Feel like you’re constantly chasing leads, manually onboarding clients, or replying to DMs at all hours? If you’re a service-based business owner still doing everything manually, this one’s for you.
Let’s talk about marketing automation that actually feels human — and helps you create a smooth, trust-building experience for your clients from hello to happily ever after.
Here are three strategic automation flows we use every day that save time and increase conversions. Because your brand deserves to feel as good behind the scenes as it looks on the ‘gram.
1. The Nurture Flow That Answers Questions Before They’re Asked
📥 Welcome Email Sequence
A welcome sequence is your first real impression. It’s how you make subscribers feel seen, introduce your brand and invite them to take the next step.
This isn’t a sales pitch or just a “thanks for subscribing” email. It’s a guided experience that helps people understand who you are, what you offer and why it matters.
This is your chance to:
- Introduce your values
- Set expectations
- Share juicy freebies or FAQs
- Build authority and trust while you sleep
Tools we use: Drip, Zapier, ClickUp, Canva
OMD tip: Use a warm tone, client language, and don’t be afraid to show personality. Add a touch of voice note energy in email form 💌
We plan these flows based on where the lead is in their journey and what they’ve interacted with. Then we craft nurture emails that address hesitations and offer insight – so by the time they’re ready to say yes, there’s no resistance.
2. Follow-Up That Feels Like a Thoughtful Nudge (Not a Nag)
📈 Lead Follow-Up Trigger
Most leads don’t convert straight away. And that’s completely normal.
But if you’re not following up strategically, you’re relying on luck and memory instead of a system that supports you. Automating these moments helps you stay top of mind while continuing to build trust.
No more leads falling through the cracks. A smart follow-up automation checks in after key actions – like booking a discovery call, downloading a lead magnet, or even ghosting you after a proposal.
✨ Bonus points: Sync this flow with your CRM to track your entire customer journey. Analyse your MQL-to-SQL conversion timeline and optimise what’s working.
Tools we use: Drip, TidyCal, Zapier, ClickUp, Canva
OMD tip: Keep it conversational, short, and values-aligned. No pushy energy. Just helpful and timely.
We plan these flows based on where the lead is in their journey and what they’ve interacted with. Then we craft nurture emails that address hesitations and offer insight — so by the time they’re ready to say yes, there’s no resistance.
3. Onboarding That Impresses Before You Even Say “Welcome”
🎉 Client Onboarding Automation
You’ve just sealed the deal. Now is your moment to show your new client they made the right choice quickly and clearly.
Onboarding automations take care of the admin while setting the tone for a smooth, confident start to your work together.
You want your new clients to feel seen, safe, and excited — not confused about what’s next.
This automation delivers:
- A branded welcome email
- Contract & invoice confirmation
- Links to book their first session or access resources
And the best part? It’s instant. So even if a client signs at 11:57pm on a Sunday night, they’ll wake up to a seamless experience that screams you’re in good hands.
Tools we use: Ignition, Drip, Zapier, ClickUp, Canva
OMD tip: Make your welcome email feel like a celebration, not just a transaction. Think: “We’re so glad you’re here!” energy 💘
We use ClickUp and Ignition to send contracts, forms and welcome guides as soon as the client signs.
Even if it’s late at night, they get their next steps instantly. Internally, we also automate team handovers and reminders to personalise touchpoints so nothing feels robotic.
Ready to Fall in Love With Your Systems Again?
Sure, these automations save time. But they also give your clients consistency, clarity and confidence from the very beginning.
Marketing automation for service-based businesses doesn’t have to be robotic, overwhelming, or impersonal. When done right, it saves you time and builds connection.
Want us to help you set this up? Slide into our DMs or check out our Digital Marketing Playbook to see how we map out this magic for clients like you.
Because your dream clients shouldn’t wait to feel the love 💌
