5 Email Automations Every Business Should Set Up (and Why They Matter)
If you manually send every email to your audience, you’re working too hard.
Email automation business isn’t just a time-saver—it’s a powerful tool that lets you connect with your audience at the right time with the right message, without lifting a finger after the initial setup.
Whether you’re brand new to email marketing or looking to level up your system, here are 5 essential business email automations every business should set up to nurture leads, drive sales, and save time.
1. Welcome Email (or Series)
Purpose: Create a strong first impression + set expectations
When It Sends: Immediately after someone subscribes to your list
Your welcome email is one of the most opened emails you’ll ever send—so make it count!
What to include:
A warm, friendly hello
A quick intro to you or your business
What they can expect (topics, frequency, style)
A valuable freebie, resource, or offer
A subtle CTA (read a blog post, follow on socials, reply back)
Pro tip: Turn your welcome email into a short 3–5 part welcome sequence that continues to deliver value and introduce your core offer.
2. Abandoned Cart Email
Purpose: Recover missed sales
When It Sends: 1–24 hours after someone adds to cart but doesn’t complete checkout
People get distracted—life happens. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t still interested.
What to include:
A reminder of what they left behind
A little urgency (limited stock, expiring cart, etc.)
Social proof (reviews, testimonials)
A simple path back to checkout
Optional: Sweeten the deal with a limited-time discount or bonus.
3. Post-Purchase Follow-Up
Purpose: Build loyalty + encourage repeat sales
When It Sends: Right after someone makes a purchase
A sale isn’t the end of the customer journey—it’s the beginning of the relationship.
What to include:
A genuine thank-you
What happens next (shipping details, onboarding, etc.)
How to get support if needed
Helpful content related to their purchase (tutorials, care tips, or usage ideas)
An invitation to follow on social or join your community
Bonus: Ask for a review or referral in a follow-up email a few days later.
4. Lead Magnet Delivery & Nurture Sequence
Purpose: Turn curious subscribers into paying customers
When It Sends: Immediately after someone opts in for your freebie
If you’re offering a lead magnet (free guide, checklist, webinar, etc.), don’t stop at “Here’s your download.”
Set up a short nurture sequence (3–5 emails) that:
Delivers the lead magnet
Shows your personality and expertise
Shares helpful tips or quick wins
Introduces your paid offer in a natural, non-pushy way
Think of this like dating: You’re building trust and showing them why you’re worth the investment.
5. Re-Engagement Sequence
Purpose: Wake up your cold subscribers
When It Sends: After 60–90 days of inactivity
Every list has subscribers who stop opening or engaging. That’s okay—but before you hit delete, try a re-engagement automation.
What to include:
A “We miss you!” subject line or personal note
A tempting reason to re-engage (freebie, discount, new content)
A quick survey or reply invitation
A clear CTA: Stay on the list or unsubscribe
This helps clean your list, improve deliverability, and focus on people who actually want to hear from you.
Final Thoughts on 5 Email Automations Every Business Should Set Up (and Why They Matter)
These 5 automations work behind the scenes to keep your audience engaged and your business growing, without requiring daily effort from you.
Let’s recap:
Welcome Email/Series – Start strong and set expectations
Abandoned Cart Email – Bring back lost sales
Post-Purchase Follow-Up – Create loyal customers
Lead Magnet Nurture – Turn freebie seekers into buyers
Re-Engagement Sequence – Clean and revive your list
Start with one (your welcome email is the perfect place!) and build from there. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.
