Grow Your SaaS Start-up with These Basic Email Marketing Automation Strategies

In case you've been too absorbed in code or cashflow projections to notice, email marketing is a tried and tested powerhouse when it comes to customer acquisition and retention. And the best part? It does it all by itself… eventually.

Automation is like having an army of virtual salespeople who don't sleep, don't eat, and certainly don't ask for raises. Email marketing automation allows you to send out personalized emails to your prospects at the right time and with the right content.

1. Onboarding

You've got a new sign-up! Now, let's roll out the red carpet and make them feel special. Perhaps you need them to confirm the account or subscription, get that done of course.

Your onboarding email series is a crucial part of turning a curious visitor into a raving fan. Set up an email sequence that welcomes new users, explains what they can expect from your software, and guides them through their first steps. You can also offer helpful resources like tutorials, blog posts, or customer service contacts. Remember, everyone likes to feel like they belong, and your SaaS platform is no exception. So go ahead, lay out that welcome mat!

2. The Drip, Drip, Drip

Drip campaigns are like brewing a perfect cup of coffee; it takes time but the end result is well worth the wait. Drip campaigns are a series of pre-written, automated emails sent out at specific intervals.

The magic of drip campaigns lies in their timing and relevancy. Whether it's a demo reminder, a feature highlight, or a nudge to upgrade their plan, these emails serve to keep your brand top of mind for your prospects and customers.

3. Win-back Emails

Sometimes users drift away, lost in the hustle and bustle of the digital world. The feared ‘Churn’. Maybe they forgot about you, maybe they just need a gentle reminder of why they signed up in the first place. Whatever the reason, win-back emails can be a powerful tool to re-engage inactive users.

For those wayward users, trigger a win-back campaign that reminds them of your value proposition, and maybe toss in a discount or special offer to sweeten the deal.

4. Data is the New Oil

If you’re reading this, you’re likely working or founding a SaaS company. So you understand the power of data. Well, your email marketing campaigns are a goldmine of insights. Track open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. With these insights, you can tweak and optimize your emails for maximum performance.

And the data inside of your tool is also at your disposal. Find what other users do and find helpful, and use those case studies in your marketing automations.

5. Personalization

Yes, we're living in the age of automation, but no one likes feeling like they're just another number in your database. Personalizing your emails can dramatically improve engagement rates. This can be as simple as including their first name in the email, or as advanced as tailoring content based on their usage patterns

Email automation is an art and a science, blending compelling content with the power of technology. So, use your email tool to its full potential. After all, it's not just about sending emails; it's about crafting experiences, building relationships, and turning prospects into passionate advocates for your brand.

And it’s an area perfectly suited to experimenting. Don’t be shy and ask for feedback from your peers and users. Try new things out and see what sticks!

Feel free to try out Plunk for your automations, as well as transactional emails and even whole marketing campaigns.

Carlo D'Agnolo
CarloFounder & Head of Growth at Plunk