Boy, would it feel good to have a “f%@$ you” fund (to put it uncharitably).
If your income situation takes a turn for the worse… or you just need a break… you could afford to take some time off and live on those savings.
Here’s the thing:
Email automations work much the same way — only it can potentially last forever if you build them right.
Your automations run on autopilot, generating a constant income stream. It’s almost like having an “emergency income” for your business.
You can build tons of sequences, and they can get quite specific and nitty-gritty. But you should first focus on the sequences that’ll bring you a healthy income stream without much effort.
Below, I’ll explain some of the highest-ROI income streams that can build your “emergency income.”
1. Welcome Sequence
The Welcome Sequence is the holy grail of email automations.
Why?
Well, it’s the first thing your customer sees when they grab your lead magnet.
It’s what “brings them into the fold.” Get it right, and they will buy at some point during the sequence…
And could even become a lifelong customer.
During the welcome sequence, you get to introduce your brand and show off what separates it from others. You can provide them proof via testimonials and reviews. You can convey your brand personality and build that connection that lasts a (customer) lifetime.
It’s also perfect for segmentation.
For instance, in your very first email, a good tactic is to ask your subscriber a question about their problems/pain points and give them a few answers.
Then, put them into a specific customer segment based on their answer. Now, they’ll get automations and broadcasts most relevant to them, meaning higher buying chances.
Oh, and these replies can boost your deliverability as well.
2. Upsells and Cross-Sells
Your products solve customer problems and help them reach their goals. But here’s the thing:
When they solve one problem or reach one goal, they now have another problem to fix or a goal to achieve.
That’s where upselling and cross-selling automations work great.
Upselling means encouraging the customer to buy more of the same item or buy the next item they might need in their customer journey.
Dollar Shave Club is an excellent example of that first one. When a customer’s order is about ready to ship, the brand sends them an email letting them know they can add another item to their order before it happens. The urgency certainly helps make the sale.
Cross-sells are a bit different. They pick something in a different category but complements their purchase well.
Back to our coffee example: if your customer just bought your signature roast, you might cross-sell them a branded mug with which to enjoy that cuppa joe. Totally different category, but you kinda need a mug to drink coffee!
In short: both of these can get you a second chunk of revenue from each customer by getting them to buy subsequent or complementary products.
3. Re-Engagement Sequences
Sometimes, buyers go cold. They stop opening your emails for whatever reason, so they’re not getting your beautiful email messages… nor are they buying from them.
ESPs tell you who these people are — and you can use a re-engagement sequence to try and win back their dollars.
Not only does this add another (albeit smaller) revenue stream…
But it helps maintain your list health. It reduces the number of subscribers that go cold.
Email Automations as “Emergency Income”
Nothing is guaranteed, but email automations can help you generate some basic level of income without much work beyond making and occasionally optimizing them.
And, like a “f%@$ you” fund, it provides that peace of mind knowing you’ll always be earning some cash — even if you step back from your business for a bit.
If you want help planning out or writing these automations…