8 Powerful Drip Marketing Examples to Steal in 2026

The perfect message. The right person. Exactly the right time. Every time.

That's what a drip campaign does. A series of automatic emails sent to specific people based on what they do or when they signed up.

Think of it like a conversation that runs itself. Instead of blasting the same email to everyone, you create a journey. Welcome new users. Educate potential customers. Remind someone about their abandoned cart. All while you focus on other things.

This guide covers eight drip marketing examples you can steal. Not just theory. Actual campaigns with triggers, timing, example copy, and the numbers you should track.

Let's get into it.

1. Welcome Series

The most basic and most important drip campaign you can build.

A Welcome Series is a set of emails sent to new subscribers right after they sign up. This is your best chance to make a first impression, introduce your brand, and guide people to their first action.

Why it matters: People are most engaged right after signing up. Your brand is fresh in their mind. A welcome series captures that momentum. Skip it and the excitement fades.

The Setup

• Goal: Welcome new subscribers. Build trust. Get them to take action.
• Trigger: Someone signs up for your newsletter, creates an account, or downloads a freebie.
• Timing: 3-5 emails over 5-7 days. First email arrives within minutes.
• Audience: All new subscribers.

The main goal isn't just saying "hello." It's showing people they made a smart choice by joining your list.

Example Sequence

Email 1 (Immediate): Deliver on your promise.

• Subject: Welcome to [Brand]! Here's your [Discount/Freebie].
• Copy: "Thanks for joining! As promised, here's your 15% off coupon. Use it on your first order to see why our customers love [Product Category]."

Email 2 (Day 2): Tell your story.

• Subject: So, who is [Brand]?
• Copy: "We started [Brand] because [Problem] needed a better solution. Here's our journey and what drives us."

Email 3 (Day 4): Show social proof.

• Subject: See what everyone's talking about
• Copy: "Don't take our word for it. See what thousands of happy customers are saying. Check out our best-sellers."

Email 4 (Day 6): Set expectations.

• Subject: What to expect from us
• Copy: "We'll be in your inbox about once a week with tips, new products, and special offers. Want more? Follow us on [Social]."

For the full playbook on welcome flows, check out these email onboarding best practices.

2. Lead Nurture Campaign

This one's for businesses where sales take time.

A Lead Nurture campaign educates potential customers and builds trust over weeks. Instead of pushing for an immediate sale, you provide helpful content that positions your product as the obvious choice.

Why it matters: Most people aren't ready to buy right away. A nurture sequence keeps your business top of mind by delivering value repeatedly. It warms up cold leads without being pushy.

The Setup

• Goal: Educate leads. Establish expertise. Build trust. Identify sales-ready prospects.
• Trigger: Someone downloads an ebook, registers for a webinar, or requests a demo but doesn't follow through.
• Timing: 4-7 emails over 2-4 weeks with longer gaps between messages.
• Audience: Early-stage or mid-funnel prospects.

Focus on teaching, not selling. Each email should solve a small problem and show you know your stuff.

Example Sequence

Email 1 (Immediate): Deliver the resource.

• Subject: Here's your [eBook/Resource Name]!
• Copy: "Thanks for your interest in [Topic]! Download your free guide here. Many businesses struggle with [Problem], and this guide is the first step to solving it."

Email 2 (Day 3): Share a case study.

• Subject: How [Company] solved [Problem]
• Copy: "Theory is great, results are better. See how [Client] used our approach to achieve [specific result]. Read their story here."

Email 3 (Day 7): Try a different format.

• Subject: A visual guide to [Topic]
• Copy: "Prefer watching over reading? We broke down the key concepts from the guide in this 5-minute video."

Email 4 (Day 12): Handle objections.

• Subject: Questions you might have about [Solution]
• Copy: "When evaluating new solutions, questions come up. Here are answers to the most common ones like 'Is it hard to set up?' and 'What's the ROI?'"

Email 5 (Day 18): Suggest next steps.

• Subject: Ready for the next step?
• Copy: "Learning is step one, but action gets results. If you're ready to see how [Brand] can help, let's set up a quick chat."

For more on building these sequences, check out the drip campaign best practices that maximize ROI.

3. Re-engagement Campaign

Stop letting inactive subscribers fade into nothing.

A Re-engagement campaign targets people who've stopped opening emails, clicking links, or buying. Instead of writing them off, this sequence tries to win them back.

Why it matters: Finding a new customer costs way more than keeping one. These campaigns recover lost revenue and clean your email list at the same time.

The Setup

• Goal: Reactivate quiet subscribers. Drive another purchase. Clean your list of people who are truly gone.
• Trigger: Someone hasn't opened an email, logged in, or purchased in a set period (60, 90, or 180 days).
• Timing: 2-4 emails over 2-3 weeks.
• Audience: Inactive subscribers, segmented by past purchase behavior if possible.

A good re-engagement campaign acknowledges they've been away without being desperate. Focus on reminding them of the value they originally saw.

