Email flows that print money (without being spammy)
Welcome → abandoned cart → post‑purchase. Keep them short, useful, and respectful and they'll pay for themselves.
Want to drive revenue without sounding like a broken record? It's not about sending more emails; it's about sending the right emails. You don't need dozens of complex automations to see a major impact. Instead, focus on these three essential email flows. Keep them short, useful, and respectful, and they'll pay for themselves.
The Three Flows That Matter
1. The Welcome Series (3 emails)
This is your chance to make a great first impression. In three short emails, introduce your brand and guide new subscribers toward their first purchase.
- Email 1: Tell your brand story. This isn't a history lesson; it's a chance to connect with your audience on a human level.
- Email 2: Show them what you sell. Highlight your main products or product categories.
- Email 3: Give them one clear call to action (CTA). Direct them to your best-sellers or a category quiz to help them find the perfect product.
2. The Abandoned Cart Flow (2 emails)
Don't let interested customers slip away. This flow gently reminds them of what they left behind and provides a little nudge to complete the purchase.
- Email 1: A simple reminder. Don't just show them the product again; add some social proof like a customer review or a testimonial.
- Email 2: Your final nudge. Instead of defaulting to a discount, try using urgency (e.g., "Only 5 left!") or a strong value proposition (e.g., "Free shipping on your order!").
3. The Post-Purchase Flow (2 emails)
The sale isn't the end—it's the beginning of a relationship. This flow builds loyalty and encourages repeat business.
- Email 1: A simple thank you. This email should also include a request for a product review.
- Email 2: A single, complementary upsell. For example, if they bought a coffee maker, this email could suggest a bag of beans or a coffee grinder. Avoid a generic product dump or carousel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Creating endless flows. More than seven emails in a single flow can feel overwhelming and lead to complaints.
- Using the same subject line format over and over. Mix it up to avoid looking robotic.
- Ignoring VIPs. Make sure you're segmenting your customers and capping the frequency of your emails so you don't bombard your best customers.
Quick Wins to Implement Today
- Try a plain-text abandoned cart reminder from the founder. This personal touch can be surprisingly effective.
- Replace your generic "Thanks for your order" with a short, human note. Add a few quick tips on how to get started with their new purchase.
- Switch from a product dump carousel to a single upsell in your post-purchase email. A clear, focused recommendation is far more likely to convert.
By mastering these three simple flows and avoiding common mistakes, you can turn your email list into a reliable source of revenue without feeling spammy or pushy.