Setting Up Email Sequences with Free Tools

What Is an Email Sequence?

An email sequence (also called a drip campaign) is a series of pre-written emails that send automatically on a schedule. When a new lead enters the sequence, they receive your first email immediately, a follow-up three days later, another a week after that, and so on — all without you pressing send.

Free Tools for Email Sequences

1. Gmail + Google Sheets (Fully Free)

The simplest approach uses tools you already have:

• Write your email templates in Google Docs.
• Track send dates and status in Google Sheets.
• Use Gmail's "Schedule Send" to queue emails at the right times.
• Manually personalize each email before scheduling.

This works for small volumes — up to twenty leads at a time. Beyond that, it gets tedious.

2. Streak (Free Tier)

Streak adds CRM and sequence features directly inside Gmail. The free plan lets you:

• Create multi-step email sequences with automatic follow-ups.
• Use merge fields for personalization (first name, company name).
• Track opens so you know who is engaging.
• Automatically stop the sequence when someone replies.

3. Mixmax (Free Tier)

Mixmax is another Gmail enhancement that includes basic sequences on its free plan. You get templates, scheduling, and open tracking.

4. Mailchimp (Free Tier)

While Mailchimp is more of a marketing email tool, the free tier supports basic automations. You can set up a welcome sequence for new contacts, though it is more suited to newsletter-style emails than cold outreach.

Building Your Sequence Step by Step

1. Generate your leads. Start with a targeted list from Easy Email Finder — quality leads make every sequence more effective.
2. Write three to five emails. Each should offer value: an insight, a question, a resource, or a clear next step. Do not just ask "are you interested?" in every email.
3. Set your timing. Space emails two to four business days apart. Avoid weekends for B2B outreach.
4. Add personalization. At minimum, use the recipient's name and business name. Mention their city or a detail from their website for extra impact.
5. Launch and monitor. Send to a small batch first. Check open and reply rates after the sequence completes. Adjust and scale.

Sequence Best Practices

• Keep emails under one hundred fifty words — especially for cold outreach.
• Each email should have exactly one call to action.
• Always include an unsubscribe option.
• Test subject lines — they determine whether your email gets opened.

A well-built sequence powered by quality leads from Easy Email Finder can generate consistent meetings on autopilot. Start with a free tool, prove the concept, and upgrade when you are ready.