“I spent three weeks building email sequences manually,” Maria confessed during our recent mastermind call. “Then I discovered Brevo’s AI automation and recreated everything in 2 hours – with better results.”
But what if your email sequences could think for themselves? What if they could adapt to individual subscriber behavior, optimize content in real-time, and actually get smarter over time?
That’s exactly what Brevo’s Aura AI delivers. Today, I’m walking you through the complete process of setting up AI-powered email sequences that work like having a marketing genius on autopilot.
Understanding AI Email Sequences vs Traditional Automation
The Problem with Traditional Email Automation
Most email platforms use rigid rule-based automation:
Static Triggers: “If someone downloads a guide, send Email 1 after 1 day, Email 2 after 3 days…” Fixed Content: Same email content for everyone, regardless of individual preferences Manual Optimization: You have to constantly monitor and manually adjust sequences Limited Personalization: Basic merge tags like “Hi [First Name]” are the extent of customization
How AI-Powered Sequences Work Differently
Brevo’s Aura AI creates truly intelligent sequences that:
Adapt to Individual Behavior: The AI analyzes how each subscriber engages and adjusts timing and content accordingly Dynamic Content Generation: Each email can contain personalized content based on subscriber interests and behavior Self-Optimization: The sequence automatically improves based on performance data Predictive Triggers: AI predicts the best moment to send each email for maximum engagement
Prerequisites: Setting Up Your Brevo Foundation
Account Setup and Basic Configuration
Before diving into AI sequences, ensure your Brevo account is properly configured:
Step 1: Account Verification
- Complete email verification process
- Set up domain authentication (SPF, DKIM records)
- Configure sender reputation settings
- Verify your sending domain
Step 2: Contact Management Setup
- Import your existing email list
- Set up contact attributes and custom fields
- Configure double opt-in forms if required
- Create basic audience segments
Step 3: Aura AI Activation
- Access Aura AI through the chat interface
- Complete initial AI setup questionnaire
- Configure your brand voice and tone preferences
- Set up business objectives and goals
Essential Integrations for AI Sequences
To maximize AI effectiveness, connect these key integrations:
| Integration Type | Recommended Tools | AI Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Website Tracking | Brevo Tracker, Google Analytics | Behavioral data for AI segmentation |
| E-commerce | Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce | Purchase behavior analysis |
| CRM | Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive | Lead scoring and lifecycle data |
| Social Media | Facebook Pixel, LinkedIn | Multi-channel behavior insights |
| Analytics | Google Analytics, Mixpanel | Comprehensive user journey data |
Data Quality Preparation
AI sequences work best with clean, comprehensive data:
Contact Information Audit:
- Remove invalid email addresses
- Standardize naming conventions
- Complete missing demographic data
- Verify contact preferences and permissions
Behavioral Data Collection:
- Install Brevo tracking code on your website
- Set up event tracking for key actions
- Configure e-commerce tracking if applicable
- Enable cross-device tracking
Building Your First AI-Powered Welcome Series
Planning Your Welcome Sequence Strategy
A well-designed welcome series sets the foundation for long-term subscriber engagement. Here’s how to plan an AI-optimized sequence:
Sequence Objectives:
- Introduce your brand and value proposition
- Set expectations for future communications
- Drive initial engagement and interaction
- Begin the journey toward conversion
AI Enhancement Opportunities:
- Personalized welcome content based on signup source
- Dynamic timing based on subscriber behavior
- Adaptive content based on engagement patterns
- Predictive next-best-action recommendations
Step-by-Step Welcome Series Setup
Step 1: Create New Automation Workflow
- Navigate to Automation → Create Workflow
- Select “Welcome Series” from AI-suggested templates
- Choose “AI-Powered Sequence” option
- Name your workflow: “AI Welcome Series – [Segment Name]”
Step 2: Configure Entry Triggers
Set up intelligent triggers that go beyond basic signup:
Primary Trigger: Contact subscribes to list
AI Enhancement: + Aura analyzes signup source and behavior
Secondary Triggers:
- Downloads lead magnet
- Visits pricing page
- Engages with social media
- Referred by existing customer
Step 3: Design AI-Optimized Email Sequence
| Email # | Send Timing | AI Optimization | Content Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Email 1 | Immediate | AI welcome personalization | Thank you + expectation setting |
| Email 2 | AI-determined optimal time | Behavioral content adaptation | Value delivery + brand story |
| Email 3 | Based on Email 2 engagement | Dynamic timing optimization | Social proof + testimonials |
| Email 4 | Predictive engagement window | Content preference learning | Educational content + resources |
| Email 5 | Individual behavior patterns | Conversion optimization | Soft CTA + next steps |
Step 4: Create Email 1 – AI-Powered Welcome
- Click “Add Email” in your workflow
- Select “Generate with Aura AI”
- Provide context to Aura:
Prompt: "Create a welcome email for new subscribers who signed up for our marketing tips newsletter.
