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Create a looping automation
Repeat an automated email a set number of times, or until a subscriber engages, with a looping automation.
Looping automations are an advanced feature available on selected plans. If you don't see the Loop action in your account, it may not be included on your current plan - get in touch and we'll let you know your options.
A loop repeats an action a number of times, or until something happens. It's how you send a reminder three times unless the recipient opens it, nudge people about an upcoming event, or run any sequence that needs to repeat. Loops combine with conditions and actions, so you can make them as simple or as smart as you need.
Why use a loop
Looping lets you follow up persistently without doing it by hand - reaching subscribers again at sensible intervals, adapting to whether they've engaged, and stopping once they have. Used with a little care, that persistence lifts conversions and keeps important messages from being missed.
Build a looping automation
- Click Automations.
- Click the + sign at the top right (or the Create button).
- In Select a starting point, choose a predefined automation, a blank template, or one you've saved.
- Choose the list this automation connects to.
- Give your automation a name (only you see it).
- Optionally pick a marketing goal so MailMachine can tailor its suggestions.
- On the Flow Creation page, click the + to add a step, choosing a condition or action.
- For a looping email, choose Send an email under Select an action, and customise the email.
- Click the + again after the Send an email step.
- Choose the Loop action.
- Click Select an event type and choose Send an email.
- Set the Loop repetition - run continuously, or a specific number of times.
- Set the delay between each repetition.
- Click Review and activate.
Your loop is live. Test it by subscribing to the list yourself, or by adding a contact to the automation by hand.
Troubleshooting
The automation doesn't trigger - check it's activated, your contacts meet the trigger conditions, and the list has active subscribers.
Emails send too often - increase the delay between repetitions, and consider adding an "opened" or "clicked" condition so you stop chasing people who've already engaged.
The loop won't stop - make sure the repetition count isn't set to continuous, and add an exit condition based on a subscriber action (an open, a click, a conversion).
It struggles on a big list - segment into smaller groups, stagger start times, and keep an eye on your sending limits.
If a loop isn't behaving, open a support ticket.