How to Automate Email Follow-Ups
Manual follow-ups are time-consuming and easy to forget. OutSends lets you create automated follow-up sequences that trigger based on opens, clicks, replies, or time delays.
What you'll need
Before you start, make sure you have the following ready.
- An OutSends account
- A draft campaign ready to send
- A follow-up email template or idea
Step-by-step guide
Follow these steps to complete the setup.
Create your initial email
Write your first email as usual. This is the email that triggers the follow-up sequence.
Add a follow-up step
In the campaign builder, click "Add Follow-Up". Choose the trigger (no open, no click, or time delay).
Set the delay
Choose how long to wait before sending the follow-up. Common delays: 2 days, 5 days, 7 days.
Write your follow-up email
Create a new version of your message. Reference the previous email and add value rather than repeating yourself.
Add more follow-ups (optional)
Add up to 5 follow-up steps. Each can have its own trigger and delay. OutSends stops when someone replies.
Tips for best results
Pro tips to get the most out of this setup.
- 3-5 follow-ups is optimal. More than 5 can annoy recipients
- Each follow-up should add value — a new case study, testimonial, or offer
- Use "skip if replied" to respect your recipients' time
Frequently asked questions
What triggers a follow-up?
Common triggers: no open after X days, no click after X days, or a specific time delay regardless of action.
Can I have different follow-ups for opens vs. no-opens?
Yes, you can branch your sequence based on whether the recipient opened the previous email.
Does OutSends stop follow-ups if someone replies?
Yes, the "skip on reply" feature automatically stops sequences when a reply is detected.
Related guides
Explore more how-to guides for OutSends.
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