How to Build a Converting ConvertKit Re‑Engagement Sequence

You’ve built an email list, but a growing chunk of your audience is silent. Instead of deleting them, re‑engagement sequences give you a second chance to win them back. In this guide we walk you through the strategy, copy, and technical steps to create a high‑performing ConvertKit re‑engagement flow.

Why Re‑Engagement Matters

Inactive subscribers hurt two key metrics:

• Deliverability: Mail providers see low open rates and may spam‑filter future emails.
• Revenue: Unengaged contacts rarely click, purchase, or refer.

By regularly cleaning or re‑activating these contacts you keep your list healthy and your income steady.

Step‑by‑Step Blueprint

1. Segment the Inactive Audience

In ConvertKit, create a segment using a rule like:

Last opened email > 90 days ago OR Never opened any email

Give the segment a clear name (e.g., “90‑Day Inactives”). This will be the trigger for your flow.

2. Map the Sequence Flow

Typical re‑engagement flows consist of three emails spread over a week:

1. Email 1 – Reminder & Value Refresh: Remind them who you are and share a top‑performing piece of content.
2. Email 2 – Offer & Curiosity: Present a limited‑time discount, freebie, or survey to provoke a response.
3. Email 3 – Goodbye (or “We’ll Miss You”): Give a final chance to stay, then automatically tag them as “Unengaged”.

3. Write Compelling Copy

Use a conversational tone and keep each email under 150 words. Below are proven formulas.

• Subject Line Formula: "We missed you, [First Name]!" or "A quick question for you…"
• Opening Hook: Ask a question or recall a benefit they loved.
• Body: One‑sentence reminder, then a single, clear CTA.
• Closing: Friendly sign‑off + “If you’d rather not hear from us, just click here.”

4. Set Timing & Automation in ConvertKit

In the visual automation builder:

• Start with the “90‑Day Inactives” segment as the trigger.
• Add a Delay of 0 days, then Email 1.
• Delay 3 days → Email 2.
• Delay 4 days → Email 3.
• After Email 3, add a Tag action (e.g., “unengaged”) and optionally move them to a separate “re‑engage later” sequence.

Key Elements That Boost Results

• Personalization: Use the subscriber’s first name and reference past purchases or content.
• Social Proof: Include a testimonial or a count of satisfied customers.
• Clear CTA: One clickable button per email – “Read the Guide”, “Claim 20% Off”, or “Take the Survey”.
• Mobile‑Friendly Design: Keep button width ≥ 120 px and use a single‑column layout.

Measuring Success

Track three core metrics in ConvertKit’s analytics dashboard:

Metric	What to Aim For
Open Rate (Email 1)	≥ 35%
Click‑Through Rate (Email 2)	≥ 12%
Unsubscribe Rate (All)	≤ 0.5%

If numbers dip, test subject lines, send times, or the offer in Email 2.

FAQ

How often should I run a re‑engagement sequence?

Every 90–120 days is a safe cadence. Running it more often can fatigue subscribers.

What if a subscriber never opens any of the three emails?

Tag them as “unengaged” and either remove them from active campaigns or move them to a quarterly “win‑back” list with a new offer.

Can I use the same sequence for paid and free subscribers?

Yes, but consider a higher‑value offer for paying customers (e.g., exclusive discount) and a lead‑magnet for free contacts.

Next Steps

Ready to revive your silent fans? Set up the segment, copy the email templates below, and launch the automation in ConvertKit today.

Quick Email Templates

Email 1 – Value Refresh

 Subject: We miss you, {{first_name}}!  Hey {{first_name}},  It’s been a while since you checked out our latest tips. Here’s our most‑read article that helped 2,000 readers boost their traffic.  [Read the article] (Button)  If you’d rather not hear from us, just hit reply with “stop”.  Cheers, [Your Name] 

Email 2 – Limited Offer

 Subject: A special gift—just for you 🎁  Hi {{first_name}},  We’ve saved a 20% discount code for you: WELCOME20. Use it in the next 48 hours for any product.  [Claim My Discount] (Button)  Still not interested? Let me know and I’ll stop the emails.  Best, [Your Name] 

Email 3 – Goodbye (or Stay?)

 Subject: One last chance to stay on the list  {{first_name}},  If we don’t hear back, we’ll assume you’re done. Click below to stay subscribed and keep getting exclusive tips.  [Keep Me Subscribed] (Button)  Otherwise, you’ll be removed and we’ll miss you.  Thanks for being part of our community. 

Call to Action

Start your first ConvertKit re‑engagement flow now and watch the click‑throughs rise. Book a free strategy call today!

Internal linking ideas: Link to “How to Segment Your List in ConvertKit” and “Top 5 Email Copy Formulas for Conversions”.
External reference: Mention ConvertKit’s official guide on “Re‑engagement Emails”.