Quick answer
A behaviour-based email sequence branches when a contact takes an action you care about, such as a pricing click or form submit, instead of waiting for a fixed day on the calendar. Start with one high-intent trigger, map three paths (hot, warm, cool), write a matching ask for each path, and test every branch before you approve the send.
Key takeaways
- Branch on one high-intent behaviour first
- Map three paths before you add more
- Match the ask to the branch, keep the offer facts consistent
- Test each path before you approve live send
This guide answers one question from my article MailBaser Smart Email Marketing Automation: Behaviour-Based Sequences: if sequences follow behaviour, how do I design the first one?
📘 Main article: This guide supports our full article, MailBaser Smart Email Marketing Automation: Behaviour-Based Sequences. Read it for the complete picture.
Disclosure: I offer a Scale.gg bonus bundle and may earn a commission if you buy through my links. This does not change my assessment.
What is a behaviour-based email sequence?
A behaviour-based sequence does not wait for “day 3”. It waits for an action: a link click, a form submit, a purchase or a missed step. In MailBaser, the dynamic sequence builder branches when the contact does something you care about.
Calendar drips still have a place for welcome education. Behaviour branches belong on high-intent moments where the next message should change.
How do I choose the first behaviour to branch on?
Pick one behaviour that proves interest in buying or applying, not vanity opens alone. Good first branches:
- Clicked a pricing or booking link
- Submitted a multi-step intake form
- Registered for a webinar but did not attend
- Started checkout but did not buy
💡 Tip: If you cannot name the business next step after the behaviour, it is a weak branch. “Opened any email” is usually too broad for your first automation.
What does a simple three-branch map look like?
| Branch | Trigger | Next email goal |
|---|---|---|
| A — Hot | Clicked pricing in email 1 | Book a call or buy with a clear CTA |
| B — Warm | Opened but no click after 3 days | Restate the offer with a softer ask |
| C — Cool | No open after 5 days | One value email, then pause or tag for later |
Three branches are enough for a first test. Add more only after you see which path converts.
How do I write emails for each branch?
Write each branch as if the contact already told you something. Branch A can assume interest. Branch C should not pitch like Branch A.
- One primary CTA per email
- Same offer facts across branches; only the ask and urgency change
- Use the block designer preview before you approve send
⚠️ Warning: Do not put unverified income claims in any branch. Behavioural automation multiplies a bad claim across every path.
How should I test before going live?
- Create a test contact and walk each branch manually
- Confirm the live segment for “openers, not buyers” still matches real people
- Approve sender, timing and conditions yourself before the sequence goes live
Map your three branches now. Write the trigger and the next CTA for hot, warm and cool before you open the sequence builder. Keep reading on Prodify Digital or visit the bonus page.
Frequently asked questions
Is a behaviour-based sequence the same as a drip?
A drip often runs on days since signup. A behaviour-based sequence changes path when the contact clicks, submits or buys.
How many branches should I start with?
Three is enough: hot, warm and cool. Add more only after you measure the first map.
Where does this fit with MailBaser?
MailBaser’s dynamic sequence builder is built for this pattern. See the main article for segments, forms and CRM recipes.
The bottom line
A behaviour-based email sequence follows what people do, not only when they joined. Choose one clear trigger, map three branches, write each path honestly, and test before approval. That is how you use MailBaser’s automation without losing control.
Related posts
- MailBaser Smart Email Marketing Automation: Behaviour-Based Sequences
- How to Connect MailBaser Triggers Across the Scale.gg Stack
- How to Check an AI-Suggested Email Segment Before You Approve a Send
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