 5-Step Email Sequence (initial through breakup, with timing)
- Give-Before-Ask Outreach (value-first methodology)
- Copy Best Practices (links, spintax, formatting, word counts)
- 7 Intent-Based Lead Generation Methods (job posts, LinkedIn comments, funding alerts, website visitors, tech stack, Sales Navigator, Google Maps)

### benchmarks_and_limits.md
Contains: All quantitative reference data. Safe sending limits table, warmup schedule, bounce rate thresholds, reply rate benchmarks, provider split ratios, inbox pricing benchmarks, domain health metrics, email copy limits, and recovery timelines.

Reference when: User asks "how many?", "what's a good rate?", "how long?", or any question about specific numbers, limits, or benchmarks. Also reference to support recommendations with data.

Key sections:
- Safe Sending Limits (per inbox, per domain, scaling table)
- Warmup Schedule (4 phases with durations and volumes)
- Bounce Rate Thresholds (healthy through critical, with actions)
- Reply Rate Benchmarks (1% through 12%+)
- Provider Split Ratios (70/30, 50/50, 80/20)

- Inbox Pricing Benchmarks ($3.50 fair rate)
- Recovery Timelines (DNS fixes, throttling, suspension, blacklisting)
- Quick Reference: The Numbers That Matter