Glossary of Terms
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Automation Flow | A set of pre-scheduled, behavior-triggered emails. |
CTA (Call to Action) | A prompt that encourages the reader to take an action (“Shop Now”). |
Segmentation | Dividing your email list into smaller groups based on behavior or attributes. |
A/B Testing | Comparing two email variants to see which performs better. |
CTR (Click-Through Rate) | The % of people who clicked on a link in your email. |
CVR (Conversion Rate) | The % of people who made a purchase after clicking through. |
Welcome Series | A sequence sent to new subscribers to introduce your brand. |
Winback Series | A series designed to re-engage lapsed customers. |
Table of contents
The Ultimate Guide to Shopify Email Automation for DTC Brands
Email marketing is the backbone of sustainable growth for any Shopify store. Unlike paid social or SEO, email gives you direct access to your audience—without an algorithm deciding who sees your message.
This guide breaks down the essential automation flows every Shopify merchant should have live, backed by proven strategies, conversion-focused frameworks, and examples from top-performing brands.
1. Welcome Series (Your First Impression Email Funnel)
The welcome series isn’t just a polite hello—it’s your first AND best opportunity to turn a stranger into a loyal customer. It sets expectations, showcases your values, and warms them up for that first conversion.
Strategy Breakdown
- Trigger: Subscriber joins via popup, landing page, or embedded form
- Flow Filter: Placed order = 0
- Email Count: 4–6 emails over 5–7 days
Email Breakdown:
- Welcome + Offer Delivery
- Subject: “Welcome to [Brand] 🎉 Your Discount Awaits”
- Content: Short intro + deliver incentive + clear CTA
- Brand Story
- Share origin, values, or founder’s story
- CTA: “Meet Our Best Sellers”
- Social Proof + Best Sellers
- Showcase reviews, media mentions, and customer photos
- CTA: “Shop What They Love”
- Community Message / Values
- Mission, charitable aspect, or deeper value
- CTA: Follow on social or join community
- Urgency Email
- “Your 15% Off Expires in 24 Hours!”
- Include FAQs or a comparison chart (you vs competitor)
- (Optional) Final Reminder + Soft Nudge
- Subject: “Still Thinking About It? 💭”
- Tone: Conversational, humorous
Benchmarks:
Metric | Target |
---|---|
Open Rate | 40–60% |
CTR | 5–10% |
CVR | 3–7% |
2. Abandoned Cart Series (Turn “Almost” into Revenue)

Why It Matters
Over 70% of carts are abandoned. This is where email automation prints money. You’re targeting users with high intent—they just need a little push.
Strategy Breakdown
- Trigger: Started checkout but did NOT complete purchase
- Flow Filter: Placed order = 0 since starting flow
- Email Count: 3 emails over 72 hours
Email Breakdown
- Immediate Reminder (1–2 Hours After Abandonment)
- Subject: “Forget Something? 🛒”
- Content: Include product image, short copy, CTA: “Complete Your Order”
- Incentive Layer (24 Hours Later)
- Subject: “Still Thinking It Over? Here’s 10% Off 💸”
- Include urgency + reminder of benefits
- Final Nudge (48 Hours After)
- Subject: “Last Chance to Grab Your Cart 🛍️”
- Scarcity tone: “Only a few left in stock”
Benchmarks:
Metric | Target |
---|---|
Open Rate | 35–55% |
CTR | 8–12% |
CVR | 10–20% |
3. Browse Abandonment Flow (Intent Without Action)
This flow targets people who viewed a product but didn’t add it to cart. Lighter touch than cart recovery, but often higher volume.
Setup
- Trigger: Viewed product
- Filter: Checkout Started = 0, Placed Order = 0
Email Breakdown
- Revisit Reminder
- Subject: “Spotted Something You Liked?”
- Dynamic block: product they viewed
- CTA: “Take Another Look”
- Testimonial + Comparison
- Subject: “Why Customers Love [Product]”
- Add comparison table vs similar item
- (Optional) Incentive (if they return but don’t convert)
4. Customer Winback Flow (When They Ghost You)
When customers drop off, don’t beg—remind them what made your brand special. The winback is subtle, personal, and value-led.
Setup:
- Trigger: Last purchase was 60–90 days ago
- Flow Filter: Placed order = 0 since trigger
Email Breakdown
- “We Miss You!”
- Subject: “Still Thinking of You 💌”
- CTA: Show new arrivals
- Exclusive Incentive
- Subject: “20% Off—Just for You”
- Create urgency (expires in 48 hrs)
- Personalized Product Recos
- Based on purchase history or category browsed
5. Post-Purchase Flows
There are two paths: New Customer Nurture and Repeat Customer Delight. Here’s how to do both.
A. New Customer Flow
- Thank You + Order Confirmation
- How to Use the Product (Care Tips, Styling Tips)
- Ask for a Review or UGC Submission
- Cross-sell Related Products
B. Repeat Customer Flow
- Thank You for Coming Back
- Loyalty Program Invitation
- VIP Invitation if they qualify
6. VIP Campaigns
Treat your top customers like royalty. Define a VIP segment and roll out:
Ideas:
- Early access to sales
- Surprise-and-delight emails (free product!)
- Personal notes from founder or team
7. Birthday Automation
It’s the highest-converting emotional trigger. Set it. Forget it. Profit.
Strategy:
- Ask for birth date on signup or post-purchase
- Trigger a fun message + surprise
- Add CTA to a gift collection or store credit
8. Cross-sell & Upsell
Don’t stop at the first sale. These flows unlock LTV.
Ideas:
- Trigger based on category purchased
- Send after delivery confirmation
- Product bundle offers or “complete the look”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many emails should be in a welcome series? 4–6 emails spread over 7 days is ideal.
2. What’s the difference between cart and browse abandonment? Cart = added item; Browse = just viewed. Different intent levels.
3. Should I include a discount in every automation? No. Use them strategically. Discounts should be earned.
4. What’s the best platform for Shopify email marketing? Klaviyo. Hands down.
5. What’s a good open rate to aim for? Welcome: 40–60%. Cart: 30–50%. Winback: 20–35%.
6. When should I send a winback email? Start around day 60. Test different windows (60–120 days).
Final Thoughts
Email isn’t dead. It’s dominating—if you use it right. Nail your automations, layer on segmentation, keep testing, and your Shopify store will print repeat revenue while you sleep.
Need help building flows that actually convert? Let’s talk.

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