# Paradigm FAQ

## What is Paradigm?

Paradigm is an AI-powered cold outreach platform that automates lead research, personalized email writing, multi-step sequences, reply handling, and meeting booking. It replaces the typical stack of separate tools (Apollo + Instantly + Outreach.io) with one end-to-end workflow.

## How is Paradigm different from Instantly or Smartlead?

Instantly and Smartlead are sequencer/sender tools — you bring your own leads and write your own copy. Paradigm includes built-in lead discovery, per-lead AI research, an autonomous reply handler that books meetings, and one unified workflow from prospect to booked call. It's end-to-end rather than just a sender.

## Does Paradigm replace SDRs?

Paradigm replaces the manual work of an outbound SDR: researching prospects, writing personalized emails, sending sequences, qualifying replies, handling objections, and booking meetings. A human still owns strategy, ICP definition, and live conversations.

## What channels does Paradigm support?

Email (Gmail, Outlook, custom SMTP) and LinkedIn. Paradigm sends from your own mailboxes and handles replies on both channels.

## How does the AI auto-responder work?

When a prospect replies to an outbound email or LinkedIn message, Paradigm's Auto-Responder classifies the reply intent (interested, objection, unsubscribe, not now), generates a contextual response in your voice, and — if meeting intent is detected — sends available calendar slots and books the meeting on your calendar autonomously.

You can set the Auto-Responder to:
- **Manual** — show you the AI draft, you click send
- **Notify on Intent** — only ping you when a meeting is being booked
- **Autonomous** — fully hands-off, AI handles everything end to end

## Can I try Paradigm for free?

Yes. Two paths:
1. Book a free Offer Build Call → 7-day trial, 100 email credits, no card required upfront.
2. Put a card on file directly → 3-day Stripe trial, 100 email credits, cancel anytime in-app.

After trial ends, the paywall returns unless you've subscribed.

## What does it cost?

- **Founder $150/mo** — 5,000 lead credits, all features
- **Growth $450/mo** — 20,000 lead credits, white-label, dedicated onboarding

Pricing: https://paradigmoutreach.com/pricing

## What is a "lead credit"?

One credit covers full enrichment + AI-personalized email generation for one prospect. Bounce checks and validation-only actions don't consume credits.

## Can Paradigm send from my Gmail / Outlook?

Yes — connect your personal Gmail or Outlook via OAuth. Paradigm sends through Google/Microsoft APIs (no SMTP relay), so emails appear in your Sent folder, follow your normal sending limits, and use your existing domain reputation.

You can also connect custom SMTP for owned sending domains. We can buy and warm dedicated cold-outreach domains for you (~$20/month each, includes 99 inboxes per domain with DNS, DKIM, SPF, and warmup automated).

## How does Paradigm find leads?

Built-in lead database covering 100M+ B2B contacts. You give Paradigm an ICP description (or let it pull from your blueprint) and it returns matching leads with verified emails. No separate Apollo or ZoomInfo subscription needed.

## What is a Blueprint?

Your blueprint is the conversation you have with our Offer Guru AI during onboarding. It captures your offer, ICP, value props, guarantee, and tone. Every email Paradigm writes pulls from this blueprint, so personalization stays on-brand and on-message at scale.

## Is my email account safe to connect?

Yes. We request send-only access via OAuth. We never read your inbox without you explicitly opening it (e.g., to detect replies for a campaign you started). Your account credentials never leave Google/Microsoft — Paradigm only stores the OAuth refresh token.

## Can I export my data?

Yes. Campaign data, leads, and reply history are exportable from the dashboard at any time. We don't lock you in.

## Where can I get help?

- In-app: click the Parry chat bubble (bottom-right of any page in the platform)
- Email: mdavid@paradigm-outreach.com
- Book a strategy call: https://paradigmoutreach.com/advisory