Using automated messages

Last updated August 5, 2026

Objective

Automated messages in Recur allow you to schedule dynamic communications—such as membership renewal reminders, event notifications, or welcome series—without manual intervention. Setting up an automated message is a two-step process: first building the Message, then setting up the Sequence (the trigger rules).

Step 1: Create the Message

  1. Navigate: Go to Engage > Automated Messages > Messages.

  2. Add New Message: Click New Message in the upper-right corner.

  3. Fill Out Basic Details:

    • Enter a descriptive Message Name (e.g., Membership Renewal Reminder).

    • Select the Sender Address and enter the Mail Subject.

    • (Optional) Add Mail Preview Text or set the format as plain HTML.

  4. Personalize Content:

    • Use the navy buttons on the left to add dynamic merge tags (e.g., Contact First Name, Event Date, etc.). These automatically pull member-specific details when sent.

    • Drag and drop additional elements (text boxes, images, section dividers) from the + (Plus) menu on the right.

  5. Save: Click Save in the top-right corner.

Step 2: Build the Sequence (Triggers)

Once your message is created, set up the automation rules to dictate when and to whom it sends.

  1. Navigate: Go to Engage > Automated Messages > Sequences.

  2. Add New Sequence: Click New Sequence in the top right.

  3. Name the Sequence: Enter a sequence name (e.g., Membership Renewal Reminder).

  4. Select a Trigger Type:

    • Group Trigger: Sends the message when a contact is added to a specific group.

    • Date Attribute: Sends based on specific dates like Date of Birth, Contact Subscription Renewal Date, or Organization Subscription Renewal Date.

    • Event Trigger: Sends based on event status updates (e.g., accepted, tentative, or attended).

  5. Configure Trigger Rules (Example for Membership Renewals):

    • Choose Date Attribute > Contact Subscription Renewal Date.

    • Set the operator to Before and input the number of days (e.g., 14 days before renewal).

  6. Assign the Message:

    • Select the message created in Step 1 (Membership Renewal Reminder).

    • Set the delivery timing (e.g., Immediately or at a specific time of day).

  7. (Optional) Multi-Step Reminders: Click the + (Plus) icon to add additional follow-up messages within the same sequence (e.g., a second reminder 7 days before renewal).

  8. Activate and Save:

    • Toggle the sequence status to Active.

    • Click Save in the top-right corner.

Cautionary Notes

  • Sequence Name Requirement: You must give your sequence a title before saving, or the system will not save your settings.

  • Draft vs. Active: New sequences default to inactive. Ensure you toggle Active to YES before saving if you want the automation to run immediately.

Tips for Efficiency

  • Dynamic Personalization: Using tags like Contact First Name ensures high engagement without needing to send individual emails manually.

  • Layered Sequences: Build a multi-stage sequence (e.g., 30 days before, 14 days before, and 7 days before) within a single sequence builder to maximize renewal response rates.