What Is Email Automation? (And How to Use It for Your Business)
Email automation sends the right message at the right time without you lifting a finger. Here's how it works and where to start.
2 min read · Updated
Short answer
Email automation sends pre-written emails automatically based on triggers — when someone signs up, makes a purchase, or hasn't visited in a while. Set it up once and it runs forever.
Examples of email automation
Welcome sequence — when someone subscribes, they automatically get:
- Email 1 (day 0): Welcome + your best content
- Email 2 (day 3): Your story / why you do what you do
- Email 3 (day 7): Your most popular product or service
Post-purchase sequence — after someone buys:
- Order confirmation (immediately)
- Shipping notification (when dispatched)
- Check-in email (7 days later): "How is everything?"
- Review request (14 days later)
Abandoned cart — when someone adds to cart but doesn't buy:
- Email 1 (1 hour later): "You left something behind"
- Email 2 (24 hours later): "Still interested? Here's 10% off"
Re-engagement — for subscribers who haven't opened in 90 days:
- "We miss you — here's what you've missed"
- If no engagement: remove them from your list (keeps your list healthy)
Which tools support automation
| Tool | Automation on free plan? | Starting price |
|---|---|---|
| MailerLite | Yes (basic) | Free |
| Klaviyo | Yes | Free up to 250 contacts |
| Mailchimp | No | $13/month |
| Kit | No | $25/month |
Where to start
Begin with a welcome sequence — it's the highest-impact automation and takes about an hour to set up. Once that's running, add post-purchase or abandoned cart if you have an online store.
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