> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.autosend.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Email Automations
> Create contact-triggered email automations with three trigger types: added to list or segment, contact property matching, and contact property changes.
Email automation lets you send sequences of emails triggered by contact actions without manual intervention. You define the trigger, timing, content, and exit conditions once, then the system handles the rest.
AutoSend supports three trigger types:
* **New contact is added to** a list or segment
* **Contact property matches with** a specific condition
* **Contact property changes from → to** a new value
## Common Use Cases
* **Onboarding sequences** for new users or customers on different plans
* **Lead nurturing campaigns** for prospects at different stages
* **Re-engagement campaigns** for inactive contacts
* **Educational drip campaigns** that deliver value over time
* **Event-based sequences** triggered by signup, download, or purchase
* **Product adoption sequences** guiding users through features
* **Renewal or upgrade campaigns** for subscription-based products
## Best Practices
**Start with clear goals.** Define what you want each automation to achieve, whether it's onboarding, nurturing, conversion, or retention.
**Map the contact journey.** Plan the logical flow of emails from the contact's perspective. What information do they need first? What actions do you want them to take?
**Choose the right trigger type.** Use list/segment triggers for broad audience entry, property matching for condition-based targeting, and property changes for reacting to specific transitions.
**Time your emails strategically.** Balance staying top-of-mind with avoiding inbox fatigue. Consider your audience's behavior patterns and industry norms.
**Test before activating.** Send test emails to yourself, verify all links work, and ensure personalization tokens display correctly.
**Understand exit conditions.** Any contact that no longer meets the trigger criteria will be automatically removed from the automation. Contacts who unsubscribe will also be removed and will not receive further emails.
**Avoid automation overlap.** Be mindful of contacts who might qualify for multiple automations. Structure your triggers to prevent overwhelming contacts with too many simultaneous emails.