Example Sequence

Email 1 (Gentle nudge): Simple and friendly.

• Subject: Is everything okay, [Name]?
• Copy: "It's been a while since you checked out what's new at [Brand]. We've missed you! Here are some top-rated products our community is loving right now."

Email 2 (Incentive): Give them a reason.

• Subject: A special 20% off just for you
• Copy: "We want you back! Use code COMEBACK20 for 20% off your next order. Let us remind you why you joined."

Email 3 (Last chance): Final attempt plus easy unsubscribe.

• Subject: Is this goodbye?
• Copy: "We don't want to fill your inbox if you're not interested. If you'd like to stay, do nothing. Otherwise, unsubscribe here and we'll remove you in 7 days."

4. Product Launch Campaign

Turn a product release into an event, not just an announcement.

A Product Launch campaign builds excitement and drives sales for something new. It takes people from curiosity to purchase with anticipation.

Why it matters: A single cold announcement gets lost in the noise. A launch sequence builds demand before the product even drops, leading to much better results on day one.

The Setup

• Goal: Maximize sales in the first 24-48 hours of launch.
• Trigger: Launch date is set. You've identified interested subscribers (waitlist, past purchasers of similar items).
• Timing: 4-6 emails over 1-2 weeks, more frequent as launch approaches.
• Audience: Current subscribers, early access waitlist, or segments based on interest.

A good product launch isn't a one-day event. It's the finale of a story you've been telling all along.

Example Sequence

Email 1 (7 Days Before): Tease something coming.

• Subject: Something big is coming next week...
• Copy: "We've been working on a new way to help you [solve problem]. Can't share details yet, but mark your calendar for [Date]."

Email 2 (5 Days Before): Reveal the solution.

• Subject: The wait is almost over.
• Copy: "Tired of [pain point]? We were too. That's why we created [Product], designed to help you [outcome]. Watch this sneak peek."

Email 3 (1 Day Before): Final reminder with urgency.

• Subject: [Product] arrives tomorrow!
• Copy: "It's almost here! [Product] goes live tomorrow at 9 AM EST. Be first to get it and claim your early-bird bonus."

Email 4 (Launch Day): The announcement.

• Subject: It's here! Introducing [Product]
• Copy: "[Product] is now available! Stop [problem] and start [benefit] today. Click to buy now and get your launch bonus before it's gone."

5. Cart Abandonment Campaign

The highest-ROI email campaign for any online store.

Cart Abandonment emails go to shoppers who add items but leave without buying. They work because the user already showed intent. A quick reminder is often all it takes.

Why it matters: These emails routinely recover 10-15% of lost sales. That's direct revenue from people who were already about to buy.

The Setup

• Goal: Recover lost sales by getting shoppers to complete their purchase.
• Trigger: A user adds items to cart but doesn't check out within 1 hour.
• Timing: 2-3 emails over 1-3 days. The first message is most important.
• Audience: Identified shoppers who abandoned carts (logged in or previously gave email).

Be helpful, not pushy. Frame these as customer service reminders, not sales pitches.

Example Sequence

Email 1 (1 Hour After): Simple reminder.

• Subject: Did you forget something?
• Copy: "Looks like you left a few things in your cart! We saved them for you. Click here to finish your order." (Include product images)

Email 2 (24 Hours After): Add urgency and social proof.

• Subject: Your [Product] is selling fast!
• Copy: "Don't miss out! The items in your cart are popular. We can't promise they'll stay in stock." (Include a customer review)

Email 3 (48-72 Hours After): Final incentive.

• Subject: A special treat to help you decide...
• Copy: "We think you'll love these items. Here's 10% off to make it easier. Use code SAVE10 at checkout."

For the full eCommerce playbook, check out our guide on eCommerce email marketing automation.

6. Educational Content Campaign

Build authority and trust by teaching, not selling.

An Educational Content campaign delivers valuable information over time. It's perfect for B2B companies, consultants, and anyone with complex products where buyers need education first.

Why it matters: Informed buyers make better customers. By teaching your audience something useful, you become a trusted resource. When they're ready to buy, you're the obvious choice.

The Setup

• Goal: Establish expertise. Build trust. Nurture leads. Identify sales-ready prospects.
• Trigger: Someone downloads a guide, signs up for an email course, or subscribes to a topic-specific newsletter.
• Timing: 5-10 emails over 2-4 weeks with time between lessons.
• Audience: Early and mid-stage prospects interested in learning.

Focus on giving, not taking. The sales pitch should feel like a natural next step, not an interruption.

Example Sequence

Email 1 (Immediate): Welcome and first lesson.

• Subject: Your [Course] begins! Lesson 1 inside.
• Copy: "Welcome to our free course on [Topic]! Over the next few weeks, we'll cover the essentials. Let's start with [Lesson 1 Concept]. Click for the full lesson."

Email 2 (Day 3): Build on lesson one.

