Drip Campaign (Automated Sequence)

A drip campaign is a pre-planned, timed series of messages that a contact receives one after another, for example an onboarding over seven days. Instead of sending everything at once, the messages arrive drop by drop at the right moment. Once set up, the sending runs automatically.

What is a drip campaign?

The name comes from the verb to drip. A drip campaign spreads a series of messages over a period of time instead of sending them all at once. Each message goes out at a set time or after a set delay: a welcome on day 1, a tip on day 3, an offer on day 7.

At its core, a drip campaign is a special kind of automated flow: it is time-based and follows a fixed order. A trigger starts it, such as a newsletter sign-up, a purchase or a tag being added. As with any one-to-many communication, every recipient needs a documented opt-in, otherwise you may not send.

Why drip campaigns make sense for small businesses

A drip campaign takes recurring communication off your hands entirely. You set up the sequence once, and from then on it runs automatically for every new contact:

• The right timing. Each message arrives when it is relevant, not all at once.
• Less effort. No more manual follow-ups. The sequence does it for you.
• More impact. A well-planned order guides contacts step by step and supports lead nurturing.

It gets even more effective combined with segmentation: new customers get a different sequence from long-standing regulars. Unlike a one-off broadcast, which reaches everyone at the same time, a drip campaign is timed individually for each contact.

Example: a gym

A gym in Glasgow wins new members online, but many never turn up after signing. A WhatsApp drip campaign catches them.

As soon as someone takes out a membership (the trigger) and has opted in, the sequence starts. Day 1: a warm welcome with the link to book classes. Day 3: a short introduction to the trainers. Day 5: an invitation to a free induction session. Day 10: a check-in, “How’s it going?” Every message goes out automatically without the team having to remember it. On WhatsApp, messages outside the 24-hour customer service window go out as approved templates. The result: more members who actually get started, and a front desk that no longer has to chase anyone with reminders.

Drip campaigns with SendSeven

SendSeven is a unified messaging platform that brings all your channels together in one inbox: WhatsApp, SMS, email, Instagram, Messenger, live chat, Telegram and browser push. You build automated sequences in the visual Flow Builder, included from the Professional plan: you choose the trigger, define the steps and the delays between them, and the campaign runs automatically for every new contact on WhatsApp, SMS, email, Instagram, Messenger or Telegram.

Opt-in management and segmentation are built in, so every message only goes to contacts who agreed and fit the segment. GDPR-compliant and hosted in the EU (Frankfurt). That is how you accompany your customers with the right content at the right time. Try it free for 14 days, no credit card required.