Audience: Small business owners and entrepreneurs
Tone: Friendly and professional
Goal: Set expectations and build immediate value
Include: Brief introduction, what they'll receive, and quick win tip"
- Review AI-Generated Content:
- Subject line options with psychological triggers
- Personalized opening based on signup source
- Dynamic content blocks for different subscriber types
- Optimized call-to-action suggestions
- Customize and Approve:
- Edit content to match your exact brand voice
- Add specific personalization variables
- Include relevant images and branding
- Test email rendering across devices
Step 5: Configure AI Send Time Optimization
- Enable “Best Time Email Delivery”
- Set delivery window (e.g., 8 AM – 8 PM in subscriber’s timezone)
- Allow AI to learn and optimize timing
- Configure fallback timing for new subscribers
Advanced Welcome Series Configuration
AI Branching Logic Setup
Create intelligent paths based on subscriber behavior:
High Engagement Path:
- Subscribers who open and click within 24 hours
- Faster sequence progression
- More advanced content
- Earlier conversion offers
Medium Engagement Path:
- Standard timing and content
- Gradual value building
- Educational focus
- Soft conversion approach
Low Engagement Path:
- Extended timing between emails
- Different subject line strategies
- Re-engagement focused content
- Value-heavy approach
Dynamic Content Personalization
Configure AI-driven content variations:
IF subscriber source = "Blog post about SEO"
THEN include SEO-focused content and examples
IF subscriber source = "Social media ad"
THEN include social proof and testimonials
IF subscriber location = "Enterprise company"
THEN adapt tone to be more formal and ROI-focused
Creating Advanced Behavioral Sequences
Abandoned Cart Recovery Sequence
Transform browsers into buyers with AI-powered cart recovery:
Sequence Structure:
| Email # | Timing | AI Focus | Content Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Email 1 | 2-4 hours | Optimal individual timing | Gentle reminder + social proof |
| Email 2 | 24-48 hours | Engagement-based timing | Scarcity + customer reviews |
| Email 3 | 3-5 days | Predictive best time | Discount offer + urgency |
| Email 4 | 7-10 days | Behavior-adapted timing | Alternative products + FAQ |
AI Implementation Steps:
- Set Up E-commerce Tracking
- Install Brevo e-commerce integration
- Configure abandoned cart events
- Set minimum cart value thresholds
- Enable product data synchronization
- Create Behavioral Trigger
Trigger: Adds item to cart AND doesn't complete purchase within 2 hours AI Enhancement: Analyzes individual shopping patterns Exclusions: Already purchased, actively browsing checkout - Generate Dynamic Content
- Product images and descriptions from cart
- Personalized recommendations based on browsing history
- Dynamic pricing and discount calculations
- AI-generated urgency messaging
Lead Nurturing Sequence for B2B
Convert prospects into qualified leads with intelligent nurturing:
Sequence Overview:
- Duration: 30-45 days (AI-optimized)
- Emails: 8-12 emails (adaptive based on engagement)
- Goal: Move prospects from awareness to consideration stage
AI-Powered Implementation:
Email 1-3: Problem Agitation
- AI analyzes prospect’s industry and role
- Generates relevant pain point content
- Adapts messaging based on company size
- Personalizes examples and case studies
Email 4-6: Solution Education
- Dynamic content based on previous engagement
- AI-generated educational resources
- Personalized demo invitations
- Behavioral trigger optimization
Email 7-9: Social Proof and Validation
- AI-selected relevant case studies
- Dynamic testimonial insertion
- Peer comparison content
- Industry-specific success metrics
Email 10-12: Conversion Push
- Predictive lead scoring integration
- Personalized sales outreach coordination
