Use Act-On’s pre-built Behavior-Based Journey automated program to respond automatically when contacts engage - or don’t engage - with your emails and landing pages. Deliver timely, relevant follow-ups based on what your audience actually does, helping you convert interest into action.
Quick Reference (Advanced Users) – Click to Expand
- Location: Content > Catalog > Programs
- Template Name: Behavior-Based Journey
- Primary Trigger: Contact clicks a link or visits a landing page
- Optional Branch: Non-engaged contacts or those who book a demo
- Assets Needed: 4 email messages, behavior-based segments
What This Program Does
When someone clicks a link in your email or visits a landing page, that tells you something - they’re interested. But if they ignore it, that tells you something too. This journey helps you respond automatically to both actions.
With a behavior-based journey, you can send more relevant content and timely follow-ups that match your contacts’ real engagement, increasing the chances they’ll take the next step.
You can adjust this journey at any time: add more emails, wait steps, or branches depending on your goals. If you’re just getting started, this pre-built program offers a reliable plug-and-play foundation.
Step 1: Start with the Template
To make setup easier, a ready-made template is available in your account.
- Go to Content > Catalog > Programs.
- Select Behavior-Based Journey.
- Choose the folder where you want to save it.
- Click Download.
Step 2: Set Up Your Trigger(s)
Start by identifying the behavior you want to respond to. It could be someone who:
- Clicks a specific link in an email
- Visits a key landing page
- Engages with a particular campaign
- Downloads a specific file or resource
Create a Segment that reflects this behavior. Examples:
- Clicked any link in [Email Name] in the past 3 days
- Visited [Landing Page URL] in the past 7 days
Optional: Create a segment for non-engaged contacts - those who received the email but didn’t click or visit—to target separately.
Optional: Create an Engaged Contacts Segment for those who complete a deeper action such as scheduling a demo or submitting a form.
- Demo Scheduled > Equals or Contains > True
- Calendly Invite > Contains > Scheduled
- Behavior > In the Last XX Days > Submitted Forms > At Least One of These > [Select your “Book a Demo” or “Contact Us” forms]
Step 3: Create Your Emails
Prepare and approve all emails before adding them to the Automated Program. Once an email is added, later edits to the original version won’t automatically update within the program.
Recommended email flow:
| Timing | Content Ideas | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Deep Dive Content + Value Offer | Immediately after entry | Send a detailed whitepaper, case study, or product comparison. CTA: “Download Now” or “See the Full Guide.” |
| 2. Demo or Consult CTA | 3 days later | Invite them to book a call, request a trial, or explore service options. CTA: “Schedule a Demo” or “Talk to an Expert.” |
| 3. Re-Engagement Email | 7 days later (for non-engaged contacts) | Try a new subject line, offer, or incentive. CTA: “Still Interested?” or “Grab This Offer.” |
| 4. Survey or Softer Ask | 3 days later | Send a feedback survey or newsletter invite. CTA: “Tell Us What You’d Like to See” or “Stay in the Loop.” |
To access matching email wireframes:
- Go to Content > Catalog > Messages.
- Select the templates matching the titles above.
- Choose the folder where you’d like to save them.
- Click Download.
These templates are unbranded so you can easily apply your own design and layout.
Step 4: Build the Automated Program
Once your content is ready, open the saved template and configure your workflow.
- Go to Automation > Automated Programs.
- Click the Templates tab and find your saved “Behavior-Based Journey.”
- Hover over the program name and click the paper icon (+ Create Program from Template).
- Click Create Program.
Program Setup
- Under the Settings tab, update your program name and description if needed.
- Click Select Sources and choose your behavior-based segment.
- Ensure entrants can start immediately or according to your schedule.
- Enable Suppress entrants on suppression lists (recommended).
- Click Save.
Program Flow
- In the Build tab, select Program Messages and add your prepared emails.
- If applicable, add your Engaged Contacts or Non-Engaged segments under Lists & Segments.
- Open Program Flow to assign messages to their steps.
- Adjust wait times between messages as shown above.
- Set branch conditions such as If Prospect Clicked Message 1 or 2 or If Prospect Is in Engaged Segment to send tailored follow-ups.
Step 5: Run & Monitor
When everything looks ready, go to Actions > Start Program.
After launch, monitor engagement and conversion metrics. Review which behaviors lead to the highest response rates and refine your messages or branch conditions to keep improving results.