What’s the difference between newsletters and automated email sequences?
If you’re running a small business, you’ve probably heard about both newsletters and automated email sequences. Maybe you’ve wondered which is better, or if you really need both. It’s a smart question, because while both use email to reach your audience, they serve totally different purposes and can each play a key role in helping you grow.
So what actually sets them apart? How should you decide which to use, or when to use both? Let’s break it down in plain language.
How are newsletters and automated email sequences different?
Newsletters are regular, usually scheduled, emails sent to a whole list of subscribers at the same time. Think of them like a digital bulletin board, sharing updates, news, tips, and promotions to everyone who’s opted in.
Automated email sequences, on the other hand, are a series of pre-written emails that get sent out automatically—based on actions your subscribers take, like signing up for a free guide, making a purchase, or even abandoning a cart. Each email in the sequence is sent at a specific time or in response to a trigger, not as a big group blast.
Quick summary:
- Newsletters: Sent to everyone on your list, on a set schedule (weekly, monthly, etc.).
- Automated sequences: Sent to individuals, triggered by specific actions, and personalized for each user.
Source: Mailchimp on Newsletters and Automation
What’s the main purpose of a newsletter?
The main goal of a newsletter is to keep your brand top-of-mind, nurture your audience, and deliver valuable updates. Businesses use newsletters to share new content, promote events, highlight product updates, or even share curated industry news.
A great newsletter can help build trust, drive regular traffic to your website, and remind your audience about what you offer. Consistency is key: a newsletter that lands in the inbox every Thursday is something subscribers learn to expect.
What does a typical newsletter look like?
- Company news and updates
- New blog posts or resources
- Upcoming events or webinars
- Exclusive offers or discounts
- Tips, advice, or industry trends
Most businesses design their newsletters in a user-friendly format with clear calls to action, so readers know what to do next—like booking an appointment, visiting your SEO Website, or filling out a Custom Form.
What do automated email sequences do better?
Automated email sequences let you deliver the right message to the right person at the perfect time. Imagine a new lead downloads a guide from your site. Instead of a one-off email, you can set up a sequence that automatically:
- Welcomes them
- Shares a tip or two a few days later
- Reminds them of your services
- Offers a discount or demo
- Checks in if they haven’t responded
These emails feel more personal and timely, helping move people from “just browsing” to “ready to buy” or “ready to book.” Automated email sequences are a major part of marketing automation platforms like Surge by Thrive, letting you stay in touch with leads and customers without doing all the work manually.
Source: HubSpot – Email Automation Guide
Should small businesses use both?
Absolutely. Newsletters and automated email sequences work best together. Newsletters keep your audience engaged and informed. Automated email sequences turn new leads into loyal customers and can even win back people who’ve gone cold.
A business using Surge by Thrive’s Email & SMS Marketing can send out a weekly newsletter and set up automated sequences for new subscribers, event reminders, review requests, and more—all from the same dashboard.
What are some practical examples?
Newsletter example:
A local dental clinic sends a monthly newsletter with oral health tips, clinic news, and a link to their appointment scheduling page.
Automated email sequence example:
A new patient requests information on teeth whitening. They instantly get a welcome email, followed by a series of messages explaining the process, showcasing testimonials, and inviting them to schedule a consultation.
Bonus:
Surge by Thrive also makes it easy to add AI Bots to your site, capture leads through Custom Forms, and track all interactions in your CRM.
How do you set up newsletters and automations without getting overwhelmed?
It used to be that setting up automations took a ton of time and technical know-how. Now, platforms like Surge by Thrive make it easy. Here’s what most small business owners do:
- Collect leads using Custom Forms or webchat
- Organize contacts in a CRM
- Create a regular newsletter with news, tips, and offers
- Set up automated workflows for common actions (welcome, nurture, review requests, appointment reminders, etc.) using Workflow / Automations
No technical skills required—just drag, drop, and customize.
What if you want more advanced automations?
You can go even further by integrating AI chatbots to answer questions 24/7, triggering different sequences for different audience segments, or combining email and SMS for higher engagement. For instance, after a customer fills out a form, you could send a thank-you email, then a reminder to book an appointment, then a review request—all fully automated.
Read more on combining email and SMS and AI Bots for customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can newsletters and automations work together?
Yes! Many businesses use newsletters for regular updates and automations for personalized, behavior-triggered messages.
Will automations replace the need for a newsletter?
Not really. They serve different functions—automations nurture individual leads, newsletters keep your whole audience engaged.
Do I need a big team to run both?
Not with the right tools. Surge by Thrive is built for busy business owners who want powerful marketing without the tech headaches.
What about getting reviews or scheduling reminders?
Use Reputation / Review Management and Calendars / Appointment Scheduling inside Surge to automate those processes too.
Ready to try both for your business?
With Surge by Thrive, you can run high-converting newsletters, automated email sequences, appointment reminders, review requests, and more—all from one place. If you’re ready to see how easy it is, request a live demo or contact us. You’ll see exactly how newsletters and automations can help you win more customers and keep them coming back.