- AI-optimized offer presentation
- Multi-channel sequence continuation
Re-engagement Campaign for Inactive Subscribers
Win back disengaged subscribers before they’re gone forever:
AI Identification Criteria:
- No email opens in last 30-60 days
- Declining engagement patterns
- Predictive churn risk scoring
- Behavioral pattern analysis
Intelligent Sequence Structure:
| Phase | Duration | AI Strategy | Content Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detection | Ongoing | Predictive churn analysis | Early warning system |
| Soft Touch | Week 1-2 | Preference-based content | “We miss you” messaging |
| Value Reminder | Week 3-4 | Historical engagement analysis | Best content roundup |
| Direct Appeal | Week 5-6 | Personalized win-back offers | Survey + incentives |
| Final Attempt | Week 7-8 | Last chance optimization | Unsubscribe alternative |
Advanced AI Sequence Optimization
A/B Testing with AI Enhancement
Traditional A/B testing is slow and limited. AI testing is continuous and comprehensive:
AI-Powered Testing Elements:
| Element | Traditional Testing | AI Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Subject Lines | Manual A/B split | Continuous optimization with multiple variants |
| Send Times | Fixed schedule testing | Individual optimization per subscriber |
| Content | Static version comparison | Dynamic content adaptation |
| Sequence Timing | Manual adjustment | Predictive timing optimization |
| Personalization | Basic merge tags | Behavioral personalization |
Implementation Process:
- Enable AI Testing Mode
- Access sequence settings
- Toggle “AI Optimization” to ON
- Set performance improvement goals
- Configure testing parameters
- Define Success Metrics
- Primary: Open rates, click rates, conversions
- Secondary: Time to conversion, engagement depth
- Long-term: Customer lifetime value, retention
- Monitor AI Learning
- Review weekly optimization reports
- Analyze performance improvements
- Understand AI decision rationale
- Adjust parameters as needed
Multi-Channel Sequence Integration
Extend your email sequences across channels with AI coordination:
Channel Integration Options:
| Channel | Integration Method | AI Coordination |
|---|---|---|
| SMS | Native Brevo SMS | Unified AI optimization |
| Brevo WhatsApp Business | Cross-channel behavior analysis | |
| Push Notifications | Brevo Push API | Coordinated messaging strategy |
| Social Retargeting | Facebook/LinkedIn Pixel | Unified audience insights |
Cross-Channel Sequence Example:
Day 1: Welcome Email (AI-optimized timing)
Day 2: SMS follow-up (if email not opened)
Day 4: Email with value content
Day 6: WhatsApp check-in (for international subscribers)
Day 8: Push notification (for app users)
Day 10: Email with social proof
Day 12: Retargeting ad (for non-engagers)
Monitoring and Optimizing AI Sequences
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to Track
Sequence-Level Metrics:
| Metric | Target | AI Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Sequence Completion Rate | 60%+ | AI timing optimization improves by 35% |
| Overall CTR | 5%+ | AI content generation increases by 40% |
| Conversion Rate | 3%+ | AI personalization improves by 55% |
| Unsubscribe Rate | <1% | AI relevance targeting reduces by 60% |
| Revenue per Sequence | Varies | AI optimization increases by 45% |
Individual Email Metrics:
| Email Position | Expected Open Rate | Expected CTR | AI Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Email 1 | 45-60% | 8-12% | +25% with AI optimization |
| Email 2 | 35-50% | 6-10% | +30% with behavioral targeting |
| Email 3 | 25-40% | 4-8% | +40% with predictive timing |
| Email 4 | 20-35% | 3-6% | +45% with content adaptation |
| Email 5+ | 15-30% | 2-5% | +50% with personalization |
AI Performance Analysis Dashboard
Weekly Optimization Review:
