Automated Email Journey with Google Sheets and Google Analytics

This project automates email marketing journeys using Google Sheets as the data source and Google Apps Script for automation. It integrates with Google Analytics for tracking email opens and provides a flexible, cost-effective solution for nurturing leads and engaging users.

AI-Generated Diagram: Cross-Functional Flowchart for Automated Email Journey with Google Sheets & Analytics

The Problem:

Many professionals and businesses rely heavily on Google Drive for file storage and organization. However, manually creating and managing numerous folders, especially when dealing with large datasets or complex projects, can be incredibly time-consuming and inefficient.

This manual process often leads to inconsistencies, errors, and a disorganized Drive structure, making it difficult to locate files quickly and hindering overall productivity.

AC2F directly addresses these challenges by automating the folder and file creation process, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and a well-structured Google Drive.

The Need/Problem/Why:

Effective email marketing requires personalized and timely communication. Manually sending individual emails or managing complex email marketing platforms can be time-consuming and expensive. This project offers a simple yet powerful solution using readily available Google Workspace tools, making automated email journeys accessible to anyone familiar with Google Sheets.

Workflow/User Journey:

1. Signup/Form Submission: A new user signs up via a web form, Google Form, or within a Google Workspace add-on (like your AC2F signup process). Their email address and other relevant information are captured.

2. Automated Email Sequence Triggered: The signup event triggers a Google Apps Script.

3. Personalized Email Sending (Gmail API): The script uses the Gmail API to send a sequence of personalized emails to the new user over a set period (e.g., daily, weekly). Each email contains unique Google Analytics tracking codes to monitor opens. (Mention how personalization is handled—e.g., using placeholders in a Google Doc template or directly within the script.)

4. Tracking and Analysis (Google Analytics): The tracking codes allow you to monitor which emails are opened by each user, providing insights into engagement and campaign effectiveness. This data can then be used to refine the email journey and improve open rates.

5. Unsubscription Option: Users are provided with a clear and easy way to unsubscribe from the email sequence, ensuring compliance with best practices and user preferences. (Explain how unsubscribing is handled—e.g., updating a status in the Google Sheet or using a dedicated unsubscribe link.)

The Client/Target Audience:

• This project was initially used for my AC2F add-on but can be adapted for other clients or projects. Highlight its flexibility and how it can be customized for different email marketing needs.

Technology Used:

• Google Apps Script: Core automation logic for sending emails, managing data, and integrating with APIs.

• Gmail API: Sending personalized email sequences.

• Google Analytics API: Tracking email opens and gathering campaign performance data.

• Google Sheets API: Using Google Sheets as the data source for user information and email content.

• Email Marketing Principles: Understanding of email marketing best practices, including personalization, automation, and unsubscribing mechanisms.

• Data Analysis (basic): Interpreting Google Analytics data to improve campaign performance.

Key Metrics/Achievements:

• Improved open rates for my AC2F add-on (if applicable).

• 100% email journeys automated at zero cost.