How to set up your first Email Automation

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Mailchimp is one of the most popular email marketing platforms due to its ease of use, functionality and it’s free for 2000 contacts or less.

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Setting up your first automation is easy! Here is a step-by-step guide to create an automated Welcome Email to new subscribers:

Before getting started, make sure you’ve created a Mailchimp account. It also may be helpful to create a customized template in advance.

Step 1 - in the top menu, click on ‘Automate’, a drop-down menu will appear, click on ‘Email’

Step 2 - click on ‘Welcome new subscribers’. [There are other types of automations you can set up (some are only included with upgraded $ versions of Mailchimp) including automation series (sending more than one email at specified intervals) and sending automated emails based on actions people have taken (for example, people who click on a link in your broadcast email can be sent an email with a special offer or call-to-action). For more information on advanced automations, please email me.]

Step 3 - create a “Campaign Name”, something recognizable to you (your audience will not see this) and select the ‘Audience’ [list] to which this will apply (for example, when people get added to XYZ audience, they will receive ABC welcome message)

Step 4 through 7 - there are four main settings for our automation.

Step 4 - ‘Sends to’ click on ‘Edit Delay And Recipients’ > New subscribed contacts (select when you want the welcome email to be sent either immediately after a new contact is created, 6 hours or 1 day. Click ‘Save’ to lock in your option.

*pro tip - I usually select immediately or 6 hours - your contact will likely have you fresh in their mind. By tomorrow they might have forgotten how they met you/who you are/how you can help them, so strike while the iron’s hot!

Step 5 - ‘From’ make sure the name is something people will recognize…I recommend you include your first name in order to keep it personal. Keep the from email address the same as to avoid and domain mismatches.

Step 6 - the ‘Subject’ line is the most important aspect of getting people to open your message. Some suggestions include: a direct reference to the reason/event/download of how people got on your list; or a specific benefit that your product offers; or a specific fact or stat that will capture someone’s attention. Be sure to use the ‘Preview text’ as well. Check out my Email Marketing Mastery Course for more ideas on great subject lines and to learn how to build successful email marketing campaigns.

Step 7 - this is where you will create the body of the email that you will be sending. To use a template you’ve created, click on ‘Template’ at the bottom of the page, then ‘Saved templates’ to start with a template you’ve already created. In the body of your message, you want to:

  • remind people why they’ve signed up/been added to your list

  • tell them more about you and your brand

  • set the expectations about what you will be emailing them about in the future, how often and what are the benefits for your audience

Step 8 - click the ‘Start Sending’ button in the upper right corner. This will launch your email automation.

If you have any questions about email marketing, please shoot me an email jamie@kayshiftmarketing.com