- Access AI Insights Dashboard
- Navigate to Automation → Performance
- Select AI Insights tab
- Review weekly improvement metrics
- Analyze subscriber behavior patterns
- Key Analysis Points:
- Which AI optimizations drove biggest improvements
- Subscriber segments responding best to AI personalization
- Timing optimizations showing highest impact
- Content variations performing above average
- Optimization Actions:
- Accept or override AI suggestions
- Adjust sequence parameters based on insights
- Scale successful optimizations to other sequences
- Test new AI features and capabilities
Troubleshooting Common AI Sequence Issues
Issue 1: Low AI Optimization Performance
Symptoms: AI suggestions not improving results Diagnosis: Insufficient data for AI learning Solution:
- Ensure minimum 100 subscribers in sequence
- Allow 2-4 weeks for initial AI learning
- Verify tracking and integration setup
- Check data quality and completeness
Issue 2: Inconsistent AI Content Quality
Symptoms: AI-generated content doesn’t match brand voice Solution:
- Refine Aura AI brand voice settings
- Provide more detailed content prompts
- Create content templates for AI reference
- Review and edit AI suggestions before approval
Issue 3: AI Timing Optimization Not Working
Symptoms: Send times not improving engagement Solution:
- Verify timezone settings for subscribers
- Check minimum data requirements (7+ days)
- Ensure delivery windows are appropriate
- Review subscriber email checking patterns
Advanced Sequence Templates and Use Cases
SaaS Free Trial Onboarding Sequence
Objective: Convert trial users to paid customers Duration: 14-day trial period + 7-day post-trial AI Focus: Usage-based personalization and churn prediction
Sequence Structure:
| Day | Email Focus | AI Optimization | Success Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 0 | Welcome + setup guidance | Onboarding path prediction | 80% email open rate |
| Day 2 | Feature highlight #1 | Usage-based content selection | 60% feature adoption |
| Day 5 | Feature highlight #2 | Engagement-based timing | 45% advanced feature use |
| Day 8 | Social proof + case study | Industry-specific examples | 30% trial extension |
| Day 12 | Upgrade urgency + discount | Churn risk optimization | 25% upgrade rate |
| Day 15 | Post-trial value reminder | Win-back personalization | 15% late conversion |
| Day 18 | Final offer + testimonials | Last-chance optimization | 8% recovery rate |
AI Implementation Code Example:
TRIGGER: User signs up for free trial
AI ANALYSIS:
- User role and company size
- Feature engagement patterns
- Time-to-value metrics
- Churn risk indicators
DYNAMIC CONTENT:
IF user_role = "Marketing Manager"
THEN focus on marketing-specific features
IF company_size = "Enterprise"
THEN emphasize security and scalability
IF engagement_level = "Low"
THEN increase educational content frequency
E-commerce Post-Purchase Sequence
Objective: Increase customer lifetime value and repeat purchases Duration: 90 days post-purchase AI Focus: Purchase behavior analysis and predictive recommendations
Sequence Phases:
Phase 1: Order Fulfillment (Days 1-7)
- Order confirmation with AI-generated delivery expectations
- Shipping updates with personalized product care tips
- Delivery confirmation with AI-suggested complementary products
Phase 2: Product Experience (Days 8-30)
- Usage tips based on purchased product category
- AI-generated content matching product benefits
- Customer review requests at optimal timing
Phase 3: Expansion (Days 31-60)
- Personalized product recommendations
- Cross-sell opportunities based on purchase history
- Loyalty program invitations for high-value customers
Phase 4: Retention (Days 61-90)
- Replenishment reminders for consumable products
- New product announcements matching interests
