# Automated email

*Marketing*. A system that allows the sending of messages with content relevant to individual recipients. Synonyms include [triggered email][] or behavior-driven email.

When a specific [triggering event][] occurs, the system sends an automated email. Traditional marketing email involves sender-initiated messages, automated email responds to user behavior. This allows you to send targeted, real-time content unique to an individual recipient.

Examples of email automation include a welcome series [drip campaign][] when a user signs up or a win-back campaign to re-engage a lapsed user.

[triggered email]: /docs/sendgrid/glossary/triggered-email

[triggering event]: /docs/sendgrid/glossary/triggered-actions

[drip campaign]: /docs/sendgrid/glossary/drip-campaign