To automate or not to automate, that’s the question
Or… question? You know the only right answer is to automate, right 
?
Welcome. It’s really cool that you have signed up for Hillel’s 30 Days to Better Email series. Today we talk about *drum roll* automation. In my opinion, one of the most exciting aspects in marketing. But hey, you don’t have to believe me. Start with automation and experience it yourself!
Maybe you’re thinking: automation, it feels a bit impersonal. But it really isn’t. By automating tasks, processes and workflows, you’ll not only get a better relationship with leads and customers. It also allows you to send your customers the perfect message at the perfect time. And that is exactly what email marketing (automation) is all about: putting your customer first.
A killer robot throwing stones?
Automation is certainly not a recent phenomenon. Ever heard of a Greek god who made a killer robot that threw stones at enemies? It’s a bit of a strange metaphor, but what I mean by this is: the killer robot threw the stones at the right person (enemies) at exactly the right moment. And that is exactly what you want to achieve by using automation. Not throwing stones of course, but sending emails. Luckily for us, it is a lot easier to send emails than to throw stones 
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Less is more
The best advice I can give you is: just start with automation. Today!
We tend to overthink everything, even in situations like setting up an automation flow. But what if I tell you that isn’t necessary at all. Keep in mind that less is more. Set up a small and simple automation flow and start exploring what works for you and your subscribers, clients, etc.
How to start
It is important to keep your goal in mind. What do you want to achieve with automation? As long as your goal is clear, you’re good to go. Next step: take a look at your existing email campaigns. Is there a campaign that you can easily extend?
Example: Set up a welcome flow. Use the thank you mail you send after someone subscribed to your newsletter (mail 1). After two days, you can send them your latest article (mail 2). This is a really simple and small automation flow with only two emails. But you can extend it as much as you like. e.g. asking subscribers to extend their profile. That way you can send them emails based on their interests.
That’s the beauty of automation: keep it as simple or complex as you want. The possibilities are endless.
Well, that’s all (for now) folks!
Cheers and hopefully we’ll keep in touch 
,
Barbara de Jong from Tripolis