Email sequences automate your visitor follow-up communication. Instead of manually sending emails to each visitor, you create templates that are sent automatically based on triggers like first visit, second visit, or specific events.

Default Email Sequences

VisiConnect comes with pre-built sequences for common scenarios:

New Visitor Welcome (First Visit)

Sent immediately after a first-time visitor is checked in. This email typically:

  • Thanks them for visiting
  • Provides service times and location information
  • Links to your church's "Next Steps" or membership information
  • Includes a personal note from the senior pastor

Welcome Back (Second Visit)

Sent after a visitor's second check-in. This email:

  • Acknowledges their return
  • Provides information about small groups or classes
  • Includes a link to sign up for an upcoming newcomer lunch

Next Steps (Third Visit)

Sent after the third visit, inviting deeper involvement:

  • Invitation to membership class or discovery seminar
  • Information about serving opportunities
  • Encouragement to take the next step in their journey

Managing Email Sequences

Navigate to Settings > Email Sequences to view and customize your sequences.

Editing a Sequence

  1. Click on the sequence you want to edit.
  2. Modify the subject line, body content, and timing.
  3. Use merge tags to personalize content (e.g., {{visitor.first_name}}).
  4. Preview the email to see how it will appear to recipients.
  5. Click Save to apply changes.

Creating a Custom Sequence

  1. Click + New Sequence.
  2. Give the sequence a descriptive name (e.g., "Event Follow-up").
  3. Choose the trigger (e.g., "When visitor is checked in for Special Event").
  4. Set the delay (send immediately, 1 day later, 3 days later, etc.).
  5. Compose the email content using the visual editor.
  6. Test the sequence by sending a preview to your own email.
  7. Publish the sequence to activate it.

Personalization with Merge Tags

Make your emails feel personal by using merge tags that pull in visitor data:

Tag Outputs
{{visitor.first_name}} Visitor's first name
{{visitor.full_name}} Visitor's full name
{{church.name}} Your church's name
{{church.address}} Church mailing address
{{staff.name}} Assigned staff member's name
{{visit.date}} Date of the visit

Sequence Timing

Control when emails are sent relative to the trigger event:

  • Immediately: Sent within minutes of the trigger.
  • 1 day later: Sent the day after the trigger.
  • 3 days later: Sent three days after the trigger.
  • 1 week later: Sent one week after the trigger.
  • Custom: Specify any number of days or hours.
Tip: Avoid sending emails too late in the evening or early in the morning. Schedule sequences to send during business hours (9am-5pm) for better engagement.

Testing and Analytics

Before publishing a sequence, use the Send Test feature to receive a preview in your inbox. After emails are sent, track performance with:

  • Open Rate: Percentage of recipients who opened the email.
  • Click Rate: Percentage who clicked links in the email.
  • Bounce Rate: Emails that couldn't be delivered.

Access analytics from Settings > Email > Analytics.

Email Requirements

To send automated emails, you must configure SMTP settings in Settings > Email Settings. This ensures reliable delivery and proper authentication.