Let’s face it, manually sending emails to every new subscriber, cart abandoner, and curious lurker is a fast track to burnout. That’s where email automation comes in. Think of it as the smart intern who never sleeps, never complains, and always sends emails on time.
However, not all automated emails are created equally. Some are customer-loving goldmines. Others? Well… let’s say they belong in your spam folder.
So, which automated emails should you have in your toolkit?
1. The welcome email (AKA: Your first impression)
You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so make it count.
The second someone signs up, your welcome email should roll out like a red carpet. This is your moment to say, “Hey, we’re glad you’re here,” without sounding like a robot.
Why it matters:
Welcome emails get up to 4x more opens and 5x more clicks than regular campaigns. They’re your VIP pass to brand loyalty. [Campaign monitor]
Pro tips:
- Send it immediately. Timing is everything.
- Include what to expect next (emails? discounts? exclusive tips?).
- Bonus points for a cheeky “Meet the team” or behind-the-scenes sneak peek.
2. Abandoned cart email (AKA: “Hey, you forgot something…”)
Picture this: Someone adds products to their cart, gets distracted by a TikTok video, and vanishes. Don’t panic—just trigger an abandoned cart email.
Why it matters:
These emails can recover up to 15% of lost sales. It’s like a gentle nudge saying, “Don’t ghost us now.” [CartBoss]
Pro tips:
- Send within 1–2 hours after cart abandonment.
- Include product images and a clear CTA (“Return to Your Cart”).
- Sweeten the deal with a small discount or free shipping.
3. Post-purchase email (AKA: The relationship builder)
They bought something. Amazing! Now don’t leave them hanging. A great post-purchase email confirms the order and shows you care.
Why it matters:
It keeps the positive vibes going, boosts brand trust, and can increase the chances of a repeat purchase.
Pro tips:
- Thank them. Like, sincerely.
- Offer care tips, tracking links, or “How to get the most out of your new [thing]” guides.
- Want to really impress? Send a follow-up a week later asking how they’re enjoying it.
4. Birthday/anniversary email (AKA: “You’re kinda a big deal”)
This one’s all about warm fuzzies. Whether it’s their birthday, their “1 year since signing up” anniversary, or “6 months since their first order,” automated celebration emails make people feel seen.
Why it matters:
They’re feel-good and conversion-friendly. Everyone loves a reason to treat themselves.
Pro tips:
- Include a special gift (discount, freebie, or exclusive content).
- Use fun subject lines like “We remembered your birthday!” or “You’ve officially been awesome for 365 days.”
5. Re-engagement email (AKA: “It’s been a while…”)
Ghosting hurts. But before you write someone off your email list, try winning them back.
Why it matters:
Inactive subscribers can hurt your deliverability. Re-engagement emails give you a final shot before the breakup.
Pro tips:
- Use subject lines like “Still want to hear from us?” or “We miss you!”
- Offer a reason to stay – exclusive deals, updated preferences, or juicy new content.
- If they still don’t bite? Let them go with grace.
6. Review request email (AKA: “Tell us what you think”)
If someone loves your product, they’ll usually tell everyone, but only if you ask.
Why it matters:
User reviews build trust, boost SEO, and help future customers make decisions.
Pro tips:
- Send 7–10 days after delivery.
- Make it super easy to leave a review (one-click stars are your friend).
- Incentivise it with a discount code or entry into a giveaway.
How to execute like a pro
Let’s be honest: automation can feel a bit like learning a spaceship dashboard at first. But once you’ve got it down, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Here’s your 3-step plan to get started:
- Choose your weapon (Tool, that is)
TouchBasePro of course. 😉
- Map the customer journey
Don’t just automate for the sake of it. Think: “At what moment would this email feel natural and helpful?”
- Test and tweak religiously
No automation flow should be “set and forget.” Monitor open rates, tweak subject lines, try new CTAs, and always, always A/B test.
Final thought: Good automation feels human
The best automated emails don’t feel automated at all. They arrive at the right moment, with the right tone, and make the recipient feel like you just “get them.” That’s not creepy, that’s just smart marketing with heart and soul.
So go forth and automate. Just don’t forget the human touch.
Want help setting up email automation that converts? Let’s chat. We’ll get you out of your inbox and back to running your business.