• Subject: [Course] Lesson 2: Mastering [Concept]
• Copy: "Now that you know the basics, let's go deeper. Today we look at how to apply [Advanced Concept] for real results."

Email 3 (Day 7): Real-world example.

• Subject: How [Company] used this to achieve [Result]
• Copy: "Theory is great, but what does this look like in practice? See how a company like yours used these ideas to improve their [Metric]."

Email 4 (Day 10): Introduce your solution.

• Subject: Ready to put your knowledge into action?
• Copy: "You've learned the fundamentals of [Topic]. The fastest way to apply them is with the right tools. See how [Product] helps you reach [Goal] faster."

7. VIP/Customer Loyalty Campaign

Reward your best customers and they'll reward you back.

A VIP campaign delivers special perks, early access, and personal recognition to top buyers. It shifts focus from acquisition to retention, which is almost always more profitable.

Why it matters: Keeping customers costs far less than finding new ones. When you celebrate your best buyers, you strengthen their loyalty and turn them into advocates who tell others.

The Setup

• Goal: Increase lifetime value. Extend customer relationships. Encourage referrals.
• Trigger: Customer hits a spending threshold, reaches a purchase milestone (like 5th order), or joins a VIP tier.
• Timing: Ongoing with periodic special offers. Less frequent to keep it feeling exclusive.
• Audience: Top-tier customers based on spend or purchase frequency.

The power of a VIP campaign is exclusivity. Rewards must be genuinely special and unavailable to everyone else.

Example Sequence

Email 1 (On VIP status): Welcome to the club.

• Subject: You're In! Welcome to [Brand] VIP Club.
• Copy: "Your loyalty means the world to us. As one of our most valued customers, you've been upgraded to VIP status! Here's what you get: [2-3 exclusive perks]."

Email 2 (Before public sales): Early access.

• Subject: Your VIP Early Access Pass Is Here!
• Copy: "Shhh... Our biggest sale starts soon, but you shop first. Use this link for 24-hour early access before anyone else."

Email 3 (Anniversary): Celebrate milestones.

• Subject: Happy Anniversary, [Name]!
• Copy: "It's been one year since you joined the [Brand] family! To celebrate, we loaded a surprise gift into your account. Thank you for being with us."

Email 4 (Exclusive offer): Special perks.

• Subject: Just for you: A gift from our founder
• Copy: "As thanks for your support, here's something special. Enjoy this exclusive [discount/free product] on us."

8. Webinar/Event Registration Campaign

Turn event interest into actual attendance and leads.

This campaign handles the full attendee journey from promotion through reminders to post-event follow-up. It maximizes registrations, attendance, and conversions afterward.

Why it matters: One announcement isn't enough to fill an event. An automated sequence keeps you top of mind, builds anticipation, and captures value long after the event ends.

The Setup

• Goal: Drive registrations. Maximize attendance. Convert attendees to leads or customers.
• Trigger: User shows interest in event topic, or event is announced to target segment.
• Timing: Multi-week sequence. Promotion 2-3 weeks before, reminders increasing near event, follow-up within 24-48 hours after.
• Audience: Segments based on topic interest, past attendance, or funnel stage.

This campaign has three phases: promotion (getting signups), engagement (maintaining interest), and follow-up (extracting value). Each needs different messaging.

Example Sequence

Email 1 (2 Weeks Out): Initial invitation.

• Subject: You're Invited! Live masterclass on [Topic].
• Copy: "Ready to master [Skill]? Join our webinar on [Date] where expert [Speaker] reveals secrets to [Outcome]. Save your spot before they're gone!"

Email 2 (1 Week Out): Highlight value.

• Subject: What you'll learn in our [Topic] webinar
• Copy: "Next week we go live! Here's what you'll learn: [Key Takeaways]. Ask our experts anything. Register here."

Email 3 (24 Hours Before): Final reminder.

• Subject: See you tomorrow for [Webinar]!
• Copy: "Countdown is on! We're excited to see you tomorrow at [Time]. Here's your unique join link. Add to calendar so you don't miss it!"

Email 4 (24 Hours After): Follow-up.

• Subject: The [Webinar] recording is here!
• Copy: "Thanks for joining us! Here's the full recording plus presentation slides to download."

Quick Comparison

What To Do Now

Don't try building eight campaigns at once.

Pick the one that matches your biggest problem. Need more sales? Start with cart abandonment. Losing new subscribers? Build a welcome series. Want to revive dead leads? Create a re-engagement sequence.

Map out a few emails. Write clear, helpful copy. Set up the trigger. Your first version won't be perfect. That's fine. Start, get data, improve.

The magic of drip marketing is personalization at scale. Someone who just signed up has different needs than someone who abandoned a cart. Your campaigns should reflect that.

Start with one goal. Map the journey. Keep it simple. Measure and adapt.

---

Want an expert to build these revenue-driving systems for you? Inbox Connect designs and manages high-converting drip campaigns that turn your email list into a money machine. Book a free audit and we'll uncover quick wins and build a custom automation roadmap.