Our new trigger feature, designed to help you send highly personal emails the moment someone signs up, has a birthday, or clicks a link in one of your campaigns, is here. Let the partying in the streets begin.

The idea behind trigger-based campaigns is this: rather than sending to a group of people all at once, trigger emails send automatically whenever one of your recipients does something - like signing up to get your emails, or having a birthday, or (just added!) clicking a link in one of your campaigns. Triggers allow you to reach people the moment they're most likely to read and respond - on their schedule, not yours. And they can really complement your broader, audience-wide newsletters and campaigns.

Oh, and at Emma the trigger feature is free - you'll only pay for the emails you send using it. While some services attach a hefty price tag, we believe triggers are simply another way to send. Why not offer everyone the chance to get even more timely with their emails and make even more of a personal connection with their audience members? For that matter, why not buy everyone a hybrid and help them plant vegetable gardens on their solar-paneled roofs? We'll take it one question at a time, people.

What can I do with triggers?

-> You can make sure new subscribers receive your latest newsletter (or a special welcome edition) within minutes of signing up.

-> You can create a Happy Birthday email that includes a special coupon and arrives on - or before - the big day.

-> You can make sure anyone who clicks a link in your next campaign receives a targeted follow-up email a few minutes - or hours - later.

-> You can create a series of informative campaigns (Five Tips for Starting a Business, or Weekly Recipes Involving Mostly Bacon, e.g.) that arrive once a week, like clockwork.

Where can I find these lovely new triggers?

Since triggers are simply another way to send, you'll find the new feature on the send screen - after you've created, previewed and proofed your campaign.

You'll create your welcome, birthday, follow-up or series campaign first, then set up your trigger-event criteria. There are easy instructions that guide you through it, and help screens waiting to assist if you get stuck.

Give the new trigger (and quick-send) features a try this week, and, as always, let us know what you think.

Cheers,
Emma

Triggers aren't the only new addition to your send screen. There you'll also find:

+ the ability to quickly send to one or two people without having to first create a new audience group

+ the ability to update your default 'from' name and address right from the send screen, and

+ the ability to send the occasional text-only mailing with the flip of a switch

Enjoy!