This article explains how to create automated email sequences that send targeted messages to visitors and customers at set intervals.
Choose an Email Marketing Plugin
Install an email marketing plugin through your WordPress admin dashboard. Popular options include Mailchimp for WP, OptinMonster, or WP Mail SMTP. These plugins connect your website to email services that handle the technical side of sending emails.
Go to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard. Search for your chosen plugin, install it, and activate it. You'll need to create an account with the email service if you don't have one already.
Set Up Your Email List
Create different email lists for different types of subscribers. For example, you might have separate lists for newsletter subscribers, customers who bought products, or people who downloaded a free guide.
In your email marketing plugin settings, create these lists and give them clear names. You can always add more lists later as your business grows.
Create Your Email Sequence
Plan what emails you want to send and when. A basic welcome sequence might include:
- Welcome email (sent immediately)
- Introduction to your business (sent 2 days later)
- Customer testimonials (sent 1 week later)
- Special offer (sent 2 weeks later)
Write each email with a clear subject line and helpful content. Keep emails short and focused on one main message. Always include your business contact details at the bottom.
Build Signup Forms
Create forms where visitors can join your email list. Most email plugins let you build forms using a simple drag-and-drop editor. Add fields for name and email address - don't ask for too much information initially.
Place these forms in strategic locations like your homepage, blog posts, or create a dedicated landing page for marketing. You can also add forms to your sidebar or footer.
Set Up Automation Triggers
Configure when your email sequence starts. Common triggers include:
- Someone subscribes to your newsletter
- A customer makes a purchase
- Someone downloads a file from your website
- A visitor fills out your contact form
Set the timing between emails in your sequence. Space them out appropriately - daily emails might annoy subscribers, while monthly emails might be too infrequent.
Test Your Email Sequence
Before making your sequence live, test it thoroughly. Subscribe to your own list using a different email address and check that:
- Emails arrive at the right times
- All links work correctly
- Images display properly
- The unsubscribe link works
Send test emails to colleagues or friends to get feedback on the content and formatting.
Monitor and Improve
Once your sequence is running, track how it performs. Most email marketing tools show you:
- How many people open your emails
- Which links people click
- How many people unsubscribe
Use this data to improve your emails. If people aren't opening them, try different subject lines. If they're not clicking links, make your calls-to-action clearer.
Regularly review and update your email content to keep it relevant and valuable for subscribers.
If you're still stuck with setting up your automated email sequences, contact Web60 support for help with plugin installation or troubleshooting issues.
FAQ
Q: How often should I send automated emails?
A: Start with one email per week maximum. You can increase frequency if subscribers engage well, but avoid daily emails unless you have valuable daily content.
Q: Do I need to pay for email marketing services?
A: Most email marketing services offer free plans for small subscriber lists (usually up to 1,000-2,000 subscribers). You'll need to upgrade as your list grows.
Q: Can I send automated emails directly from WordPress?
A: While WordPress can send basic emails, dedicated email services are more reliable and offer better delivery rates, analytics, and automation features.
Q: What should I include in a welcome email sequence?
A: Include a warm welcome, explain what subscribers can expect, introduce your business, provide valuable content or resources, and set expectations for future emails.
Q: How do I avoid my emails going to spam?
A: Use a reputable email service, avoid spam trigger words in subject lines, include an unsubscribe link, and don't send too many emails too quickly.
Q: Can I create different email sequences for different types of customers?
A: Yes, most email marketing plugins allow you to create multiple sequences based on different triggers, subscriber interests, or customer behaviors.
Q: How long should my email sequence be?
A: Start with 3-5 emails over 2-4 weeks. You can always add more emails later based on subscriber engagement and business needs.
Last updated: 1 March 2026