How to Set Up Drip Campaigns
Drip campaigns are automated email sequences that "drip" messages to recipients over time. Unlike broadcast campaigns, drips are triggered by actions and spread across days or weeks.
What you'll need
Before you start, make sure you have the following ready.
- An OutSends account
- A trigger event (new subscriber, form submission, etc.)
- Content for 3-5 email drips
Step-by-step guide
Follow these steps to complete the setup.
Choose your trigger
Drips start when something happens — a new contact is added, a form is submitted, or a tag is applied. Select your trigger in OutSends.
Design your drip flow
Plan the cadence: Day 1 (welcome), Day 3 (education), Day 7 (case study), Day 14 (offer).
Write each drip email
Create each email in the sequence. Each message should build on the previous one.
Set delays between drips
Configure the timing. Common patterns: 2-3 days for active engagement, 5-7 days for slower nurturing.
Activate and monitor
Launch your drip campaign. Track open rates per email and adjust content based on performance.
Tips for best results
Pro tips to get the most out of this setup.
- Keep the first drip immediate — strike while interest is fresh
- Space education drips farther apart (3-5 days) than promotional ones
- Use drip campaigns for onboarding — guide new users step by step
- Pause drips if the recipient becomes a paying customer or lead
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a drip and a sequence?
Both are automated, but "drip" usually refers to time-based sending while "sequence" can include conditional branching.
Can I send drips to existing contacts?
Yes, apply a tag or segment to existing contacts to trigger the drip.
How many drips is too many?
More than 10 is usually excessive. 4-6 drips is ideal for most use cases.
Related guides
Explore more how-to guides for OutSends.
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