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:
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A warm, friendly hello
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A quick intro to you or your business
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What they can expect (topics, frequency, style)
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A valuable freebie, resource, or offer
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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:
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A reminder of what they left behind
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A little urgency (limited stock, expiring cart, etc.)
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Social proof (reviews, testimonials)
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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:
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A genuine thank-you
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What happens next (shipping details, onboarding, etc.)
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How to get support if needed
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Helpful content related to their purchase (tutorials, care tips, or usage ideas)
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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:
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Delivers the lead magnet
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Shows your personality and expertise
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Shares helpful tips or quick wins
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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:
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A “We miss you!” subject line or personal note
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A tempting reason to re-engage (freebie, discount, new content)
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A quick survey or reply invitation
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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:
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Welcome Email/Series – Start strong and set expectations
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Abandoned Cart Email – Bring back lost sales
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Post-Purchase Follow-Up – Create loyal customers
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Lead Magnet Nurture – Turn freebie seekers into buyers
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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.
