5 Email Automation Workflows That Save Hours Every Week

Email automation isn't just for big companies with dedicated marketing teams. With the right workflows in place, even a one-person business can nurture leads and retain customers like a Fortune 500.

Here are five workflows we recommend setting up first:

1. Welcome sequence for new subscribers

When someone joins your list, don't leave them hanging. A 3-5 email welcome sequence introduces your brand, delivers value, and sets expectations for what's to come.

Timing: Send the first email immediately, then space the rest over 7-10 days.

2. Abandoned cart recovery

If you're selling products or services online, abandoned cart emails are pure gold. A simple 3-email sequence can recover 10-15% of lost sales.

Timing: Send the first reminder 1 hour after abandonment, then follow up at 24 hours and 72 hours.

3. Lead nurturing drip

Not everyone is ready to buy right away. A lead nurturing sequence keeps your brand top-of-mind with educational content, case studies, and social proof.

Timing: Weekly emails over 4-6 weeks, gradually introducing your solution.

4. Customer onboarding

The first week after purchase is critical. An onboarding sequence helps new customers get value quickly and reduces churn.

Timing: Daily emails for the first 5 days, then weekly check-ins.

5. Re-engagement campaign

Subscribers go cold. It happens. A re-engagement sequence gives them a chance to stay connected — or gracefully removes them from your list.

Timing: Target subscribers who haven't opened in 90 days with a 3-email sequence over 2 weeks.

Getting started

You don't need to build all five at once. Start with the welcome sequence — it's the foundation for everything else. Then add more as you grow.