9 Real-Life Marketing Automation Examples That Deliver Results (Without Feeling Robotic)

Because Marketing Should Work While You Sleep (Literally)

Let’s face it—juggling a dozen marketing tasks every day isn’t just tiring, it’s unsustainable. Whether you’re running an eCommerce store, managing a SaaS platform, or growing a service-based brand, you’ve probably wished for a smarter way to engage leads, retain customers, and stay consistent.

That’s exactly where Marketing Automation steps in.

But instead of diving into generic theory, we’re showing you real marketing automation examples—practical, proven workflows that are already helping brands scale their impact while giving marketers their time back.

These aren’t just examples pulled from theory—they’re based on strategies that professionals and digital marketers (including ourselves and our consulting partners) use across industries every day as part of a well-structured marketing automation workflow.

Example 1: The Welcome Series That Sets the Right Tone

Best for: E-commerce, Newsletters, SaaS trials
Platform match: Mailchimp, Klaviyo, ConvertKit

A new subscriber joins your list. Now what?

A warm, value-packed welcome email (or a short series) builds immediate connection. It might share your brand story, offer a first-purchase discount, or simply help them explore what you offer.

Why it works: First impressions matter. A thoughtful welcome email can set expectations and boost long-term engagement.

Pro Insight: Personalizing the second email based on what a user clicked in the first? Gold.

Example 2: Recovering Abandoned Carts With Gentle Nudges

Best for: Online retailers, product-based businesses
Tools used: Shopify + Klaviyo, Omnisend, Drip

Every abandoned cart is a missed opportunity. A smart automation can trigger a reminder email—or even a text—within hours of someone leaving without checking out.

Why it works: Timing is everything. A soft nudge (especially with a gentle offer) can recover up to 20% of those carts.

Add urgency, like “Your cart is waiting—but not forever…”

Example 3: Nurturing Leads Without Spamming Their Inbox

Best for: B2B, SaaS, Agencies
Platforms: HubSpot, ActiveCampaign, Keap

After someone downloads a guide or joins a webinar, you don’t want to go silent—or worse, jump into a hard sell.

A nurturing workflow sends educational content, case studies, and soft CTAs over time to warm them up.

Why it works: You’re staying relevant without being pushy. This approach builds trust and increases conversions.

A digital strategist once said, “Lead nurturing is like dating. You don’t propose on the first coffee.”

Example 4: Birthday Emails That Actually Delight

Best for: Beauty brands, fitness studios, loyalty programs
Popular tools: Mailchimp, Salesforce, Klaviyo

Birthdays aren’t just personal—they’re powerful. An automated birthday message with a thoughtful discount or gift builds loyalty and sparks delight.

Why it works: People expect a brand to forget, so when you remember, it feels extra special.

Tip: Customize it based on past purchases to make the offer even more personal.

Example 5: Re-Engagement Campaigns That Bring Customers Back

Best for: Subscription services, online stores, publishers
Used with: ConvertKit, MailerLite, Brevo

Inactive subscribers aren’t lost causes. Send a gentle reminder email like “Still with us?” or “Here’s what you missed…”

Why it works: It lets users know you care—without overwhelming them. You’ll either reignite interest or clean your list (both wins).

Bonus: Offer a “snooze” option instead of unsubscribe to keep them in the loop without pressure.

Example 6: Onboarding That Cuts Churn in Half

Best for: SaaS products, membership platforms, apps
Automation stack: Intercom, Customer.io, Postmark

When someone signs up, show them the ropes. A well-structured onboarding sequence introduces key features, offers bite-sized tutorials, and celebrates progress.

Why it works: Users who feel empowered stick around longer. It’s about giving value fast—before they lose interest.

Real-world tip: Use milestone emails (e.g., “You’ve published your first post!”) to drive momentum.

Example 7: Personalized Product Recommendations

Best for: E-commerce, lifestyle brands, subscription boxes
Platforms: Shopify, Klaviyo, AI personalization tools

When someone buys or browses a category, automation can kick in to recommend complementary items.

Why it works: Customers appreciate being seen. Personal recs drive repeat sales and increase AOV.

A mid-size apparel brand implemented this and saw a 22% jump in post-purchase conversions.

Example 8: Webinar & Event Follow-Ups That Convert

Best for: Coaches, SaaS demos, B2B education
Tools: Zoom + Zapier + email platforms

After someone registers for a live event, a sequence of reminder emails, day-of access links, and follow-up offers can be automated.

Why it works: Keeps engagement high pre-event and builds momentum afterward—turning one-time attendees into paying customers.

Quick Win: Send a 3-question survey after the event to gather insights and segment for future targeting.

Example 9: Social Media Scheduling That Saves Hours

Best for: Brands with content-heavy calendars
Automation tools: Buffer, Hootsuite, Later

Batch-scheduling social content weekly or monthly lets you stay visible without being glued to your phone.

Why it works: Consistency builds familiarity—and automation helps you show up even on busy days.

Organize posts by theme (tips on Tuesday, behind-the-scenes on Friday) for less stress.