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What Is the Difference Between a Drip Campaign, a Traditional Action Plan, and a Fully Automated Action Plan?

Learn the key differences between drip campaigns, traditional action plans, and fully automated action plans in Sierra.

 

Why This Feature Matters

 

 

  • Clarifies the purpose and use cases of each lead engagement tool

  • Helps teams choose between manual and automated workflows

  • Enables consistent lead follow-up based on campaign type

  • Supports operational efficiency through smarter automation

 

 

 

 

Step-by-Step Overview

 

 

Drip Campaigns

 

  • Email-only sequences

  • Scheduled by start date or fixed calendar dates (e.g., holidays, birthdays)

  • Option to auto-pause when a lead replies

  • Managed via LEADS → Drip Campaigns

  • More info: “Enabling and Using Drip Email Campaigns”

 

 

 

Traditional Action Plans

 

  • Multi-step sequences that include:

     

    • Emails, text messages, on-site messages (auto/manual)

    • Phone calls and tasks (manual only)

     

  • Activities can be triggered by start date or completion of prior steps

  • Do not auto-pause when a lead replies

  • Managed via LEADS → Action Plans

  • More info: “Engage Your Leads with Traditional Action Plans”

 

 

 

Fully Automated Action Plans

 

  • Includes only emails, texts, and voicemail drops

  • All steps are auto-executed (no manual processing needed)

  • Automatically pauses when a lead replies

  • Scheduled relative to the plan’s start date

  • Managed via LEADS → Action Plans

  • More info: “Engage Your Leads with Fully Automated Action Plans”

 

 

 

 

Related Tools & Tips

 

 

  • Contact Templates

    Used by all plan types. Access via Gear Icon → Contact Templates

    Related KB: “Creating & Managing Contact Templates”

  • Voice Messages Manager

    Used exclusively in fully automated plans for voicemail drops

    Related KB: “Using the Voice Messages Manager”

  • Applying Campaigns Automatically or Manually

    Campaigns and plans can be applied via:

     

    • Tracking Link Generator

    • Lead Routing Rules

    • Manual assignment (lead dashboard or lead detail page)

     

 

 

 

 

Best Practices

 

 

  • Use drip campaigns for email-only follow-ups or date-based campaigns

  • Choose traditional action plans when you need mixed auto/manual steps

  • Use fully automated action plans for high-efficiency, hands-free outreach

  • Leverage reply-based pauses in drip and fully automated plans to adjust timing

 

 

 

 

FAQs

 

 

Q: Can I include phone calls or tasks in a drip campaign?

A: No. Drip campaigns are email-only. Use a traditional action plan for multi-channel outreach.

 

Q: Which types of plans can auto-pause when a lead replies?

A: Drip campaigns and fully automated action plans have auto-pause functionality.

 

Q: Can I mix manual and automated steps in one plan?

A: Yes, but only in traditional action plans.