Step-by-Step: Building Automated Onboarding Sequences in Gmail

A seamless onboarding sequence is crucial to engaging new subscribers early. With Twirly AI, you can automate your Gmail workflows to welcome users, share essential resources, and drive activation—without manual effort. This step-by-step guide covers planning, setup, testing, and optimization.

Planning Your Onboarding Workflow

Key Milestones and Goals

• Welcome Email: Introduction and account setup guide.

• Education Series: Feature highlights, tips, and best practices.

• Engagement Check: Prompt first action (e.g., profile completion).

Mapping Stages in a Flowchart

• Sketch a simple diagram outlining triggers, delays, and email content.

Connecting Gmail to Twirly AI

OAuth Setup & Permissions

1. In Twirly, go to Settings → Integrations.

2. Click Connect to Gmail and authorize permissions.

3. Verify your send-from address in Email Settings.

Verifying Send-From Address

• Send a test email to confirm delivery and sender reputation.

Creating Welcome Email Templates

Tone and Content Guidelines

• Keep it friendly and concise, with a clear CTA (e.g., “Complete your profile”).

• Include a brief overview of features.

Using Twirly’s Welcome Template

• Navigate to Templates → Onboarding and select “Welcome Sequence.”

• Customize merge tags like {{first_name}} and {{welcome_link}}.

Setting Up Follow-Up Drip Rules

Time-Based vs. Event-Based Triggers

• Time-Based: Send Day 3 reminder if no login.

• Event-Based: Trigger tutorial email when a specific link is clicked.

Configuring Delays and Conditions

• Set delays (e.g., 48 hours) and conditional logic (e.g., only if opened_email == false).

Personalizing Each Step with AI Tags

Inserting Dynamic Variables

• Use tags like {{company}}, {{plan_type}}, and {{signup_date}}.

• Ensure fallback values are in place.

Conditional Content Blocks

• Show feature-specific tips only to users on relevant plans.

Testing Your Sequence Before Launch

Internal “Wizard of Oz” Tests

• Send test emails to team members to validate content and timing.

• Collect feedback on clarity and tone.

Spam-Score Checks and Deliverability

• Use Twirly’s spam-score checker to ensure compliance with email providers.

Going Live & Monitoring Performance

Key Metrics to Track

• Open Rate: Aim ≥ 50%.

• Click Rate: Aim ≥ 20%.

• Activation Rate: % of users completing first action.

Using Twirly’s Analytics Dashboard

• Review performance in Analytics → Sequences.

• Adjust timing or content based on data.

Next Steps: Implement this automated sequence to onboard new Gmail subscribers and boost activation rates without manual effort!