Marketing automation: what it is and how to get started

Marketing automation workflows have become essential for agile teams and growing companies. They allow you to personalize at scale, automate repetitive tasks, and drive predictable results without writing code.

But starting without a clear strategy often leads to overcomplicated systems that underdeliver. In this guide, you’ll learn why marketing automation is worth your time, and how to start it the right way — with structure, not chaos.

📌 Want to build your first workflows without breaking your stack? Talk to a DevUps strategist

What is marketing automation?

Marketing automation refers to using software to automatically execute marketing tasks based on user behavior, timing, or conditions while maintaining personalization.

Typical use cases:

• Email sequences based on actions or inactivity
• Lead scoring and segmentation
• Follow-up reminders or alerts for sales teams
• Internal task creation based on prospect status

The goal: send the right message to the right person at the right time, without doing it manually.

Why start marketing automation now?

Here are 5 reasons our clients consistently see success:

1. Time saved on repetitive tasks
2. Faster reaction to user behavior
3. Improved customer experience through personalization
4. Smarter sales workflows (focus on hot leads)
5. Clearer reporting with trackable metrics

📘 Related blog : Build a high-converting digital funnel

Marketing automation mistakes to avoid from day one

The most common mistake? Automating too much, too soon.

❌ Here are others to avoid:

• No segmentation or personalization
• One-size-fits-all messaging
• Using multiple tools with no central strategy
• No KPIs or follow-up
• Forgetting the human layer

A single, well-targeted automation outperforms a bloated, disconnected system.

Where to start with marketing automation workflows

Follow these 4 key steps to start smart:

1. Define your goals

Do you want to convert more leads? Reactivate inactive users? Upsell automatically?

Start with the why not the tools.

2. Choose the right tools

• Simple: Mailchimp, Brevo, ActiveCampaign
• Advanced: HubSpot, Salesforce
• Connectors: Zapier, Make

👉 See how DevUps uses Zapier + more to automate intelligently

3. Map your automation flows

Plan user journeys like:

• Newsletter signup → welcome sequence
• Ebook download → score + nurture
• Cart abandonment → email reminder

📘 Medium article: Build your first automation scenario in 10 minutes

4. Track, learn, and improve

Set clear KPIs from the start:

• Open and click rates
• Conversions
• Revenue generated per campaign
• Unsubscribes or inactivity

Your best automations will come from iteration, not guesswork.

What we do at DevUps

At DevUps, we don’t just install automation tools.
We build scalable, human-centered systems that grow with you.

Our method includes:

• Process audit and opportunity mapping
• Custom workflows across tools (CRM, newsletters, content, Notion…)
• Behavioral segmentation and dynamic content
• Dashboard creation for KPI tracking
• Long-term support and performance tuning

👉 Explore our automation services

Conclusion

Marketing automation isn’t a tactic , it’s a long-term strategy.
When done right, it multiplies your marketing efficiency without sacrificing personalization.

📩 Want to build your first automation workflows without the tech overwhelm?Contact our experts