Onboarding Sequence
Turn new signups into active users with a timed welcome journey across email and SMS. Deliver the right guidance at exactly the right moment.
Onboarding drip
Best practice
Email
SMS
7 days
- Day 1 · 09:00
Welcome Email
A warm welcome that sets expectations and points to the first step.Template: Welcome Email - openedDay 2 · 10:00
Quick Start SMS
A short nudge with a direct link to the quick start guide. - thenDay 4 · 09:30
Feature Intro
Introduce the key features that deliver value fastest.Template: Notification Email - thenDay 8 · 09:00
Tips & Tricks
Advanced tips that help users get more done in less time.Template: Weekly Newsletter
| Day | Channel | Event | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 · 09:00 | Email | Welcome Email | A warm welcome that sets expectations and points to the first step. | |
| Day 2 · 10:00 | SMS | Quick Start SMS | A short nudge with a direct link to the quick start guide. | |
| Day 4 · 09:30 | Email | Feature Intro | Introduce the key features that deliver value fastest. | |
| Day 8 · 09:00 | Email | Tips & Tricks | Advanced tips that help users get more done in less time. |
Included automation
When "Welcome Email" is opened → "Quick Start SMS"
Why this works
Activation is decided in the first week, so the series is front-loaded on days 0, 1, 3 and 7 — the gaps widen as the habit forms instead of staying flat.
- Send the welcome email while the signup is still fresh; it is the highest-engagement message of the whole programme, so it carries the single most important next step.
- The day-1 SMS exists because email alone rarely reaches someone who has not come back: keep it to one link and send it inside working hours.
- Widen the gaps (0 → 1 → 3 → 7) so the drip decays as the user becomes self-sufficient; a flat daily cadence reads as noise and drives opt-outs.
- Exit the drip the moment the user activates, and give every message an opt-out — an onboarding series is still a marketing send.
Measure: Activation rate