Understand the value of email automation, the types of triggers and messages you can use and practical tips to save time while keeping your audience engaged.
Email automation is one of the most useful tools in modern email marketing. It allows you to send messages automatically at the right time, based on specific actions or conditions. If you’re new to automation or want to understand how it can benefit your business, this FAQ covers the essentials.
What is email automation?
Email automation lets you send messages automatically when certain things happen, which are known as 'triggers'. Examples include someone subscribing to your list, making a purchase or engaging with a previous email. It ensures the right message goes to the right person at the right time. Automation is available with Smart Messenger’s Standard and Pro accounts, giving you access to all the tools you need to create effective automated campaigns.
Why should I use it?
Automation saves time and effort while improving the effectiveness of your campaigns. By sending timely, relevant messages, you can keep your audience engaged, build stronger relationships and maintain consistent communication without manually sending each email.
What is an email trigger?
An email trigger is an action or event that automatically generates an email to be sent. For example, a trigger could be a new subscriber joining your list, a purchase being made, someone clicking on a specific link in a previous email or reaching a milestone. Once the trigger occurs, the associated email is sent automatically, ensuring your message reaches the right person at the right time.
What types of triggers can I use?
You can automate emails using a variety of triggers, including:
- When someone joins your email list
- When a customer makes a purchase
- When a contact opens or clicks a previous email
- Birthdays, anniversaries or other key dates
- Changes in customer data, such as membership status or location
Need help with triggers? Our UK-based team is here for you. With training and unlimited phone support included with all our plans, we can guide you through every step of your email campaigns.
What kinds of emails can I automate?
Common examples include:
- Welcome messages for new subscribers
- Thank-you notes or loyalty rewards following a purchase
- Follow-ups based on engagement
- Promotional or seasonal offers
- Birthday or anniversary greetings
You can use your existing templates for automated emails or if you’d like a professional touch, our team can create bespoke designs tailored to your brand and campaigns.
How do I set up automated workflows?
Start by identifying key points in your customer journey where an automated message would be helpful. Then, create your content and set up triggers in your email platform. Platforms like Smart Messenger make this process straightforward and our team can guide you through setup to ensure your automations run smoothly.
What are the benefits of email automation?
- Ensures timely, relevant communication with your audience
- Keeps campaigns consistent without manual effort
- Builds stronger relationships and improves engagement
- Frees up time for other marketing activities
How can I get started?
With Smart Messenger, getting started is simple. Our Standard and Pro accounts include automation, providing all the features you need to set up and manage effective automated campaigns. Our team can guide you through setting up triggers, designing automated emails and creating workflows that fit your business. We provide tailored support, advice and training to make sure your automations run smoothly and deliver results.
Ready to kickstart your marketing or inspired to explore what else you could achieve?
Our expert team are ready to help you achieve your goals – and get great results. Ask a question, book a demo or get an expert perspective today.
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