Campaigns vs. Automations: Which one do I need?

The most common question new users ask is: "Which one do I choose?"

The difference comes down to Timing. Is this message for a specific person's timeline, or is it for everyone on the calendar?

1. Automations (The "Always On" Engine)

Definition: An Automation runs 24/7 in the background. It waits for a specific client to meet a condition.

Think of it as a Thermostat. It sits quietly until the temperature hits a specific number, then it turns on just for that moment.

Best Used For:
• Recurring Events: Policy Renewals, Birthdays.
• Client Lifecycle: New Prospect created, New Client Onboarding.
• Sales Triggers: X-Date is 90 days away.

2. Campaigns (The "One-Time" Blast)

Definition: A Campaign sends a message to a group of people at a specific date and time that YOU select.

Think of it as a Megaphone. You pick it up, announce something to the crowd, and then put it down. It does not repeat.

Best Used For:
• Holidays: Christmas, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July greetings.
• Announcements: "Our office will be closed next Tuesday."
• Newsletters: Monthly agency updates sent to all clients.

The "Cheat Sheet" Decision

Ask yourself: "Does every client get this email on the same day?"

Scenario	Answer
"I want to send a Christmas card."	Use a Campaign (Everyone gets it Dec 25th).
"I want to send a Birthday card."	Use an Automation (Everyone has a different birthday).
"I want to warn about a hurricane."	Use a Campaign (Time-sensitive blast).
"I want to ask for a Renewal."	Use an Automation (Depends on their policy date).

Pro Tip: Campaigns are "static," meaning you build the list of recipients at the moment you create it. Automations are "dynamic," meaning new clients will automatically fall into the workflow next week, next month, or next year without you touching it again.