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Create Custom WooCommerce Email Automations from Scratch

Last updated on March 25, 2026

The WebToffee eCommerce Marketing Automation app allows you to build custom email workflows from scratch to target specific customer behaviors. To get started, navigate to the Automations menu in the web app and click ‘Create from Scratch.’ You can then select a unique trigger, such as a customer viewing a specific product, add time delays, and set precise filters to ensure your personalized emails reach the right shoppers at the most effective time.

Let’s get started.

Example Use Case:

Send a personalized email to users who view a specific product and stay on the site for at least 5 minutes.

But First: You Need the Visitor’s Email (Prerequisite)

To enter a workflow, the system needs to identify the user, which requires having their email address. Your automation can target:

  • Existing customers (those who’ve placed an order before)
  • Visitors who’ve submitted their email via a pop-up or campaign
  • Users who are logged in or have an account in your store
  • Guests who entered their email at checkout but didn’t complete the purchase
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Check out this article on – Creating a Web Campaign for WooCommerce Stores

Creating an Automation from Scratch

Step 1: Navigate to the Create from Scratch option

  • Navigate to the Automations menu in your dashboard.
  • Click Create automations.
Create automations - WebToffee marketing automation
Create automations – WebToffee marketing automation
  • Click Create from Scratch to start building a new workflow.
Create automations from scratch - WebToffee Marketing
Create automations from scratch – WebToffee Marketing

Step 2: Choose a Trigger: Customer Views the Site

You’ll be presented with multiple trigger options:

This trigger is ideal for targeting users showing interest by browsing your store.

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Note: You can change the trigger at any time before publishing.

Selecting a trigger for automation
Selecting a trigger for automation

Step 3: Configure the Trigger Settings

1. Set Time Spent on Site

  • Specify the minimum duration a user must stay on the site to enter the workflow. For example, choose 5 minutes.

2. Skip Contacts Already in the Workflow

  • Enable the ‘Skip contacts’ option to exclude users who have already entered this workflow within the last 30 days. This avoids spamming the same contact repeatedly.
  • Click Save to apply the changes.

3. Add Trigger Filters (Optional but Recommended)

  • Refine your audience by adding conditions like:
    • Specific product
    • Specific category
    • Number of orders
    • Page URL
    • User type
  • In this case, select:
    • Trigger Filter: Specific product
    • Condition: is
    • Value: [specific product] – WooCommerce “Gimme the Money” Zipper Hoodie
    • Click “Save” to apply the changes.

Only users who view the specified product for at least 5 minutes will be included.

Configuring trigger settings for automation
Configuring trigger settings for automation

Step 4: Add a Delay Block

  • Click the plus (+) icon and add a Delay block. Set it to wait 5 minutes before sending the email. This adds a buffer after the user meets the trigger criteria.
  • Advanced Time Settings (Optional)
    • Send only on selected days: Choose specific days of the week (e.g., Mon, Wed, Fri) to restrict email delivery.
    • Send only at a selected time: Define a specific time of the day (e.g., 17:30) for the email to be sent.
Adding a delay block to automation
Adding a delay block to automation

Step 5: Add an Email Block

  • Click the plus icon and choose Email. Give your email a title and customize the subject line, pre-header, and the email template.
  • Click Edit content to edit the email template.
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Example:

  • Email Title: Product Interest Follow-Up
  • Subject: Still thinking it over?
  • Pre-header: Take another look — it might be just what you need.

Email Content:

Hi {{first_name}},

We noticed you spent some time checking out {{ Product Name }} — it’s one of our most loved items, and we can see why it caught your attention.

Still thinking it over? Here’s a quick reminder of what makes it special:

[Highlight 1] — e.g., Crafted from premium, sustainable materials
[Highlight 2] — e.g., Designed for everyday comfort and durability
💬 [Highlight 3] — e.g., Rated 4.8★ by over 2,000 happy customers

If you’re not quite ready to decide, no worries — we’ve saved the link for you:
👉 [View {{ Product Name }} Again]

Want to make it yours today? Use code WELCOME10 at checkout for 10% off your first order.

Need help or have questions? Just reply to this email — we’re happy to assist.

Configuring the email settings of the automation
Configuring the email settings of the automation

Step 6: Add More Steps (Optional)

  • Want to send a follow-up email?
    You can click the plus icon again and build more extended sequences by adding:
    • More delays
    • More emails
Adding more blocks - Automation
Adding more blocks to the automation

Step 7: Review and Publish

  1. Give a unique name for the automation and click the checkmark icon.
  2. Click on “Publish” to make it live.
Name and publish the automation
Name and publish the automation

You now have a flexible automation that re-engages potential customers based on specific behavior. Keep testing different filters, delays, and content to see what resonates most with your audience.