- Exclusive offers for repeat purchase encouragement
Professional Services Lead Nurturing
Objective: Convert prospects into consultation bookings Duration: 45-60 days AI Focus: Industry-specific content and engagement timing
Content Themes by Week:
| Week | Content Theme | AI Personalization | Conversion Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Problem identification | Industry-specific pain points | Email engagement |
| Week 3-4 | Solution framework | Customized approaches | Content downloads |
| Week 5-6 | Case studies | Relevant client examples | Webinar attendance |
| Week 7-8 | Consultation invitation | Personalized value propositions | Booking conversion |
Scaling Your AI Sequence Strategy
Building a Comprehensive Sequence Library
Core Sequence Categories:
- Lifecycle Marketing
- Welcome series for new subscribers
- Onboarding for new customers
- Retention for existing customers
- Win-back for churned customers
- Behavioral Triggers
- Website activity-based sequences
- Purchase behavior sequences
- Engagement-based nurturing
- Content consumption follow-ups
- Campaign Support
- Product launch sequences
- Event promotion series
- Seasonal campaign automation
- Promotional follow-ups
Team Training and Workflow Management
AI Sequence Team Roles:
| Role | Responsibilities | AI Interaction |
|---|---|---|
| Sequence Strategist | Overall sequence planning and goals | AI performance analysis |
| Content Creator | Email content and messaging | AI content generation collaboration |
| Data Analyst | Performance monitoring and optimization | AI insights interpretation |
| Technical Manager | Integration and automation setup | AI configuration management |
Best Practices for Team Collaboration:
- Weekly AI performance review meetings
- Shared sequence performance dashboards
- Standardized AI prompt templates
- Cross-training on AI feature usage
- Regular strategy updates based on AI insights
Your Next Steps: Implementing AI Email Sequences Today
30-Day Implementation Plan
Week 1: Foundation
- [ ] Set up Brevo account with AI features enabled
- [ ] Complete integrations and tracking setup
- [ ] Audit existing sequences for AI enhancement opportunities
- [ ] Train team on Aura AI capabilities
Week 2: First AI Sequence
- [ ] Build AI-powered welcome series
- [ ] Test AI content generation quality
- [ ] Configure behavioral triggers and optimization
- [ ] Launch with small audience segment
Week 3: Expansion
- [ ] Create behavioral sequences (cart abandonment, lead nurturing)
- [ ] Implement cross-channel coordination
- [ ] Set up advanced AI testing and optimization
- [ ] Scale successful sequences to broader audience
Week 4: Optimization
- [ ] Analyze AI performance improvements
- [ ] Refine sequences based on data insights
- [ ] Plan advanced sequence strategies
- [ ] Document best practices and learnings
Measuring Your AI Sequence Success
Track these key improvement metrics:
Performance Improvements:
- 35% average increase in sequence completion rates
- 40% improvement in email click-through rates
- 55% boost in conversion rates from sequences
- 60% reduction in unsubscribe rates
Efficiency Gains:
- 70% reduction in sequence setup time
- 80% decrease in manual optimization work
- 90% faster A/B testing and iteration
- 50% improvement in content creation speed
Getting Started Today
Ready to transform your email marketing with AI-powered sequences?
Start your free Brevo account and begin building intelligent email sequences that:
- Adapt to individual subscriber behavior
- Generate personalized content automatically
- Optimize timing and delivery for maximum engagement
- Continuously improve performance over time
The businesses that master AI email sequences first will dominate their markets. Don’t let your competitors gain this advantage.
Your first AI-powered sequence is just a few clicks away.
