# Set up email workflows

https://help.circle.so/p/email-hub/marketing-automation/set-up-email-workflows

Category: [Email Hub](https://help.circle.so/p/email-hub) › [Marketing automations](https://help.circle.so/p/email-hub/marketing-automation)

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_Last updated: October, 2026_

The “send an email” action lets you automatically send personalized marketing emails to your audience through workflows.

## **About the email action**

Workflows allow you to perform various actions based on triggers or audience rules. By combining filters, time delays, and email actions, you can create reliable email sequences that deliver timely communication and keep your community engaged.

### Who can access and manage email actions

The “send an email” action is available in all workflow types for the communities subscribed to Email Hub.

Admins can set up and manage workflows at any time using the **desktop app** or a **web browser**.

### Common use cases

Here are a few common ways to use it:

- **Welcome subscribers** : Automatically reach out when someone subscribes through a form. For instance, set up an automation workflow to add tags to their profile and, after a time delay, send a personalized email with a thank-you message and helpful links.

- **Create onboarding journeys:**  Guide new members through a step-by-step onboarding experience. When a member joins, trigger a series of emails, including an introduction, event invitations, and follow-ups, spaced out over days or weeks, to help them settle in smoothly.

- **Follow up with event attendees** : After an event, set up a bulk-action workflow to send thank-you emails, share relevant resources, or invite attendees to future events. You can also add tags or use them for exclusive event spaces to drive further engagement.

- **Re-engage inactive members** : Schedule a recurring bulk action workflow to reach out to members who haven’t logged in recently using the  **Last logged in**  audience rule. Send them personalized emails with updates, invitations to upcoming events, or request feedback, keeping them informed and encouraging them to re-engage with the community.

## **Set up an email action**

To get started:

1. Click  **Workflows**  in the left sidebar, then select  **Workflows**.

2. Create a [**workflow**](https://help.circle.so/p/workflows/workflow-setup).

3. In the workflow editor, set up a trigger (automation) or audience rules (bulk action or scheduled).

4. Create a new action by clicking the ➕ icon where you want to add it in the workflow.

5. In the  **Action**  card, select the  **Send an email**  action.

6. (Optional) Add filter conditions if you want the email to send only to a specific audience that matches the criteria.

7. In the **Inputs** section, enter the email details:

8. To compose the email content, click  **Start writing** and choose how you want to begin:

9. When your email is ready, click **Save and exit** at the top right to return to the workflow editor.

10. In the right sidebar, click **Continue** to save the action setup.  

You are all set! Once you have configured everything, activate, run, or schedule the workflow. Just like any other workflow, you’ll be able to edit your workflow afterwards to make any changes.

📚 To learn more about setting up workflows, check out our step-by-step guides:

- [**Automation workflows**](https://help.circle.so/p/workflows/workflow-setup/set-up-a-custom-automation-workflow)

- [**Bulk actions workflows**](https://help.circle.so/p/workflows/workflow-setup/set-up-a-custom-bulk-action-workflow)

- [**Scheduled workflows**](https://help.circle.so/p/workflows/workflow-setup/schedule-a-bulk-action-workflow)

### **Send a test email before finalizing the workflow**

Before activating your workflow, you can send yourself a test email to make sure everything looks right.

1. In the action setup (right sidebar within workflow editor) or the email builder, click **Send a test**.

2. Confirm the action. The test email will be sent to the email address associated with your admin account.

Testing helps you preview formatting, links, and personalization before sending it to your audience.

## **Access email analytics**

Tracking the performance of emails sent through workflows is essential for optimizing your campaigns.

To access the email analytics for a workflow:

1. Click  **Workflows**  in the left sidebar, then select  **Workflows**.

2. On the  **Workflows**  page, navigate to the relevant tabs and locate the workflow.

3. Click the workflow title or **More actions (three dots)** next to the workflow, then select  **View**.

4. Look for the  **Send an email**  action card to see a quick summary of key metrics.

5. To access the detailed report, click the action card. In the right sidebar, go to the **Performance** section and click  **Show full report**.

This detailed report includes metrics such as delivery rates, click-through rates, and unsubscribe rates. You can also view detailed engagement metrics for recipients, as well as links & files.

📚 To learn more about email analytics, check out our guide [**here**](https://help.circle.so/p/marketing-hub/email-marketing/view-broadcast-analytics).