> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://api.smartlead.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Email Sequences

> Understanding email sequences and follow-ups

## What are Sequences?

Sequences are automated follow-up emails that are sent based on time delays and conditions. A typical sequence might look like:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Email 1 (Day 0)">
    Initial outreach email
  </Step>

  <Step title="Email 2 (Day 3)">
    First follow-up if no reply
  </Step>

  <Step title="Email 3 (Day 7)">
    Second follow-up if no reply
  </Step>

  <Step title="Email 4 (Day 14)">
    Final follow-up
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Sequence Structure

Each sequence has:

* **Sequence Number**: 1, 2, 3, etc.
* **Subject Line**: Email subject (can use variables)
* **Email Body**: Message content (supports HTML and plain text)
* **Delay**: Days to wait before sending
* **Conditions**: When to send (optional)

## Example Sequence

```json theme={null}
{
  "seq_number": 1,
  "subject": "Quick question about {{company_name}}",
  "email_body": "Hi {{first_name}},\n\nI noticed {{company_name}} is in the {{industry}} space...",
  "seq_delay_details": {
    "delay_in_days": 0
  }
}
```

## Personalization Variables

Use these in subject and body:

### Standard Fields

* `{{first_name}}` - Lead's first name
* `{{last_name}}` - Lead's last name
* `{{email}}` - Lead's email
* `{{company_name}}` - Company name
* `{{website}}` - Company website
* `{{location}}` - Lead's location

### Custom Fields

Any custom field you add:

* `{{job_title}}`
* `{{industry}}`
* `{{company_size}}`
* `{{pain_point}}`
* Any other custom field

### Usage Example

```
Subject: {{first_name}}, question about {{company_name}}'s {{industry}} strategy

Hi {{first_name}},

I noticed {{company_name}} is based in {{location}} and works in the {{industry}} space.

As a {{job_title}}, you might be interested in...

Best regards,
Your Name
```

## Sequence Delays

Configure delays between emails:

```json theme={null}
{
  "seq_delay_details": {
    "delay_in_days": 3
  }
}
```

**Recommended Delays**:

* Email 1 → Email 2: 2-4 days
* Email 2 → Email 3: 3-5 days
* Email 3 → Email 4: 5-7 days
* Email 4 → Email 5: 7-14 days

## Sequence Variants (A/B Testing)

Test multiple versions of the same sequence:

```json theme={null}
{
  "seq_number": 1,
  "seq_variants": [
    {
      "variant_id": "A",
      "subject": "Quick question",
      "email_body": "Version A...",
      "distribution": 50
    },
    {
      "variant_id": "B",
      "subject": "Thoughts on your process?",
      "email_body": "Version B...",
      "distribution": 50
    }
  ]
}
```

## Stop Conditions

Configure when to stop sending:

* **Reply to Email**: Stop on any reply (recommended)
* **Email Opened**: Stop after they open
* **Link Clicked**: Stop after click
* **Never**: Send full sequence regardless

## Best Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Keep It Short">
    First email: 50-125 words for best response rates
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Value First">
    Lead with value, not your product. What's in it for them?
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Clear CTA">
    One clear call-to-action per email
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Test Variants">
    A/B test subject lines and messaging
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Space Out Follow-ups">
    Don't be too aggressive - 3-5 days between emails
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Sequence Types

### 1. Standard Sequence

```
Email 1: Initial outreach
Email 2: Value add / case study
Email 3: Different angle
Email 4: Permission to close
```

### 2. Value Sequence

```
Email 1: Free resource offer
Email 2: Additional resources
Email 3: Soft pitch
Email 4: Hard pitch
```

### 3. Problem-Solution

```
Email 1: Identify problem
Email 2: Your solution
Email 3: Case study / proof
Email 4: Call to action
```

## Related Endpoints

* [Get Campaign Sequences](/api-reference/campaigns/get-sequences)
* [Update Campaign Sequences](/api-reference/campaigns/update-sequences)
* [Create Campaign](/api-reference/campaigns/create)